RICHMOND, Virginia – Every year, the General Assembly considers hundreds of bills, many of which may not make the headlines during the legislative session. In the return of this weekly series, let’s take a closer look at some of the interesting proposals put forth by lawmakers in 2024.
Two bills, House Bill 223 and Senate Bill 11, proposed by Del. Bobby Orrock, R-Spotsylvania, and Sen. Barbara Favola, D-Arlington, seek to restrict individuals convicted of animal cruelty from owning or possessing animals in the future. The bills aim to impose restrictions on those with misdemeanor or felony cruelty convictions and would apply to all types of animals, not just companion animals like cats and dogs.
Another set of bills introduced by Del. Ellen Campbell, R-Rockbridge, and Sen. Bill Stanley, R-Franklin, would establish a state animal cruelty conviction list and local animal cruelty registries, all of which would be publicly accessible online.
Del. Karen Keys-Gamarra, D-Fairfax, proposed House Bill 994, which aims to set the legal age of marriage in Virginia at 18 years with no exceptions. The bill seeks to address previous laws that allow minors aged 16 or older to be emancipated for the sole purpose of getting married, as well as those who have already been legally emancipated to enter into a legal marriage.
In regards to towing fees, Sen. Mark Peake, R-Lynchburg, introduced Senate Bill 66, which aims to reduce the maximum amount a driver could be charged for the initial hookup and towing of their car without their consent from $150 to $50. This bill seeks to address the ongoing issue of predatory and excessive towing practices in the state.
With these various proposals, the General Assembly will have the opportunity to address important issues such as animal welfare, marriage laws, and consumer protections. It remains to be seen how these bills will progress through the legislative process and whether they will ultimately become laws in Virginia.