CNS Briefs

General Assembly wrap up

Republican agenda

Illegal immigration is among GOP legislators’
top priorities this General Assembly session,
said Republican leaders at a news conference
Jan. 23.

This year’s GOP platform shows a renewed
commitment among Republicans in both chambers
to work together and stop fighting within the
party, said Senate Republican Leader Thomas K.
Norment Jr., R-James City County.

“Not only are we delivering on our promises
from the 2007 campaign, we are also showing
the unity of the House and Senate Republican
caucuses,” Norment said.

Illegal immigration is a key issue Republicans
discussed at the press conference; legislators
have proposed five different bills related to illegal
immigration.

One bill directs local sheriffs to confirm an
arrested person’s legal presence in the United
States using the nationwide databases of U.S.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Another bill is designed to ensure at least one
on-duty person in every jail is certified under
Section 287(g) of the federal Immigration and
Nationality Act.

This means there would be someone with
federal authority available to detain and begin
deportation proceedings following the positive
identification of illegal immigrants who have
served their sentences.

Another bill proposes to make the hiring of
illegal immigrants a federal offense and grounds for
the suspension of a Virginia business license.

The bill also would prohibit illegal immigrants
from attending public universities and colleges
without a valid student visa.

Brief by Stacy Tyler

Senate approves inmate rehabilitation bill

The Senate unanimously approved a bill this
past Monday that mandates the creation of a plan
to help every Virginia-prison inmate re-enter
society.

Senate Bill 200 directs the Virginia Department
of Corrections to develop a society re-entry plan
for every new inmate as soon as possible from
the date of incarceration.

The plan would allow inmates to complete
drug-rehabilitation programs, vocational training
and college courses in preparation for their productive
return to society, said the bill’s sponsor, Sen.
Linda “Toddy” Puller, R-Mount Vernon.

“They need to start some sort of program on
every prisoner and get them ready for what they
do when they get out, so they do not commit
more crimes,” Puller said.

Senators passed SB 200 on a 40-0 vote. It now
goes to the House for consideration.

Puller said the bill is the product of a joint-legal
commission, which she has chaired for the last
three years, to study prisoner re-entry.

“The goal of the commission is to do certain
things to make people able to get out and not do
the actions that would have them come back to
jail,” Puller said.

The bill also is part of the legislative package
supported by Virginia Attorney General Bob
McDonnell.

Brief by Alexander Harris, CNS

ALSO FROM THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

The Virginia Senate passed legislation yesterday to repeal the
abusive driver fees.

According to a press release by the Virginia Democratic Caucus,
Senate Bill 1, sponsored by Sen. Ed Houck, D-Spotsylvania, repeals
section 46.2-206.1 of the Code of Virginia that was known as the
abusive driver fees. The fees were included as part of last year’s
transportation package.

The bill was passed 39 – 0 in the Senate with Sen. Ken Cuccinelli,
R-Fairfax, not voting. It now moves on to the House of
Delegates for passage.