Virginia PBA Legislative Update

This past week saw the infamous “cross-over” date pass. This is the day in which bills must pass from one side of the General Assembly to the other to remain active for this session. Only one of the six Virginia PBA bills survived.  Here is a recap of their journey.

House Bill 100 (to include deputies in the Procedures Act) introduced by Delegate Poisson, was sent to the House Committee on Militia, Police & Public Safety where it was not considered, and died.

House Bill 369 (removal of age requirement from 25 yr. retirement) introduced by Delegate Carrico, was sent to the House Appropriations sub-Committee where it died without having been acted upon. 

House Bill 852 (repeal the collective bargaining prohibition) introduced by Delegate Ebbin, was killed by a vote on the House Floor in what we will all remember as a partisan political act of showmanship on the part of Speaker William Howell (R-28 Fredericksburg / Stafford Co.)

House Bill 981 (which would require VRS multiplier of 1.85%) introduced by Delegate Nutter was sent to the House Appropriations Committee where it died with no action.

Senate Bill 269 (to remove the minimum 100 employee requirement from the overtime pay law) introduced by Senator Deeds, did crossover to the House but only in the matter of a “substitute” which makes application only to the State Police. As this bill goes to the House Appropriations Committee we will continue to work on behalf our State Police members.

Senate Bill 355 (to allow representation in internal investigations) introduced by Senator Deeds, was combined with Senate Bill 76 introduced by Senator Cuccinelli then sent to the Courts of Justice Committee where it died.

While this session was not a total success, VA PBA did make some headway in opening up the discussion at the General Assembly of many issues important to working law enforcement officers. The legislative process is a journey and it will take persistence. I assure you, VA PBA is here for the long haul. Plans are in the works for next session.

Remember, all politics is LOCAL! It is about your relationship with your elected officials. These bill Patrons advised us it was the negative input from Chiefs and Sheriffs back home that killed these bills. Our Chapters must screen and endorse local officials, this year, which will support our efforts in Richmond. Schedule your Chapter screenings NOW!