Weekly Newsletter January 27, 2023

This week marked the end of our third week in this session of the General Assembly here in Richmond.  We have reviewed and voted on dozens of bills that have been offered in the different committees. While many bills have made their way through Subcommittees and moved on to the Full Committees, we still have a long way to go. Most of our debates take place in the Full Committees before they reach the House floor for a vote. So far I have had one bill make its way through the whole process. It is a bipartisan bill to create a license plate to honor our Women Veterans. I am still waiting to have the rest of my bills heard in the various Subcommittees where they have to pass before moving on to the floor for final passage. Most of the debates take place in the Full Committees. Bills that don’t pass there won’t make it to the floor for consideration by the full House.  

At this time the House is a majority Republican while the Senate is a majority Democratic. Some of our bills that have been defeated in Subcommittee or Full Committee in the House will be heard again because they will come back over to the House after being passed by the Senate. Most of our gun safety measures will go through this process.  

I am proud to be working with Delegate Jackie Glass to hold our next Women Veteran’s Roundtable. This one will be held here in Richmond on February 23 at the War Memorial (621 S. Belvidere St, Richmond, VA 23220). If you are interested in attending, you can reach out to my office: [email protected].

Our days are busier and longer as we work our way through the many bills that have advanced through subcommittees, Full committees and are making their way to the House for final passage (or defeat). However, most of our debates take place in Subcommittee or Full Committee. Debates on the floor are more issue oriented rather than being the focus of just one bill.  

Throughout the Session, each evening I attend numerous legislative receptions. This week I attended an event hosted by the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education (pictured below), as well as the reception held by George Mason University. I strongly believe in investing in education and setting up future generations of Virginians for success. I am a strong advocate of our Community Colleges and their goal of providing an affordable college education. Additionally, I believe they are essential to help provide workforce training.

This week Governor and Mrs. Youngkin held a reception for Members of the General Assembly at the Governor’s Mansion. These receptions provide us with the opportunity to have informal conversations with the Governor and help us make sure we are being heard.  

Thank you for your interest in this session of the General Assembly. Please reach out to me with any questions or concerns you might have. It is my honor to represent you in the Virginia House of Delegates.  

My warmest regards,

Kathleen Murphy

VA-34

Delegate Murphy participating at a Virginia's Community Colleges event

Legislation Updates

Here are the latest actions for the eleven bills I have introduced this Session:

HB2070 closes what is known as the “boyfriend loophole,” further preventing domestic abusers from owning a gun. 

  • Referred to House Committee for Courts of Justice

HB2227 holds parents and guardians civilly liable for a minor’s possession or use of a firearm that was negligently stored. 

  • Referred to House Committee for Courts of Justice

HB2078 requires licensed dealers, when selling or transferring a handgun, to provide a locking device for that firearm or to include a specific written warning that handguns should be locked and kept away from children. 

  • Referred to House Committee for Courts of Justice

HB2074 provides that any person charged with a simple assault and battery offense who has been diagnosed by a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist with an autism spectrum disorder, an intellectual disability, or serious mental illness shall not be subject to a mandatory minimum punishment if the court finds that the violation was caused by or had a direct and substantial relationship to the person's disorder or disability.

  • Referred to House Committee for Courts of Justice

HB2073 creates the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact to create a process for expedited issuance of a license to practice medicine in the Commonwealth.

  • Referred to Subcommittee #3 of the House Health, Welfare and Institutions Committee

HB2224 provides that required newborn screening tests shall be performed at no costs to parents, guardians, hospitals, or health care providers.

  • Referred to House Committee on Appropriations

HB2232 directs the Board of Medical Assistance Services to amend the state plan for medical assistance services to include a provision for the payment of medical assistance for violence prevention services.

  • Referred to Health & Human Resources Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee

HB2076 makes several changes to the eligibility criteria for the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program.

  • Referred to Higher Education Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee

HB2080 authorizes the issuance plates for women veterans upon receipt of an application therefore, evidence that the applicant is an honorably discharged former member of the armed forces of the United States, and certification that the applicant is a woman.

  • Engrossed by House

See a full list of my bills HERE.

Delegate Murphy talking during a public hearing of a bill

How to follow the 2023 General Assembly Session 

Follow along during the legislative session:

  • Watch committee, subcommittee, and floor sessions live here.
  • Look at the daily meeting schedules here. You can provide written comments on bills or sign up to speak before a committee by clicking "Signup."
  • Track the status of all introduced bills and legislators' votes here.

McLean Community Center Governing Board Elections

Residents of Dranesville Small District 1A who are looking for ways to give back to their community are encouraged to consider running for a seat on the McLean Community Center (MCC) Governing Board. The 11-member, volunteer board establishes goals and aligns strategies for MCC programs and facilities, including the Robert Ames Alden Theatre (“The Alden”) and The Old Firehouse Center (OFC). 

Key Election Dates:

  • Wednesday, January 18: Candidate Petition Packets are available for pickup at MCC.
  • Friday, March 3: Completed Petition Packets must be returned by candidates in person to MCC by 5 p.m. 
  • Saturday, March 11: Candidates’ Orientation will be held at MCC.
  • Wednesday, March 15: Absentee Voting begins at MCC.
  • Wednesday, May 17: Absentee Voting ends at 5 p.m. 
  • Saturday, May 20: In-Person Voting held at McLean Day at Lewinsville Park from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 


Upcoming Events

Saturday, January 28: Car Seat Inspection

McLean District Police Station will host free child seat inspections on a first come first served basis. Please have your car seat already installed, so that the inspection can be performed. If you have any questions, contact the McLean Station at 703-556-7750 ext. 0

Time: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Location: McLean District Station, 1437 Balls Hill Rd, McLean

 

Saturday, January 28: Steve Descano Re-Election Campaign Kick-Off

Join supporters from around Fairfax to kick off Steve Descano’s 2023 re-election campaign for Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney. RSVP Here!

Time: 1 p.m.

Location: Earp's Ordinary, 3950 University Drive, Fairfax

 

Saturday, January 28: Reception In Support Of Senator Jennifer McClellan

Please join Nadja Golding and Hanh Deniston for a few hours of winter cheer and support Jennifer McClellan, the next congresswoman from the Commonwealth of Virginia. RSVP Here!

Time: 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Location: McLean home of Nadja Golding (address provided upon RSVP)

 

Sunday, January 29: Celebrate the Lunar New Year with the Democrats’ Asian American Pacific Islanders and Democratic Asian Americans of Virginia 

Let's join together with FCDC's Asian Pacific Islander Caucus and the Democratic Asian Americans of Virginia for the Lunar New Year Celebration with food and videos of traditions. Please RSVP by email to [email protected].

Time: 2 p.m.

Location: Mason Government Center, 6507 Columbia Pike, Annadale.