Attorney General Jason Miyares this week announced his priorities for the 2023 General Assembly session.
“This session my office is supporting common-sense legislation that supports law enforcement, prioritizes victims, and makes our communities safer. By working with the members of the General Assembly, we hope to crack down on organized retail crime, punish drug dealers peddling lethal fentanyl, support members of the Jewish Community, and protect Virginia consumers from policies designed for Californians,” said Attorney General Miyares. “I look forward to working with legislators to serve our Commonwealth and bring results for Virginians.”
“This positive legislative agenda proposed by the Attorney General is one of the most robust, meaningful and public safety focused legislative agendas of an Attorney General in recent history. These measures are common sense initiatives that would clearly improve safety, education and accountability and should be supported by every law-abiding, civics-minded Virginian. I fully support these measures from Attorney General Miyares and wish him success in the 2023 Session of the General Assembly,” said former Governor George Allen.
“Over the last year, I’ve had the opportunity to tour the Commonwealth with the Attorney General and this legislative agenda reflects his commitment to listen to citizens from all corners of our Commonwealth and deliver on promises,” said former Attorney General Jerry Kilgore.
Some of the legislation supported by the Attorney General includes:
SB 902 (Bell/McDougle) – Authorizes the Attorney General to conduct criminal prosecutions against child sexual assault offenders and human trafficking involving children.
SB 989 (Runion/Peake) – Would require the Commonwealth’s Attorney to inform and consult with crime victims about the outcome of cases.
SB 881 (Kilgore/ McDougle) – Combat the fentanyl crisis and opioid epidemic by including the manufacture, sale, gift, or distribution of a Schedule I or II controlled substance to another as a felony homicide when it results in the death of another person.
HB 1378 /SB 779 ( Wilt /Newman) – Would repeal the requirement that the State Air Pollution Control Board implement California’s low-emissions and zero-emissions vehicle program for motor vehicles with a model year of 2025 and later.
HB 1555 (Brewer/Vogel) – Would require first-year students to complete a training during first year orientation at public universities and encourages private institutions to develop policies and awareness training as well.
SB 925 (Greenhalgh/ Cosgrove) – Protecting the rights of patients in hospitals and nursing facilities to have access to clergy members during times of public health emergencies.
SB 1004 / HB 1474 (DeSteph / Webert) – Would no longer require law enforcement to provide personally identifiable information when testifying in criminal cases.
In addition to portions of the legislative agenda outlined above, the Attorney General will also be supporting various amendments made by Governor Youngkin to the biennial budget, which include a $10 million amendment to establish a Mass Violence Care Fund, $2.5 million for a Witness Protection Program, and the over $230 million for the “Right Help, Right Now” plan to address mental and behavioral health. Additionally, the Governor has proposed $30 million to support the Bold Blue Line Initiative to support and recruit law enforcement, and finally an additional $20 million increase to Operation Ceasefire.
