Constitutional amendment; qualifications to vote, restoration of civil rights. (SJ293)
Introduced By
Sen. Don McEachin (D-Richmond)
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 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. Read the Bill »
Outcome
Bill Has Failed
History
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| 01/19/2015 | Presented and ordered printed 15100884D |
| 01/19/2015 | Referred to Committee on Privileges and Elections |
| 01/22/2015 | Assigned to P&E sub: Constitutional Amendments |
| 02/03/2015 | Passed by indefinitely in Privileges and Elections (9-Y 6-N) (see vote tally) |
Comments
Jim Crow alive and well in the General Assembly.
So many people are being incarcerated and charged with felonies, like my self, because of a bad decision. If I had the $270 to pay I wouldn't have even been convicted of a misdemeanor. But I was in jail waiting on a bond and had no access or way to make that happen. I couldn't just pick up the phone and call. I grew up playing club soccer year round and was captain of my volleyball team where I was awarded The Leadership Award. I made straight A's! I have several medical conditions and no health insurance. I made desperate choices in order to receive health care. I volunteer at numerous places, Food banks, Mental Health CIT Training, Peer Support, Humane society, NAMI, and much more. I payed my dues, got off probation early, the fact that I can't vote kills me because it's a right and my opinion should matter, felony or not. I believe in this bill, as long as the person pays their dues and follows the steps should be able to vote.
"Everyone is one bad decision away from Jail" - Heather Custer, Director at NRVCS (New River Valley Community Services)