State Government

Online sales tax bill passes Va. Senate

PilotonPolitics — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:02:10 -0500

With little discussion, the Virginia Senate today overwhelmingly approved legislation to close a tax loophole that enables online retailers such as Amazon.com to avoid collecting state sales taxes.

N.C. House panel meets to review death penalty, race

Cindy.Clayton — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:56:48 -0500

By Gary D. Robertson RALEIGH, N.C. The first meeting by a General Assembly committee examining death penalty cases and racial bias in North Carolina again shows sharp differences about whether changes to the Racial Justice Act are needed.

Property rights bill clears Va. House panel

Cindy.Clayton — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:51:56 -0500

By Bob Lewis RICHMOND An amendment to Virginia's Constitution that would make it harder for governments to take private land is on its way to a House floor vote and, most likely, November's ballot for voters to have their say.

The measure cleared the House Privileges and Elections Committee on an 18-3 vote.

Va. House panel OKs private-school tuition tax credits

Bill.Sizemore — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:45:21 -0500

RICHMOND

A legislative proposal offering private-school tuition tax credits to corporations has begun advancing through the Virginia House of Delegates.

Del. Jimmie Massie’s bill, HB321, was approved 4-1 by a House subcommittee this morning.

Officials: Public-private projects will be more open

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 23:54:40 -0500

RICHMOND In more fallout from the uproar in Hampton Roads over the imminent re-tolling of the Midtown and Downtown tunnels, Gov. Bob McDonnell's administration has pledged to establish a more open, inclusive process for future transportation projects the state undertakes with private-sector partners.

Conservatives cheer victories; foes decry social push

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 23:36:38 -0500

RICHMOND Mandatory ultrasounds before abortions. Tougher voter identification standards. Repeal of a limit on handgun purchases. In what's shaping up to be a banner year for conservatives, these and other bills have passed the General Assembly this winter - backed strongly by Republicans, with occasional support from some Democrats.

Va. lawmakers oppose ban on shackling pregnant inmates

Meredith.Kruse — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:24:36 -0500

By Larry O'Dell RICHMOND Legislation to restrict the use of restraints on pregnant inmates in Virginia was rejected Thursday by a House of Delegates subcommittee, which chose to let state prison officials address the issue through regulations that are now being developed.

Va. Senate passes bill allowing adoption discrimination

Mark.Edelen — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:02:22 -0500

By LARRY O'DELL

RICHMOND, Va. The Virginia Senate passed legislation Thursday allowing private adoption agencies to deny placements that conflict with their religious or moral beliefs, including opposition to homosexuality.

Va. House OKs bills restating right to kill intruders

Cindy.Clayton — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:07:36 -0500

By Bob Lewis RICHMOND Virginia's House of Delegates has written into its law books centuries of common law allowing people to kill those who intrude into their dwellings and menace them.

One bill that shields people who kill or maim intruders from civil lawsuits passed 75-22 Thursday.

Va. Senate panel approves teacher contract bill

PilotonPolitics — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:33:25 -0500

RICHMOND A measure to significantly alter employment terms for some public school teachers cleared a Senate committee Thursday after a local Republican changed his vote. The amended bill brought by Sen. Mark Obenshain at the behest of Gov. Bob McDonnell would place teachers without continuing contracts as of July 1, 2013, under three-year deals. Those with ongoing contracts would keep them.