Industrial Hemp

October 29, 2014 by Creigh Deeds

The 2015 General Assembly Session is just around the corner. A number of bills have already been introduced, which you can review here. Over the next two months I will spotlight a bill or two of interest every week and hope to solicit feedback from constituents.

During the 2014 Session and over the summer, advocates for industrial hemp visited my office to discuss the merits of legalizing industrial hemp in Virginia. Delegate Joseph Yost sponsored House Bill 1277 to permit the cultivation of industrial hemp. The possibilities for use of industrial hemp are too great to ignore, and I support a thorough examination of what Kentucky and other states are doing, and the potential impact this industry may have in Virginia.

I look forward to the debate on HB 1277 and your input.

2019 Session is Underway

The 2019 Session of the General Assembly is underway. This is a short session, set to adjourn on the 23^rd of February. The Session began with a committee meeting and a speech from the Governor.

Usually it takes several days of preliminary work before the real action begins. This year, however, on the first day of session, the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections met to consider certain constitutional amendments. Most constitutional amendments simply aim to put a matter on the ballot to let the people decide. Typically I have had no problem putting things on the ballot so the people could have their voices heard. The one notable exception to the rule this year was the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). The ERA legislation does not require a ballot initiative rather it only requires ratification by the Virginia General Assembly to make the ERA part of the U.S. Constitution.

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Summer Update

August 23, 2018 By Creigh Deeds

The 2019 legislative session is just around the corner, which is hard to believe since it feels like the 2018 Session just ended. In fact, the General Assembly has yet to adjourn the special session. A couple of issues remain unresolved.

The Governor initially called for a special session because the General Assembly did not reach a budget agreement. After months of wrangling, the legislature adopted a budget on May 30 that included Medicaid expansion. It was a huge bipartisan accomplishment. Nevertheless, the Senate and House of Delegates did not adjourn sine die because the party in the majority has not agreed on the selection of certain judges. Periodically I’ve heard rumors that the General Assembly will be called back to Richmond for a vote, but those rumors have thus far proven to be untrue. In the meantime, another critical issue has arisen. [Read More…]

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