Constitutional amendment; restoration of civil rights to persons convicted of nonviolent felonies. (HJ535)
Introduced By
Del. Charniele Herring (D-Alexandria) with support from co-patron Del. Matthew James (D-Portsmouth)
Progress
√ |
Introduced |
X |
Passed Committee |
☐ |
Passed House |
☐ |
Passed Senate |
☐ |
Signed by Governor |
☐ |
Became Law |
Description
Constitutional amendment (first resolution); qualifications to vote; restoration of civil rights. Authorizes the General Assembly to provide by law for the restoration of civil rights for persons convicted of nonviolent felonies who have completed service of their sentences subject to the conditions, requirements, and definitions set forth in that law. The present Constitution provides for restoration of rights by the Governor. The amendment retains the right of the Governor to restore civil rights and adds an alternative for restoration of rights pursuant to law for nonviolent felons. View Full Text »
Outcome
History
- 07/18/2012 Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/09/13 13100115D
- 07/18/2012 Referred to Committee on Privileges and Elections
- 11/29/2012 Left in Privileges and Elections
- 01/11/2013 Assigned P & E sub: Constitutional Amendments Subcommittee
- 01/14/2013 Subcommittee recommends passing by indefinitely (6-Y 1-N)
- 02/05/2013 Left in Privileges and Elections
In the News
Panel Kills Bills to Restore Felons’ Voting Rights
January 14, 2013
Gov. Bob McDonnell and other key Republicans, as well as Democratic legislators, say they are disappointed that a House subcommittee today killed proposals to automatically restore the voting rights of nonviolent felons who have served their prison sentences.
Comments
Why just non violent, I'd rather see violent offenders turn there life around.
The ACLU of Virginia strongly supports passage of a constitutional amendment that would permit enactment of general laws restoring the right to vote to persons convicted of felonies.
This is too important a decision, witness by interest expressed by our Governor, to be shelved indefinitely. It's pure arrogance for four people to make that opinion stand for the entire General Assembly. I'm disappointed, too.
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