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2013 General Assembly

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Texting While Driving a More Serious Offense If Bill Passes

Arlington delegates support bill, which would elevate penalty for texting while driving to include possible jail time and up to $2,500 fine.

A bill introduced in the Virginia General Assembly would make texting while driving a more serious offense — and the penalties upon conviction would be up to one year in jail and up to a $2,500 fine. It's not the first time such a measure has been proposed. But advocates say a recent court ruling that differentiates texting while driving from reckless driving should give them the support they need to get the bill through the General Assembly this year. Subscribe to the newsletter for daily email updates from Manassas Park Patch. "There's usually about 10 texting bills a year, and they usually all get killed," said state Del. Scott Surovell, D-Mount Vernon. "This year, something's going to change." The House bill would essentially elevate …

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Virginia General Assembly Likely to Review Gun Laws, School Security

House of Delegates Speaker says review likely to come on laws restricting gun ownership for the mentally ill.

House of Delegates Speaker William Howell, R-Stafford, told WTOP Connecticut has stricter gun laws than Virginia. "It goes way beyond gun control," Howell said, referring to the killings at Sandy Hook. Howell told WTOP he expects the 2013 General Assembly to review restrictions on gun ownership for the mentally ill and proposals for increased school security. The General Assembly meets for 30 days in odd-numbered years, with an option to extend annual sessions for a maximum of 30 days, according to the General Assembly website.  This year's session begins on January 9. Related Stories on Gun Control and School Security: Letter to the Editor: Striving for What is Reasonable Letter to the Editor: Gun Legislation Virginia Educators Rebut …

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