Weekly Newsletter January 20 2023

We are two weeks into the 2023 Virginia General Assembly Session. My week was very busy! I had many committee meetings, some as early as 7:30am, and eight of my eleven bills have been referred to committees.

As always, gun violence prevention is my top priority. I am introducing 3 gun safety bills this year:

  • HB 2070 closes what is known as the “boyfriend loophole,” further preventing domestic abusers from owning a gun. This bill charges an individual with a Class 1 misdemeanor for the purchase, possession, or transportation of a firearm following an assault and battery against a person in a dating relationship.
  • HB 2227 holds parents and guardians civilly liable for a minor’s possession or use of a firearm that was negligently stored.
  • HB 2078 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.

On Wednesday I held my annual pizza party to celebrate and show appreciation for our House Pages. I am so grateful for these bright young people and the hard work they do during the session. The pages help assist the Members of the House of Delegates and the House Clerk’s office in their daily duties on top of maintaining their schooling.  Below is a picture of me greeting the House Pages including Sonia, the page representing our very own 34th district.

Delegate Murphy meeting pagesDelegate Murphy meeting pages

I appreciate all of my constituents who have come to my office to advocate for important issues. I look forward to hearing from you throughout the legislative session. 

Sincerely,

Delegate Kathleen Murphy
VA-34


Meet Team Murphy

Madison McCabe, Chief of Staff

Madison is a recent graduate from American University with a B.A. in Political Science and a minor in Philosophy. Before beginning her role as Chief of Staff in August 2022, Madison worked for MCSR, a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing gender-based violence. She previously served as a Legislative Intern in the office of Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger.

Victoria Morales, Legislative Session Aide

Victoria is a recent graduate from the College of William & Mary with a B.A. in Government and Public Health. This is her second session at the General Assembly and she is very excited to be back for the session. She is hoping to pursue a Master of Public Health focusing on health policy in the near future.

Christopher Walz, Legislative Intern

Christopher is a junior at VCU majoring in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. Outside of the office, Christopher enjoys hiking in the Shenandoah and ultimately has aspirations of working in humanitarian aid and disaster relief.

Peyton Beverford, Legislative Intern

Peyton is a senior at VCU majoring in Political Science with a minor in business. This is her second time as a Session Intern in the House of Delegates.

From left to right: Christopher Walz, Peyton Beverford, Delegate Kathleen Murphy, Madison McCabe, and Victoria Morales

From left to right: Christopher Walz, Peyton Beverford, Delegate Kathleen Murphy, Madison McCabe, and Victoria Morales


Welcome to Richmond, Sonia!

Each year, the Speaker of the House appoints 13- and 14-year-olds from across the Commonwealth to serve as House Pages during the Regular Session of the General Assembly.

This week, we had the pleasure of interviewing and getting to know the House Page that was selected from our district. Sonia Qiao is a freshman at Langley High School.

Delegate Murphy with a House page

What made you want to be a page?

  • “I first found out about it from a friend who did it last year, and that got me very interested. Also, my favorite subjects in school are civics and history so it made sense.”

What are you most excited for?

  • “I am really looking forward to meeting new people and learning new things that I can apply to everyday life. I am also really excited to be on the floor next week for Session!”

How has your experience been so far?

  • “I have had a great time so far, everyone is really nice, and learning the layout of the Capitol and the Pocahontas building has been great.”

How to follow the 2023 General Assembly Session

Follow along during the legislative session:

  • Watch committee, subcommittee, and floor sessions live here.
  • Look at the daily meeting schedules here. You can provide written comments on bills or sign up to speak before a committee by clicking "Signup."
  • Track the status of all introduced bills and legislators' votes here.

You can also directly contact my office by calling 804-698-1034 or by emailing [email protected].


Upcoming Events

Saturdays, January 21 & 28: Car Seat Inspection

McLean District Police Station will host free child seat inspections on a first come first served basis. Please have your car seat already installed, so that the inspection can be performed. If you have any questions, contact the McLean Station at 703-556-7750

Time: 9a.m. to 1p.m.

Location: McLean District Station, 1437 Balls Hill Rd, McLean

Sunday, January 22: MLK Jr. Day Celebration

The Alden Theater at the McLean Community Center presents, “Black Music Excellence through the Ages” with Richelle Claiborne. Charlottesville 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. Purchase Tickets Online.

Tickets are $20 for non-MCC district residents, $15 for students and seniors, and $10 for MCC district residents. For more information visit the McLean Community Center website.

Time: 2 p.m.

Location: McLean Community Center

1234 Ingleside Ave, McLean

 


Bill Updates

This week I had a number of bills referred to committees and presented two of my bills before committees. These bills were referred to the Health and Welfare Institutions Committee, Education Committee, Committee for Courts of Justice, and Transportation Committee. I look forward to presenting my bills to these committees and answering any questions they may have. 

  • HB2073 got referred to subcommittee #3 of the Health, Wellness, and Institution Committee
  • HB2074 got referred to the Committee for Courts of Justice
  • HB2076 got referred to the Higher Education subcommittee of the Education Committee. It will be heard in subcommittee on Monday January 23rd.
  • HB2077 is still pending committee referral
  • HB2080 was heard in the Transportation Committee on Thursday
  • HB2224 got referred to subcommittee #3 of the Health, Wellness, and Institution Committee
  • HB2232 was heard in subcommittee #3 of the Health, Wellness, and Institution Committee. The bill was reported (6-Y 0-N)

See a full list of my bills HERE.