City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: FEBRUARY 24, 2020
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
FROM: MARK B. JINKS, CITY MANAGER
DOCKET TITLE:
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Update on the 2020 General Assembly Session.
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ISSUE: Update on the 2020 General Assembly Session.
DISCUSSION: The 2020 General Assembly Session began on January 9 - February 25 will be the 49th legislative day of the session. Since this is a long legislative session with the General Assembly in session for 60-days this year, sine die is currently scheduled for March 7. Sarah Taylor, the City's Legislative Director, will continue to represent the City in Richmond throughout the General Assembly Session.
Legislative Package - The City's 2020 Legislative Package has proposals organized into two sections - Legislative Principles and Legislative Priorities.
The section of Legislative Principles is structured around the City's Strategic Plan and creates a clear nexus between the City's goals and the legislative and funding measures necessary for us to achieve these goals. In general, the Legislative Principles are broadly crafted and focus on comprehensive legislative strategies rather than specific legislative tactics.
Legislation that aligns with and supports the City's Legislative Principles has been filed in each area, including: affordable housing authority; anti-discrimination in the areas of housing, employment, credit and public accommodations; procurement flexibility for localities; common sense gun safety, including "red flag" laws and stronger background checks for all gun buyers; decriminalization of marijuana possession; local authority regarding war memorials on public property; banning conversion therapy for LGBTQ youth; automated speed enforcement; single use plastic and Styrofoam products; taxing e-cigarettes and vaping products; raising the tax on tobacco products; and protectin...
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