Gov. Bob McDonnell's plea for legislation to automatically restore the civil rights of nonviolent felons has been rejected by fellow Republicans in the House of Delegates.
A GOP-dominated House subcommittee killed the legislation Monday, less than a week after McDonnell surprised lawmakers by urging them to support the legislation. Democrats have championed automatic restoration of rights for years.
Del. Charnielle Herring of Alexandria, chairwoman of the state Democratic Party and one of the sponsors of the legislation, said she was disappointed that Republicans rejected what she says has become a nonpartisan proposal.
Salem delegate Greg Habeeb was a key sponsor of the legislation. In a statement, Habeeb said he was disappointed with Monday's outcome.
"However, our work does not end here and I am optimistic about the future of this legislation. In the years ahead, I will continue to push for a more efficient and less burdensome re-entry process in the Commonwealth,” Habeeb wrote in the news release. “There is a great diversity of thought in the House of Delegates. I very much appreciate the genuine concerns of those opposed to my legislation. I look forward to continuing the conversation with my colleagues to solve this important issue.”
Here is the news release from Governor McDonnell’s office:
Governor Bob McDonnell issued the following statement this morning following a House subcommittee vote against proposed constitutional amendments that would provide for the automatic restoration of rights for individuals who have committed a non-violent felony but have served their full sentences and paid all fines and fees. Governor McDonnell announced his support for the legislation during the State of the Commonwealth address, and his Secretary of the Commonwealth, Janet Kelly, testified on behalf of the Administration in support of the measures at the hearing.
“I am very disappointed in today’s vote against these constitutional amendments. Once individuals have served their time, and paid their fines, restitution, and other costs, they should have the opportunity to rejoin society as fully contributing members. As a nation that embraces second chances and believes in redemption, we want more productive citizens and fewer people returning to prison. Automatic restoration of constitutional rights will help reintegrate individuals back into society and prevent future crimes, which means fewer victims and a safer Virginia.
When I ran for Governor, I pledged to institute the fastest and fairest restoration of rights process in Virginia history. We have approved more applications for the restoration of rights than any prior administration. We are acting on completed applications in 60 days or less; far quicker than prior efforts. While it is a faster process, it is still an executive branch process. A person convicted of a non-violent offense, who has served their time, and paid all their fines and costs, should be able to then regain the right to vote and begin their life again as a fully engaged member of our democracy. A constitutional right deserves a constitutional amendment so that all applicants are treated equally across administrations.
I believe strongly, as a matter of conscience, in protecting the constitutional rights of our citizens. And I believe that it is time for Virginia to join the overwhelming majority of states in eliminating our bureaucratic restoration process and creating a clear predictable constitutional and statutory process. I appreciate the support of Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling and Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli for this measure. Our Administration will remain committed to seeing Virginia put in place an automatic restoration of rights process for non-violent felons. It is the right step to take.”
