January 22, 2019
Greetings from Richmond: Week 2
The second week of the 2019 legislative session was a whirlwind as I filed my last bills and budget requests, prepared for my first bill hearings and press conference of the session, and met with constituents and stakeholders. I am excited to share with you my complete legislative agenda here.
Thank you to those that have completed my constituent survey. If you have not submitted your feedback yet, please consider doing so here. As always, my staff and I stand ready to assist you.
Cheers, Kathy
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
I presented HB2492, the gun safety bill Governor Northam asked me to carry on his behalf. This legislation would ban the sale and possession of semi-automatic assault-style and assault weapons in Virginia. Unfortunately, all commonsense gun safety bills in the House and Senate were defeated on party line votes. We must not despair and continue to fight to keep our children and families safe from gun violence.
I also presented HB2525, which would extend the statute of limitations for misdemeanor sexual offenses against minors to five years. There are significant power imbalances when minors experience these criminal acts, and it is important to provide survivors with time to come forward and seek justice. This is the second year I introduced a bill on this issue, and again, I am proud to have the support of the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance, Virginia Association of Commonwealth Attorneys, and the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police. The bill is still being considered by the Courts of Justice Committee, and I will keep you updated about its progress.
I joined Governor Northam, Lieutenant Governor Fairfax, Attorney General Herring, and members of the Virginia General Assembly for a press conference with NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia about protecting women’s access to reproductive healthcare. I spoke about the HB2491, legislation I introduced alongside Senator Jennifer McClellan, to repeal medically unnecessary and unduly burdensome requirements on abortion care providers. I stand with women and their right to make their own healthcare decisions without interference from politicians.
CONSTITUENT VISITS
I enjoyed meeting with constituents and neighbors from Northern Virginia throughout the week. I look forward to seeing you in Richmond during this session - If you are unable to come in person during session, please share your priorities for our community by emailing me at DelKTran@house.virginia.gov, calling me at 804.698.1042, or completing my 2019 constituent survey.
I was glad to speak with members of the Fairfax County Professional Firefighters and Paramedics Local 2068 about the need to ensure firefighters are able to access necessary healthcare to address cancer and other illnesses related to their work as first responders.
It was good to see members of Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement (VOICE) about supporting working families and creating a more welcoming and inclusive environment in Virginia. Part of their advocacy that day included talking to legislators about my bill, HB2025, to provide authorization to drive to everyone who passes DMV requirements, regardless of their immigration status.
It was a pleasure to see Rob Shenk from the Mount Vernon Estate and talk about legislation affecting distilleries in Virginia. George Washington’s Mount Vernon continues to be one of the treasures of the 42nd District, and I look forward to continuing our partnership to serve members of our community.
Members of the Fairfax County Democrats Committee of 50+ visited me to talk about issues affecting our aging population. I appreciate the time they took to ensure our state government meets the needs of aging Virginians.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Join me for a Town Hall with Senators Scott Surovell and George Barker at South County High School on Saturday, February 2nd from 1pm-3pm. We look forward to giving you an update on the legislative session and hearing about the issues that are important to you and your family.