Produced
by VCU's
Legislative
Reporting
students
A daily roundup of media coverage of the Virginia General Assembly
Updated by noon each weekday by a student in Mass Comm 375 at Virginia Commonwealth University
:: today's editor ::
> Olympia Meola

:: verbatim ::

"They're liberal."

- Delegate Richard Black, R-Sterling, on why an about 20 percent of Virginia's public schools do not have Internet access filters that would set a firewall against pornography and obscenities. (Source: Interview with Olympia Meola)

"There isn't anything in here that says you're going to be lined up against the wall and shot or anything.''

- Sen. Warren E. Barry, R- Fairfax, during the debate over his bill to require students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. He was replying to Sen. Janet D. Howell, D-Reston, who likened the proposal to a totalitarian governmental practice. (Source: The Virginian-Pilot)

:: on deck ::

The Senate Courts of Justice Committee meets in Senate Room A, General Assembly Building, a half-hour after the session ends today.

The Senate Education & Health Committee meets in Senate Room B, General Assembly Building, at 8 a.m. tomorrow.

:: bookmark this! ::

> Virginia Public Access Project

Have a hunch why a legislator voted a certain way? Curious as to which political party your employer supports? Check out the Virginia Public Access Project's Web site, where you can search a large database of contribution information. Get figures from how much political officials received to how much organizations gave.

:: recess ::

Does Zsa Zsa Gabor prefer a rod iron gated entry or painted stucco privacy wall?

What star's pool man said, "He likes the pool really warm. He does a lot of exercise in the pool?"

Find out at Driveways of the Rich & Famous.

Yes, someone - John Cunningham - has actually devoted his life to filming star's driveways and catching up with a gardener or two on a good day.

This site may not make you wish you had thought of the idea first, but at least you can find out what kind of candy Elizabeth Taylor gives on Halloween.


:: feedback ::
> Suggestions, ideas,
tips for coverage? Tell us!

:: mega-donors ::

> During the 1999 elections, members of the General Assembly received more than half their money from 150 groups and individuals.

Here are the top donors, and how they fared during the 2000 legislative session.

Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2001

Provisional teen driving bill passes Senate

Teen driving, a hotly debated issue this General Assembly session, held senators' attention yesterday when they passed a provisional licensing bill for minors on a 34-6 vote, reported the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

The bill, if backed by the House of Delegates, would do several things:

  • Drivers would have to wait until they are 15 and a half, instead of the current 15, to get their learner's permit. And when driving with such a permit, they would have to be accompanied by an adult.

  • At 16 and a half, a conditional license may be issued and for a year, no more than two non-related passengers may ride with the new driver.

  • Teens with learning permits may not drive between midnight and 4 a.m. and must log 40 hours of driving time, 10 of those hours at night.

  • By 18 years old, the driver may qualify for a permanent license.

Senators from Southwest Virginia and other rural areas of the state opposed the new restrictions. They said parents often need their children's help on the farm at a young age and driving may be necessary. Others in opposition expressed concern about how the bill would be enforced.

Does Pledge of Allegiance promote patriotism?

"I pledge allegiance to the flag ..."

Students may become well acquainted with this short patriotic verse, for soon they may have to recite it everyday.

The Senate voted 27-9 yesterday for a bill that requires public school students to stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance every day, The Virginian-Pilot reported.

Exceptions would be made for students who have permission from their parents or church officials claiming an objection on religious or philosophical grounds. Keeping quiet for any other reason could result in suspension.

Sen. Warren E. Barry, R-Fairfax, said he sponsored this bill to nurture patriotism. Some lawmakers questioned whether this bill would defy the very principle that the American flag symbolizes for many.

"That someone would have to give the government their explanation of philosophy or religion, to me, goes too far,'' said Sen. R. Edward Houck, D-Spotsylvania. Barry also wrote the "Minute of Silence" bill last year.

Requiring women to wait before getting an abortion

The House Courts of Justice Committee approved a measure that requires a 24-hour waiting period in which time a doctor can inform the woman of the risks and procedure of an abortion, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

"We are delighted," said Fiona Givens, spokeswoman for the Virginia Society for Human Life. "We are cautiously confident that it will pass this year."

Delegate Donald E. McEachin, D-Henrico, a Democratic candidate running for attorney general, proposed an amendment allowing women to talk to their clergy instead of a physician about abortions. His amendment was defeated.

The bill goes next to the full House of Delegates, where it has previously passed, for a vote.

 

:: links ::

> Home page for MASC 375, the Legislative Reporting course
at Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Mass Communications

> Hotlist of newspapers covering the General Assembly

> Other online resources for legislative reporters