2022 Session Week 4

Greetings from Richmond,  

As we end our fourth week in Session we are spending long hours in the Capitol. Having lost our Democratic Majority it has been difficult to watch as the progress we have made over the last two years including bills to protect voting rights and promote gun safety, have been undone. These bills undermine the commonwealth’s democracy and are an attempt to silence Virginians. Among the legislation passed this week are bills that reduce in-person absentee voting, limit the period during which mail-in absentee ballots can be received and reinstates the archaic photo-ID requirements. 

The Republicans also have put forth bills that repeal critical measures for gun violence prevention, and responsible gun ownership. I rose to speak on the House Floor and pleaded for  my colleagues to uphold these life saving protections. You can watch my Floor speech here. 

While Democrats continue efforts to make Virginia more open and inclusive, Republicans continue their assault on the rights of the LGBTQ community. In the House they turned down a constitutional amendment that would have removed the unconstitutional same-sex marriage ban from the VA constitution. 

The House Democrats aren’t going to give up - we are doing everything we can to allow Virginia voters to have the final say. We are asking folks to sign a petition to  Tell House Republicans  to let the voters decide!  I encourage you to sign on to ensure your voice is heard on this critical issue. #letVAvote!

Please reach out to me if you have any concerns by email [email protected]   or call my District Phone number: (571) 766-6414.

Sincerely, 

Delegate Kathleen Murphy
District-34

As our Committee meetings continue to move along many of the Democrats' bills are summarily “Laid on the table” or fail to report or are still waiting to be heard.  Meanwhile, the Republicans continue to have their bills given additional time to be refined, or they are reported out of committee and being sent to the House for final passage. The slow progress for Democrat’s bills has been frustrating.

Last Week's Bill Highlights

HB 445, Broadband Service : This bill convenes a workgroup to evaluate how we expand broadband in new residential and commercial development in the Commonwealth. It Passed the House Unanimously!

HB1334 Child Abuse; Valid Complaint, a bill I brought forth to expand protection for victims of child abuse and neglect. This bill passed the House unanimously and now will go to the Senate committees to be heard. I am proud to carry this important legislation.

 HB525 Adam’s Law  A bill that updates and strengthens hazing policies at higher education institutions passed with bipartisan support through the House Appropriations Committee and now heads to the floor for passage. This bill is critical to strengthen Hazing education in Virginia for all students and adds immunity for those who come forward and report hazing incidents.

HB 431 Qualified health plans; state-mandated health benefits, This bill continues coverage for necessary medical formulas for those diagnosed with rare inherited metabolic disorders. HB431,passed through the Appropriations Committee and is on second read on the House floor.

HB 993 Unlawful Hazing, Strengthens Hazing Penalties and holds those accountable. This bill changes the penalty to a Class 5 felony when the hazing incident results in death or serious bodily injury to any person. The crime of hazing that does not result in death or serious bodily injury remains a Class 1 misdemeanor.  The bill provides immunity for arrest and prosecution for hazing if a person in good faith seeks or obtains emergency medical attention for a person who has received a bodily injury by hazing or if they render emergency care or assistance. This bill passed the Courts of Justice Committee unanimously and will now go to the House for passage! 

Hope Cards Help Law Enforcement and Victims of Abuse

Fairfax County has joined more than five dozen jurisdictions in Virginia in offering the Hope Card program — a way to enforce a civil protective order and a handy resource for victims of family abuse.

A Hope Card is an easy to read and carry laminated, wallet-sized card that contains all the essential information of an existing, permanent civil protection order. Though not a substitute for protective orders, a Hope Card lets law enforcement know there is a valid, permanent protection order in place. In case of a potential violation of an order, a law enforcement officer can refer to the Hope Card for more information.

For more information about the Hope Card or to find out how to obtain one, contact:

The Domestic Violence Action Center (DVAC) at 703-236-4573.

The Police Victim Services Division at 703-246-2141.