Incarcerated people and their loved ones will continue to pay fees that advocates and some lawmakers say are too stiff. Senate Bill 581, introduced by Sen. Joseph Morrissey, D-Richmond, initially proposed to eliminate jail fees related to the costs of an inmate's...
Black Legacy Commemorated With Proposed Richmond Planet Newspaper License Plate
A former Black community newspaper will be commemorated in a special license plate if Virginia House lawmakers give the bill its final stamp of approval. Sen. Joseph D. Morrissey, D-Richmond, introduced Senate Bill 753, which will authorize the issuance of a special...
Virginia Bill Again Seeks To Limit Solitary Confinement
A bill that seeks to limit the use of isolated — or solitary — confinement in Virginia’s correctional facilities now faces the Republican-controlled House, who voted down a similar measure earlier in the session. Sen. Joseph Morrissey, D-Richmond, proposed Senate Bill...
Lawmakers Ban Gay Panic Defense In Virginia
A bill that will outlaw the notorious "gay panic" and "trans panic" defenses is headed to Governor Northam's desk for his signature. Virginia lawmakers passed a bill that will ban the use of a person’s perceived or actual sexual orientation or gender identity as a...
Amended Bill to Limit Solitary Confinement Heads to Senate Floor
David Smith remembers dancing to music in his head and having conversations with television shows during 16 months in solitary confinement at Norfolk City Jail. “Your mind plays tricks on you,” Smith said. “There was a slow disconnect with reality. I didn’t...
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