Va. Senate kills 'personhood' measure
The Virginia Senate on Thursday voted to re-refer a so-called "personhood" measure defining life as beginning at conception back to committee, killing it for the 2012 session. Published February 23, 2012
David Sherfinski
Articles by David Sherfinski
McDonnell pushes amendments to ultrasound bill
Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell on Wednesday announced his support to amend a bill requiring women to undergo ultrasound imaging before having an abortion. Published February 22, 2012
Labor pact for Dulles Metrorail opposed
A Northern Virginia delegate has inserted language into the House's proposed budget to effectively negate a proposed incentive for firms bidding on Phase 2 of the Dulles Metrorail project to use a labor agreement that many say favors unions. Published February 21, 2012
Virginia budget likely to stall in Senate
A leading Democrat said Sunday the Senate's budget probably would not pass the full chamber at this point, potentially throwing the process of approving Virginia's two-year, $85 billion spending proposal into a protracted partisan standoff. Published February 19, 2012
Advocacy group fears broader implications of 'personhood'
Whitney Anderson of Roanoke has always wanted to become a mother. Stricken with a disease, she had tried in vitro fertilization but lost five pregnancies. Now she wonders if, under Virginia's proposed "personhood" bill, she would have been held criminally liable. Published February 16, 2012
McDonnell to Senate Democrats: Get it together
Gov. Bob McDonnell says he is becoming "increasingly concerned" with the lack of "substantive ideas" put forth by state Senate Democrats as legislators in both General Assembly chambers prepare to release their respective budget proposals Sunday. Published February 16, 2012
Virginia Republicans push back against critics of their agenda
Virginia Republicans insisted at a Wednesday press conference that their legislative agenda has focused on jobs, education, government reform and public safety. Published February 15, 2012
Virginia house advances bill for transportation funding
The General Assembly on Tuesday advanced bills that would infuse more money into Virginia's transportation system, while the Senate failed to approve a measure passed in the House that would make it easier to fire teachers. Published February 14, 2012
Virginia House vote states life starts at conception
The Virginia House of Delegates approved legislation Tuesday that would define life as beginning at conception, setting up a potential clash in the state Senate and another high-stakes battle over a measure that has been beaten back elsewhere in the country in recent years. Published February 14, 2012
With assembly control, GOP pushing through its agenda
In his State of the Commonwealth address, Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell advised Republicans: Don't be arrogant. Don't overreach. During the first half of the General Assembly session, he's largely heeded his own advice. Published February 13, 2012
Va. Senate approves property rights constitutional amendment
The Virginia Senate on Monday signed off on a major priority of Attorney General Kenneth T. Cuccinelli II, approving a constitutional amendment stipulating that private property can only be taken for public use. Published February 13, 2012
Repeal of Va. one-gun-a-month law on way to McDonnell's desk
The Virginia Senate on Monday passed the House bill that repeals the state's longstanding law limiting handgun purchases to one per month, sending the legislation to the desk of Gov. Bob McDonnell, who has said he would sign it. Published February 13, 2012
'Personhood' bill advances in Va. House
The Virginia House of Delegates on Monday gave preliminary approval to a so-called "personhood" measure defining life as beginning at conception, perhaps the most far-reaching proposed measure on abortion introduced thus far during the 2012 General Assembly session. Published February 13, 2012
In Virginia legislature, transit measures not in express lane
Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell's pledge for big solutions this year to Virginia's perpetual transportation problems has stalled in the House and Senate, with both chambers advancing significantly watered-down versions of his agenda despite Republicans' stronghold on the General Assembly. Published February 12, 2012
Va. Democrats, Republicans: No, we can't just get along
Democrats and Republicans in the General Assembly are trading accusations that each is focusing too much on divisive and controversial issues, with both sides saying the other is overplaying GOP-led legislation on abortion, gun control and voting rights thus far during the 2012 session. Published February 11, 2012
Federal court dismisses lawsuit over Va. congressional redistricting
A federal court has dismissed a lawsuit brought by six Virginia residents asking the court to step in and draw new lines for the state's 11 congressional districts. Published February 10, 2012
Md., Va. lotteries scratch out sales gains
Increasing lottery sales are helping states around the country — including Maryland and Virginia — to partially compensate for the sluggish economy. Published February 9, 2012
Va. House passes 'Castle Doctrine' bill
The Virginia House of Delegates on Thursday signed off on a measure that codifies a version of the state's common-law "castle doctrine" granting civil immunity to those using deadly force against intruders. Published February 9, 2012
Va. Senate signs off on 'conscience clause' bill
The Virginia Senate approved a measure Thursday that would prohibit child-placing agencies in the state from being forced to place adoption or foster children if it violates their religious beliefs. Published February 9, 2012
Provision to remove Va. from Potomac River commission axed
A provision that would withdraw Virginia from a long-standing, multistate compact devoted to cleaning and maintaining the Potomac River has been stripped from a bill working its way through the House of Delegates. Published February 8, 2012
