Author Archive: Captial News Service

RICHMOND BEAT: Legislature Approves Excused Absences for Student Mental Health
RICHMOND, Va. — The General Assembly passed an amended bill that will allow K-12 students excused absences for mental health issues and will create uniformity for how Virginia school districts address emotional and mental health needs within its schools.

CNS: Corona Virus Affects Imports at Port of Baltimore
An expected shipment to the Port of Baltimore has been canceled for the first time because of the virus — due to a lack of goods.

RICHMOND BEAT: Gen. Assembly Snuffs Marijuana Legalization Hopes… for Now
Several decriminalization bills passed their respective chambers, but hopes of legalization went up in smoke.

RICHMOND BEAT: House Advances Bill to Allow Food Stamp Benefits at Certain Restaurants
RICHMOND, Va. — House Bill 1410 passed the House Tuesday 54-41. The bill requires the Department of Social Services to participate in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

RICHMOND BEAT: Bill Giving State’s Electoral Votes to Popular Vote Winner Passes House
RICHMOND — Legislation seeking to guarantee the presidency to candidates who earn the popular vote in national elections passes House and progresses to Senate.

RICHMOND BEAT: Hundreds of LGBTQ Advocates Lobby Lawmakers for Protections
The day after hundreds lobbied lawmakers on behalf of LGBTQ rights during Equality Virginia’s Day of Action, two significant bills advanced in the General Assembly to further protections for the state’s LGBTQ residents.