Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - The Senate Judiciary Committee has rejected a Republican attempt to repeal some policing reforms approved post-George Floyd in 2020. Delegate Ellen Campbell (R-Rockbridge) had wanted to allow law enforcement to make police stops based on broken brake lights or unlit license plates. Democrats banned those types of stops in 2020 in hopes of reducing the disproportionate number of stops of African-Americans.
Campbell argued the stops allow law enforcement to make arrests for more serious crimes and take drugs off the street. She also says a number of localities have asked for a repeal.
The committee also rejected a priority of Governor Glenn Youngkin's (R) to allow dealers be charged with murder if their drugs lead to a fatal overdose. Senator Joe Morrissey (D-Petersburg) argued it would lead to people not calling 9-1-1 in an overdose.
