Press Release
BOLLING HIGHLIGHTS SUCCESSFUL GENERAL ASSEMBLY SESSION
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
RICHMOND - Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling today highlighted his legislative successes from the recently concluded General Assembly session.
"Thanks to the help of legislators in the Senate and House, I am pleased to announce that we had a very successful legislative session this year," Bolling said.
"Together, we worked to pass important legislation that will provide economic development opportunities for localities with high unemployment, crack down on gang violence, expand the death penalty by repealing the so called triggerman rule, improve the health of women and children, protect children from online dangers, increase benefits for law enforcement officers and reach out to the changing face of Virginia."
"I strongly encourage the Governor to sign this legislation into law without amendment. By doing so, we will make significant strides toward building a better Virginia," added Bolling.
"I was especially proud to cast two tie-breaking votes this year in favor of legislation to plug the Kelo loophole and protect private property rights in Virginia."
"Unfortunately, several measures to address illegal immigration, require localities to provide more tax assessment information to citizens, and increase penalties for methamphetamine crimes were not successful," said Bolling. "However, we will continue to work with the General Assembly and the Governor to address these problems in the future."
Lieutenant Governor Bolling worked on the following bills that passed the House and Senate during the 2007 General Assembly session:
* HB 2035 - Hamilton - Human papillomavirus vaccine; added as required vaccination with parental opt-out;
* HB 2197 - Nixon - Internet filters for public libraries
* HB 2347/SB 1116 -Gilbert/Rerras - Capital murder; includes premeditated killing of witness in criminal case;
* HB 2348/SB 1288 -Gilbert/Obenshain - Triggerman rule; redefinition thereof.
* HB 2468 - Marshall, D.W. - Governor''''s Development Opportunity Fund; adjusts eligibility for grants or loans;
* HB 3190/SB 1091 -Carrico/Puckett - Coal miner certification; requires pre-employment substance abuse testing & suspension;
* HJ 637 - O''Bannon - Childhood obesity; joint subcommittee to study problem in public schools;
* HJ 609 - Albo - Indian American Day; designating as January 26, 2007, and each succeeding year thereafter;
* HJ 632 - Hugo - Korean American Day; designating as January 13, 2007, and each succeeding year thereafter;
* SB 781 - Cuccinelli - Private property; definition of public uses;
* SB 1166 - Stolle - Retirement System; benefits for certain state and local public safety officers;
* Budget Amendment to provide $100,000 for Operation Blue Ridge Thunder - a successful Internet Crimes Against Children taskforce in Bedford County which searches online for sexual predators.
* Budget Amendment to increase FAMIS MOMS eligibility from 166 to 185% - to provide prenatal care to more poor women in Virginia.
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For additional information contact Randy Marcus at 804-814-7117 (cell) or randy.marcus@ltgov.virginia.gov.
