Constitutional amendment; qualifications to vote, restoration of civil rights. (SJ222)
Introduced By
Sen. Mamie Locke (D-Hampton) with support from co-patron Sen. Jennifer McClellan (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 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. Read the Bill »
Status
01/31/2017: Incorporated into Another Bill
History
Date | Action |
---|---|
08/30/2016 | Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/11/17 17100282D |
08/30/2016 | Referred to Committee on Privileges and Elections |
01/20/2017 | Assigned to P&E sub: Constitutional Amendments |
01/31/2017 | Incorporated by Privileges and Elections (SJ223-Norment) (9-Y 5-N) (see vote tally) |
Comments
The ACLU of Virginia strongly supports passage of legislation that permanently repeals the felon disenfranchisement provision in the Virginia Constitution and that would automatically restore the civil rights of Virginians convicted of a felony. Legislators should replace the provision with an affirmative right to vote for all Virginians who are citizens of voting age.
Voting rights are sacred. If a felon had served his time, he should be able to vote. Support SJ 222
I am a resident of Richmond.