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Saxman highlights passed legislation
RICHMOND - With the 2008 General Assembly session entering its third full week, Del. Chris Saxman highlighted several pieces of legislation that have passed the House of Delegates.
House Bill 322, which passed the House of Delegates 95-1 last week, prohibits members of the General Assembly, the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and members of the Virginia congressional delegation from attending political party committee fund-raisers during regular sessions of the General Assembly.
Current state law forbids members of the General Assembly from soliciting and receiving campaign contributions when the General Assembly is in session, but it does not forbid any state elected official from attending political fund-raisers during a session of the General Assembly.
Saxman introduced the legislation to further differentiate the legislative process from the political process in Virginia.
"I think it is important during the brief time the General Assembly convenes each year that we only focus on the legislative process and addressing issues important to Virginians," Saxman explained. "This legislation will give citizens of Virginia greater confidence that we are in Richmond to represent them, not powerful lobbying groups."
House Bill 1482 and House Joint Resolution 231, both dealing with the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, passed unanimously. HB 1482 authorizes the DGIF to employ nonlethal control measures in dealing with nuisance bears. DGIF had asked for authorization to use such measures in dealing with nuisance bears, and this legislation accomplishes that. As a result, DGIF will now have an array of options at its disposal to allow it to better protect citizens and property, as well as Virginia's bear population.
House Joint Resolution 231 expresses the sense of the General Assembly that the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries and the DGIF provide for better communication between hunters, sportsmen's groups and DGIF when formulating wildlife regulations. "DGIF, hunters, sportsmen's groups and concerned citizens support the sentiments expressed in this resolution," Saxman said. "It is my hope this legislation will foster a better working relationship between all parties and better policies for Virginia."
Having passed the House, these bills have been communicated to the Senate for consideration.
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