This week we returned to Richmond for the start of the 2023 session of the VA General Assembly. I continue to serve on the committees on Finance, Transportation, and General Laws. This is our “short session” due to the elections that will take place in November. We have two new members of the House due to the retirement of Delegate Keam and the passing of Delegate Campbell. It is always great to reconnect with our members from across the Commonwealth.
This session I have introduced 12 bills for consideration by the General Assembly:
- HB 2070 Purchase, possession, or transportation of firearm following an assault and battery.
- HB 2073 Interstate Medical Licensure Compact and Commission; created.
- HB 2074 Assault and battery; persons diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability.
- HB 2076 Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program; eligibility.
- HB 2077 Department of Veterans Services; disclosure of services provided.
- HB 2078 Firearm locks required for sale or transfer of handguns; warning against accessibility to children.
- HB 2079 Assault and battery against a family or household member; prior conviction; second offense.
- HB 2080 Special license plate; woman veteran.
- HB 2224 Newborn screening tests; Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services; fees prohibited.
- HB 2227 Civil action against parent; minor's possession and use of firearm.
- HB 2232 State plan for medical assistance services; violence prevention services.
- HB 2357 Surrogacy; consent; relinquishment of parental rights.
These bills will first be considered in the House and if they pass, they will then go to the Senate.
As you know, gun safety is one of my top priorities and I continue to advocate for gun safety measures and co-chair the Gun Violence Prevention Caucus.
I am the Vice Chair of the Veteran’s Caucus and have served on the Board of Veteran Services for the past 8 years. This year we have some good legislation to support our veterans and I am hopeful that these bills will pass through both chambers. My focus has largely been on Women Veterans issues and this past year we held our 10th Women Veterans roundtable. These meetings have provided focus and helped us better address issues important to our women veterans.
I look forward to working alongside my colleagues on the issues that are so important to our community and our Commonwealth.
The General Assembly is unlike the US Congress. All bills have to be drafted and filed before session. Any additional ideas or recommendations for bills will have to wait until the next session of the General Assembly.
Every session we are able to offer commending resolutions to honor residents for their outstanding contributions to our community. If you would like to nominate someone please send nominations to my Chief of Staff, Madison McCabe, at [email protected]. Your submission should include the nominee’s full name and a description of their contributions.
It is my honor to represent you and all the people of the 34th District for another year. I appreciate hearing from you and especially for the support you have continued to provide. Contact information is included in the sidebar.
My best wishes to you and your family.
Delegate Kathleen Murphy
VA-34
At work in the Transportation Committee on 1/12/23
Route 7 Upcoming Lane Closures for Jan. 17-20, 2023
Crews will be performing excavation and fill operations, clearing, storm pipe work, paving and other construction-related activities on Jan. 17-20 along eastbound and westbound Route 7 and on other neighborhood streets.
As a reminder, drivers will experience lane shifts on Route 7, traffic pattern changes on neighborhood streets, and detours along the corridor. Please see the related traffic alerts. Temporary road closures are listed Here.
Drivers are reminded that the speed limit along Route 7 has been temporarily reduced to 45 miles per hour in active work zones between Reston Avenue and Jarrett Valley Drive.
Effective Jan. 1, 2021, it is illegal to hold a handheld personal communications device (e.g., your smartphone) while driving a moving motor vehicle on Virginia highways. Click here for more information, including details on the five exceptions to this law
Donate Blood and Save Lives!
In partnership with the Red Cross and the Reston Community Center, a blood drive will be held as part of Fairfax NAACP MLK Week on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, from 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm.
Please refer to the flier here to complete your pre-donation reading and health history questions, and schedule your appointment.
Safely Dispose of Firearms
Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) is often called upon to assist residents when they have firearms or ammunition they no longer wish to keep. Sometimes people no longer want these items in their home or find them while clearing out old storage.
The best way is to call the non-emergency line at 703-691-2131, TTY711 and request an officer come to your home. Make sure you leave the unloaded weapon in a safe place and direct the officer to it. The officer will verify the weapon is unloaded and rendered safe before taking possession of it.
Although not the preferred method, you can also turn in a firearm at one of the eight district stations. Please call before arriving, make sure the weapon is unloaded and placed in the trunk of your vehicle, and separate from any ammunition. When you arrive at the station, leave the weapon in your car. Once you speak with the front desk, an officer will be called to the station to take the report and take possession of the weapon or ammunition.
Whenever handling a weapon, please remember to utilize the following safety rules:
- Treat every weapon as if it is loaded
- Keep it pointed in a safe direction
- Keep your finger off the trigger
If you are not comfortable handling the weapon you are turning in, please be sure to call the non-emergency number (703-691-2131, TTY711) to have an officer come to your home.
Upcoming Events
Sunday, January 22: “Black Music Excellence through the Ages” with Richelle Claiborne
Charlottesville, Virginia native Richelle Claiborne brings her joyous ride through the history of African American music across the diaspora to The Alden. It’s more than a soul revue, more than a gospel concert, more than a night of great jazz…it is one part history lesson, one part testimonial and filled with inspired musical performances. Richelle tells a powerful story that includes Charlottesville not mentioned on the news or social media. Running Time: Approximately 90 minutes.
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Location: McLean Community Center
