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Legislation to automatically restore voting rights to nonviolent felons is barely alive after a Virginia Senate subcommittee hearing.
A motion to recommend the bill failed on a 3-1 vote Tuesday. That means the measure will go to the full Privileges and Elections Committee without a recommendation.
The action comes a day after a Republican-dominated House of Delegates subcommittee rejected the legislation, which Gov. Bob McDonnell backed in his State of the Commonwealth speech. Democrats have long championed automatic restoration of nonviolent felons' rights to vote, serve on a jury and hold public office.
In Virginia, only the governor can restore those rights.
The measure in the Senate applies only to voting rights. It gives the General Assembly authority to specify which nonviolent felonies are subject to automatic restoration of rights.
James Gandolfini Dies; 'Sopranos' Actor Was 51
Actor James Gandolfini, 51, has reportedly died. Variety magazine reports that he suffered a "sudden stroke." The cause of death is not yet known with certainty, but HBO says the actor may have suffered a heart attack.And The Winner Of The World Food Prize Is ... The Man From Monsanto
The prize is sometimes called the "Nobel Prize for food and agriculture." And this year's winners include Monsanto executive Robert Fraley, a pioneer in genetically engineered crops. If there's a single person who personifies the company's controversial role in American agriculture, it's probably Fraley.Meet The New Governor: Sharply Partisan And Upwardly Mobile
For years, governors were considered the most pragmatic figures in politics. Now, they're using their states to run ideological experiments.Microsoft Responds To Fan Outcry, Changes Xbox One Policies
Microsoft has changed policies regarding Internet connection and used game capabilities for its upcoming Xbox One gaming console. The company says it is responding to feedback from consumers.Leave a Comment
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