This week marks the end of our first month in the 2023 legislative session of the Virginia General Assembly. We are now preparing for “Crossover” which begins next week. During Crossover, the House considers the bills that have passed in the Senate, and the Senate takes up bills that have passed in the House. 

I have had many meaningful conversations with constituents who have visited my office in Richmond to advocate for gun violence prevention legislation. Following the recent tragedies in Virginia and across the country, this issue could not be more important to address. I have worked hard to introduce three gun safety bills this session (HB2070, HB2078, and HB2227). All three bills were killed immediately in the subcommittee and will never even make it to the House Floor for a vote by all of our members. I am frustrated that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle refuse to consider these life-saving gun safety measures.

On Tuesday, I gave a speech on the House Floor honoring the contributions made to our country and our Commonwealth by women veterans. There are over 107,000 women veterans in Virginia, and I have made it my mission to address their specific needs and concerns. I am proud to be working with Delegate Jackie Glass, a veteran, to host our next Women Veteran Roundtable here in Richmond. Women veterans are invited to join us at the Virginia War Memorial on Thursday, February 23rd at 6:00 p.m. RSVP here. 

Please reach out to me with any questions or concerns you might have. During the legislative session, I can be reached in my Richmond office at 804-698-1034 or [email protected]. 

Sincerely,

Delegate Kathleen Murphy
VA-34

The Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy on their Student Day of Action

The Northern Virginia Association of Realtors

Legislation Updates

Here are the latest actions for the eleven bills I have introduced this Session:

HB2070 closes what is known as the “boyfriend loophole,” further preventing domestic abusers from owning a gun. 

• Killed in Subcommittee #2 of the House Committee for Courts of Justice

HB2073 creates the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact to create a process for expedited issuance of a license to practice medicine in the Commonwealth.

• “Laid on the table” in Subcommittee #3 of the House Health, Welfare and Institutions Committee

HB2074 provides that any person charged with a simple assault and battery offense who has been diagnosed by a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist with an autism spectrum disorder, an intellectual disability, or serious mental illness shall not be subject to a mandatory minimum punishment if the court finds that the violation was caused by or had a direct and substantial relationship to the person's disorder or disability.

• Referred to House Committee for Courts of Justice

HB2076 makes several changes to the eligibility criteria for the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program.

• “Laid on the table” in Higher Education Subcommittee of the House Committee on Appropriations

HB2077 requires all attorneys who assist veterans with VA-related claims and appeals processes to provide a written disclosure informing all clients of the free services provided by the Department of Veterans Services for service members, veterans, and their families.

• Passed by House Committee for Courts of Justice

HB2078 requires licensed dealers, when selling or transferring a handgun, to provide a locking device for that firearm or to include a specific written warning that handguns should be locked and kept away from children. 

• Killed in Subcommittee #2 of the House Committee for Courts of Justice

HB2080 authorizes the issuance plates for women veterans upon receipt of an application therefore, evidence that the applicant is an honorably discharged former member of the armed forces of the United States, and certification that the applicant is a woman.

• Passed by House!

HB2224 provides that required newborn screening tests shall be performed at no costs to parents, guardians, hospitals, or health care providers.

• Passed by House Committee on Appropriations

HB2227 holds parents and guardians civilly liable for a minor’s possession or use of a firearm that was negligently stored. 

• Killed in Subcommittee #2 of the House Committee for Courts of Justice

HB2232 directs the Board of Medical Assistance Services to amend the state plan for medical assistance services to include a provision for the payment of medical assistance for violence prevention services.

• “Laid on the table” in Health and Human Resources Subcommittee of the Committee on Appropriations

HB2357 provides that, at any time prior to the birth of a child, a surrogate may relinquish her parental rights to an intended parent, if at least one intended parent is the genetic parent of the child or the embryo was subject to the legal or contractual custody of such intended parent, by signing a surrogate consent and report form naming the intended parent as the parent of the child.

• “Laid on the table” in Subcommittee #1 of the House Committee for Courts of Justice

See a full list of my bills HERE.

Notice to Live Oak Drive Residents

Upcoming Work at Live Oak Drive for 495 NEXT Project:

In early 2023, work will begin on the eastern and western abutments of the new Live Oak Drive Bridge over I-495. In mid-2023, crews will lift steel girders in place connecting the completed abutments with the center pier of the new bridge, followed by construction of the concrete deck. The existing Live Oak Drive Bridge will remain open to traffic during these activities.

In mid-2023, the remaining approximately 900 feet of old noise wall along Live Oak Drive will be removed to make way for excavation and construction of retaining walls, which will support the new upgraded noise wall. Additional grading and drainage work will be performed along the curved portion of Live Oak Drive north of the old noise wall.

Upcoming Events

Friday, February 3: Family Paint Night

Bluemont Community Center is offering an enjoyable family night of painting. Children and parents will have the opportunity to create the perfect winter painting. Children must be accompanied by a participating adult. $15 - Click here to register!

Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Location: 33846 Snickersville Turnpike, Bluemont, VA  20135

Friday, February 3: Feed the Birds!

Make pinecone bird feeders to celebrate Feed the Birds Day. Let’s not forget our winged friends as temperatures drop and food is scarce. For more information, call 703-430-9480.

Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Location: 120 Enterprise St, Sterling, VA 20164

Sunday, February 12: First Ever Dranesville Loves Democracy Straw Poll & Valentines Tea Party!

Let’s show our love for democracy in Dranesville, Fairfax County, and Virginia with this Valentine themed tea party and straw poll! RSVP Here!

Time: 11 a.m.

Location: Great Falls home of Tracy Rohrbaugh (address provided upon RSVP)

Saturday February 25th, Winter Gathering at the Grange

After a two year hiatus due to Covid, our winter social is back! This year all proceeds will benefit the Great Falls Grange Foundation and the improvements they have for this historic site. $85 per person, all proceeds go towards Great Falls Grange Foundation. Adults Only.

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Location: 9818 VA-193, Great Falls, VA 22066