Restoration of civil right to vote; felon eligible to vote upon completion of sentence. (HB556)
Introduced By
Progress
✓ |
Introduced |
✗ |
Passed Committee |
☐ |
Passed House |
☐ |
Passed Senate |
☐ |
Signed by Governor |
☐ |
Became Law |
Description
Restoration of civil rights. Provides for the automatic restoration of a felon's civil right to be eligible to vote upon the completion of his sentence, including any term of probation or parole, and the payment of all restitution, fines, costs, and fees assessed as a result of the felony conviction. The bill has a contingent effective date of January 1, 2017, provided that the voters approve an amendment to Section 1 of Article II of the Constitution of Virginia at the 2015 November election. Read the Bill »
Outcome
Bill Has Failed
History
Date | Action |
---|---|
01/06/2014 | Committee |
01/06/2014 | Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/08/14 14101665D |
01/06/2014 | Referred to Committee on Privileges and Elections |
01/22/2014 | Assigned P & E sub: Constitutional Amendments |
01/27/2014 | Subcommittee recommends laying on the table |
02/12/2014 | Left in Privileges and Elections |
Comments
The ACLU of Virginia strongly supports automatic restoration of civil rights, including the right to vote, for all individuals convicted of felonies, regardless of the type of felony. Virginia is one of only four states that permanently disenfranchises its citizens. More than 350,000 Virginians live in the community and pay taxes, but cannot vote despite fully completing their sentences.