Lucky number seven. Virginia has rewritten its original constitution (1776) six times thus making our current constitution (1971) the seventh state constitution. While there is no serious movement afoot to get to the eighth constitution there are plenty of carry over, first reference and first resolution bills that propose to modify our present constitution.
Right to vote. HJ578, Keam D-Vienna (first reference). Provides there is a right to vote and requires the Commonwealth to provide all resources necessary to assist qualified voters in the exercise of their right to vote.
Redistricting Commission. HJ 582, Heretick, D-Portsmouth (first reference). Establishes a 13 member Virginia Redistricting Commission.
Governor’s term of office. HJ584, Keam D-Vienna (first reference). Permits governor to succeed himself or herself in office. Permits two terms, either in succession or not. Prohibits a third term.
Joint election of Governor and Lt Governor. HJ585, Keam D-Vienna (first reference). Joint election of Governor and Lt Governor. Both candidates to appear jointly on the ballot similar to the US president and Vice President.
Reapportionment after redistricting. HJ591, Cole – R-Fredricksburg (first reference). Reapportionment of legislative electoral districts following census-based redistricting. Limited to getting districts to coincide with voting precincts.
Definition of marriage. SJ1, Ebbin – D – Alexandria (carry over). Repeals language defining marriage as”only a union between one man and one woman” based on ruling oif US Supreme Court in Obergefell v. Hodges (2015). Legislation refiled as first reference under SJ251.
Qualifications for Governor. SJ2, Chase – R – Midlothian (carry over). Increases from five to eight years the time a person must be a resident of Virginia before becoming eligible to be governor. Legislation refiled as first reference under SJ252 and as a first resolution under SR82.
General Assembly term limits. SJ3, Chase – R – Midlothian (carry over). Limits members of the Senate to three full terms and members of the House of Delegates to six full terms. Legislation refiled as first reference under SJ253 and as a first resolution under SR83.
Restoration of right to vote for non-violent felons. SJ5, Lucas – D – Portsmouth (first reference). Allows the General Assembly to enact a law automatically restoring the right to vote for non-violent felons who have completed their sentences.
Governor’s term of office (see also HJ584). SJ8, Ebbin – D- Alexandria (carry over). Permits governor to succeed himself or herself in office. Permits two terms, either in succession or not. Prohibits a third term. Legislation refiled as first reference under SJ250.
Qualifications to vote. SJ9, Locke – D – Hampton (carry over). Removes restrictions on the right to vote from those convicted of a felony or adjudicated to be mentally incompetent.
Qualifications to vote. SJ12, Lucas – D – Portsmouth (carry over). See SJ9 (above).
Virginia Redistricting Commission. SJ25, Hanger – R – Augusta (carry over). Established seven member redistricting commission. Establishes standards to remain in compliance with state constitution requirements for districts.
Restoration of right to vote for felons. SJ27, Hanger – R – Augusta (carry over). Allows General Assembly to legislate automatic restoration of right to vote for felons who have completed their sentences other than in cases of “barrier crimes” (to be defined by the General Assembly).
Virginia Redistricting Commission. SJ34, Barker – D – Alexandria (carry over). Establishes an eight member redistricting commission.
Seized drug assets used to promote law enforcement. SJ39, Reeves – R – Fredericksburg (carry over). Proceeds from the sale of forfeited property for drug offenses be paid into the state treasury and distributed for the purpose of promoting law enforcement, the purpose of promoting law enforcement shall be as defined by general law.
Virginia Redistricting Commission. SJ51, Deeds – D – Bath (first resolution). See HJ582 (above).
Criteria for electoral districts. SJ68, Vogel – R – Warrenton (first reference). Provides criteria for drawing electoral districts including “contiguous and compact” territory.
Political reform. SJ258, Chase – R – Midlothian (first reference). Prohibits the establishment of electoral districts that intentionally or unduly favor or disfavor any political party and requires the General Assembly to regulate the role of money in elections and governance to ensure transparency, to prevent corruption, and to protect against the buying of access to or influence over elected officials.
— Don Rippert.
