Constitutional amendment; restoration of civil rights for persons convicted of nonviolent felonies. (HJ21)

Introduced By

Sen. Roz Dance (D-Petersburg)

Progress

Introduced
Passed Committee
Passed House
Passed Senate

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, including any period or condition of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence, subject to the conditions, requirements, and definitions set forth in that law. At present the 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. Read the Bill »

Outcome

Bill Has Failed

History

DateAction
12/18/2013Committee
12/18/2013Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/08/14 14102559D
12/18/2013Referred to Committee on Privileges and Elections
02/12/2014Left in Privileges and Elections

Comments

ACLU-VA Voting Rights, tracking this bill in Photosynthesis, notes:

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.

ACLU-VA Legislative Agenda, tracking this bill in Photosynthesis, notes:

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.