Constitutional amendment; qualification of voters, restoration of civil rights. (SJ27)

Introduced By

Sen. Emmett Hanger (R-Mount Solon)

Progress

Introduced
Passed Committee
Passed House
Passed Senate

Description

Constitutional amendment (first resolution); qualification of voters; restoration of civil rights. Authorizes the General Assembly to provide by general law for the restoration of civil rights for any person who has been convicted of a felony not designated by the General Assembly as a barrier crime for the purpose of rights restoration and who has completed service of his sentence and paid in full any restitution, fines, costs, and fees assessed against him as a result of his conviction. The bill retains the authority of the Governor to restore the civil rights of persons convicted of felonies. Read the Bill »

Status

01/16/2018: Failed to Pass in Committee

History

DateAction
01/04/2018Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/10/18 18101915D
01/04/2018Referred to Committee on Privileges and Elections
01/16/2018Continued to 2019 in Privileges and Elections (14-Y 0-N) (see vote tally)

Comments

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

The ACLU of Virginia does not support this proposed amendment to the Virginia Constitution which would allow the General Assembly to codify a restoration of rights system that preferences some disenfranchised voters over others. The ACLU of Virginia does support a constitutional amendment that would guarantee a right to vote to every Virginian 18 or over that cannot be abridged by law.