Issue Position: A Better Virginia

Issue Position

Public Safety In 2018, I made a commitment to reintroduce HB757 which requires a registered sex offender who enters an emergency shelter, pursuant to a declared state or local emergency, to notify a member of the shelter's staff. This legislation failed in the Senate last year but this year's bill, HB2303, made it through the House, Senate, and both chambers defeated Governor Northam's amendments which would have inexplicably "gutted" the bill. If Governor Northam doesn't veto the bill, it will become law in time to ensure the safety of Virginians during declared emergencies, in particular those of Hampton Roads during the upcoming hurricane season.

Last year I introduced the "Enhanced Public Safety Telephone Services Act; Implementation of Next Generation 9-1-1 Services." This legislation is paving the way to replace antiquated analog 911 services. During the 2019 Session, I introduced a budget amendment establishing an Emergency Response Systems Development line of credit which will allow design and implementation to move forward. As indicated last year, by using existing funding streams, these improvements will NOT result in any fee or tax increase.

Coal Ash. Of significant environmental importance to Chesapeake is legislation introduced and passed requiring Dominion Energy to excavate coal ash from its site known as Chesapeake Energy Center, located on the southern branch of the Elizabeth River. This legislation requires 25% of the coal ash to be recycled with the remaining ash removed and stored in a lined landfill meeting federal permitting standards rather than remain in a "filled and capped" state.

Traffic. In addition to other noticeable traffic projects around Hampton Roads, you will soon see improvements and widening of the Chesapeake High Rise Bridge- from which you can see and pass Dominion's Chesapeake Energy Center. In addition, this year's budget included funding for expansion of the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel by 2025.

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