The General Assembly in Virginia recently adjourned its regular session but may reconvene soon for a special session. The session ended with significant accomplishments, including passing a budget, COVID-19 relief, and police reform bills. However, some issues remain unresolved, such as marijuana legalization and tax conformity.
During the session, the General Assembly saw several historic moments, including the passage of legislation making Virginia the first southern state to abolish the death penalty. Additionally, police reform bills were passed, including banning no-knock warrants and restricting the use of chokeholds.
Despite the progress made during the session, there is still work to be done. Governor Ralph Northam has proposed amendments to the budget, including additional funding for criminal justice reform and affordable housing. The issue of marijuana legalization is still up in the air, with conflicting opinions among lawmakers. Tax conformity is another unresolved issue, with some legislators pushing for changes to align with federal tax laws.
In addition to these legislative matters, the General Assembly will also need to address redistricting in the coming months. The decennial redistricting process will involve redrawing legislative boundaries based on the latest census data. This process is crucial for ensuring fair representation for all Virginians.
Overall, the recent session of the General Assembly was productive, with lawmakers tackling important issues like police reform, COVID-19 relief, and the budget. However, the possibility of a special session looms, as some matters remain unresolved. Virginia residents can expect continued legislative activity in the near future as lawmakers work to address these outstanding issues.
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