Constitutional amendment; restoration of voting rights. (HJ48)

Introduced By

Del. Algie Howell (D-Norfolk)

Progress

Introduced
Passed Committee
Passed House
Passed Senate

Description

Constitutional amendment(first resolution); restoration of voting rights. Provides for the automatic restoration of voting rights to persons convicted of nonviolent felonies except felony drug and election fraud crimes upon completion of sentence, including any term of probation or parole. The resolution further provides that persons convicted of violent felonies, felony drug crimes, or election fraud crimes may have their voting rights restored by the Governor upon completion of sentence, including any term of probation or parole, and authorizes the General Assembly to provide by law for the restoration of voting rights to such persons. The restoration of rights pursuant to these provisions has no effect on the right to possess firearms. Read the Bill »

Outcome

Bill Has Failed

History

DateAction
01/03/2014Committee
01/03/2014Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/08/14 14100828D
01/03/2014Referred 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.