VA PBA bill causes firestorm in Virginia House of Delegates.

VA PBA has presented what turned out to be precedent-setting action in the Virginia House of Delegates. The action on HB 852 (strike collective bargaining prohibition), patroned by Del. Ebbin (D-49), set up a partisan firestorm in the House chambers on Thursday the 24th.

After serious consideration, Del. Ebbin attempted to "strike" (withdraw) the bill (VAPBA in agreement) in the Rules Committee on Tuesday the 22nd. The Speaker, William Howell (R-28), refused to allow him and the Committee sent it to the Floor for a vote.

Thursday on the Floor, Del Ebbin again attempted to "strike" his bill and again the Speaker refused to allow him (precedent not known for more than 27yrs.).

The speaker enacted Rule 69, effectively "forcing" the Democrat Delegates (who for the most part supported the bill) to vote and, thereby those present and refusing to vote were counted in the negative.

This killed the bill for this session.