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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.
China Builds Museums ... But Will The Visitors Come?
China is on a spree to build world-class museums and has opened about 100 of them annually in recent years. Two of the biggest opened on the same day last fall on opposite banks of Shanghai's Huangpu River. But filling these museums — with both art and visitors — is proving more challenging.Nutrition Group Says Chocolate Milk Is OK, No Need For Aspartame
The nation's largest group of nutritionists is urging the FDA to reject the dairy industry's petition to change the definition of milk. The petition aims to allow aspartame or other alternatives to be used to sweeten milk in an effort to boost consumption in schools.IRS Official In Charge Of Nonprofits Declines To Testify
Lois Lerner, who heads the IRS division dealing with nonprofits seeking tax-exempt status, will not testify on Wednesday despite a congressional subpoena, her attorney says. She is accused of closely scrutinizing conservative groups that sought tax-exempt status.Microsoft Reveals New Xbox One Game System
Microsoft unveiled its new Xbox One Tuesday, displaying a device that takes new steps in game consoles' journey into becoming all-purpose entertainment and communication devices. The new console replaces the Xbox 360, which has been on the market for more than seven years.Leave a Comment
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