Richmond Roundup
January 23, 2006
The first two weeks of the session started with new rules designed to reduce the opportunity to secure legislation in subcommittee and in full committee. The majority decided that it could operate subcommittees with no members of the minority and with only 2 delegates present. In addition, the committee chairmen have enhanced authority to prevent bills from being heard.
Early debate on the floor of the House involved, yet again, additional votes to "uphold the sanctity of marriage," notwithstanding that the General Assembly has adopted this law several times. The Constitutional Amendment is now headed to the Senate and is likely to be placed on next year's ballot for voter approval. I voted against all forms of these bills because I believe that they have no purpose except to deny basic rights to people who ask only for the right to be left alone.
I have introduced a number of other bills designed to address difficult problems that concern the people of Virginia.
- Sheriff's and police departments would be required to use electronic taping of the interrogations of juveniles arrested for felonies This would reduce a growing number of false confessions in Virginia, while protecting law enforcement officials from charges of misconduct. Recordings provide an "instant replay," instead of reliance on police notepad scribbling. Some 2400 departments nationally routinely use video recordings in interrogations. About 4 percent of Virginia 's departments do so all the time, and about 34 percent use them sometimes. False confessions followed by a conviction and then exoneration can cost states millions of dollars in additional court cases and court-ordered restitution for those falsely incarcerated, compared to setting up an electronic recording interrogation rooms, each of which can cost a $1000 or less.
- I've introduced legislation to clarify a law I secured last year to ensure school employees with life-threatening or debilitating illness or injury could receive unpaid leave while seeking to save their health and their jobs. The Virginia School Boards Association regrettably notified their school boards that the unpaid leave should be only five days, as the association's policy manual states to school districts. My legislation failed, but we will contact each local school board to ensure that all school district must adhere to policies that provide for unpaid leave on a case by case basis.
- Tax credits for businesses that encourage transit use by providing employees monetary benefits. Budget impacts will make this one a hard climb, but some states have found it useful.
- Several of my bills address domestic violence, providing ways that abused spouses can avoid their abusers, but still be able to secure their mail and important documents without fear. One bill is in the process of amendment.
- Criminal sanctions would be placed on con-artists who sell bogus international drivers licenses (legal visitors to the U.S. can use international licenses) Those selling fake licenses would be charged with jail time and a hefty fine. The bill would also help promote homeland security.
That's all for now. As the legislation moves or fails, we'll keep you posted about the activities in what we fondly call our Capital City .
Al Eisenberg
47th House District |
