Constitutional amendment (first reference);marriage; repeal of same-sex marriage prohibition; recognition ofsame-sex marriages. Repeals the constitutional provision definingmarriage as only a union between one man and one woman, as well asthe related provisions that are no longer valid as a result of theUnited States Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges,576 U.S. 644 (2015). The amendment provides that the Commonwealthand its political subdivisions and its agents are required to issuemarriage licenses, recognize marriages, and treat all marriages equallyunder the law, regardless of the gender of the two parties to themarriage. The amendment further provides that religious organizationsand clergy acting in their religious capacity have the right to refuseto perform any marriage.
Del. Don Scott
Sponsored bills
Commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Conventionon the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.
Constitutional amendment (first reference);franchise and officers; felon disenfranchisement; automatic restorationof political rights. Provides that no person who has been convictedof a felony shall be qualified to vote until the completion of hissentence of imprisonment or active supervision, at which time, withoutfurther action required of him, his political rights, including theright to vote, shall be restored. A person convicted of a felonymay also have his civil rights restored by the Governor or otherappropriate authority.
Celebrating the life of George Henry Banks.
Celebrating the life of Billy Joe Roberts.
Celebrating the life of the Honorable MamyeE. BaCote.
Celebrating the life of the Honorable AugustusBenton Chafin, Jr.
Celebrating the life of the Honorable AugustusBenton Chafin, Jr.
Expungement of police and court records; nolleprosequi taken or acquittal. Provides that a court that takesa nolle prosequi or enters a judgment acquitting a person of a criminalcharge shall, upon motion of the person, enter an order requiringthe expungement of the police and court records relating to the charge.Currently, such a person may file a separate petition for the expungementof such records; however, except in certain cases involving misdemeanorcharges, the person is not entitled to an order of expungement, andthe court hearing the petition must find that the continued existenceand possible dissemination of such records causes or may cause circumstancesthat constitute a manifest injustice to such person before such anorder will be entered.
Application of parole statutes. Repealsthe abolition of parole. The bill also provides that the VirginiaParole Board shall establish procedures for consideration of parolefor persons who were previously ineligible for parole, because parolewas abolished, to allow for an extension of time for reasonable cause.