Delegate Scott 's

Richmond Report

“Veto” day approaches

The final legislative day of the 2005 session takes place in Richmond next Wednesday, April 6. It is the “reconvened session” also known as “veto” day.

The Governor is responsible for initiating the action that takes place. Very little of the action relates to vetoes, which are always few in number, even in cases such as this where party of the Governor and the majority party of the General Assembly are different. “Veto” day is therefore in some ways a misnomer.

Most of the Governor’s actions relate to proposed amendments to bills passed by the Assembly, including the Budget Bill, originally proposed by the Governor. Most of the amendments are suggested by administrative agencies or the by Attorney General. Frequently, they are meant to clarify and correct mistakes. In some cases substantive changes are necessary.

While numerous items are considered, the session lasts only one full day, beginning at noon as regular sessions do. Like many members, I do not plan to spend the night in Richmond.

Gubernatorial amendments and vetoes must be submitted to members a few days before the session, and rarely are they submitted before the deadline.

Because of that the Governor has considerable power over a part-time legislature that does not wish to spend more than one day finishing its business.

The legislative desire to complete work is intensified in the odd-numbered years because the House and the Governor, or the House and the Senate, are up for election that fall, and most are intent upon fund-raising and election campaigns and have very little time to delve deeply into gubernatorial proposals received, in some cases, a day or two before action is required.

Study Commissions

After the session ends, legislative leaders in the House and Senate begin consideration of appointments to study commissions created during the legislative session. Some commissions are continuing; some are limited to one or two years.

The Joint Commission on Health Care for Virginians is a very important continuing commission that studies issues too difficult to resolve in one session of the Assembly. In addition it recommends policy changes on its own initiative.

The Workforce Council and the Joint Commission on Science and Technology (JCOTS) are other well-respected appointed bodies
that have major impact on policy formulation.

This year I requested JCOTS study a bill I introduced to require notification to clients when a database which contains their names is breached. Given the massive breaches that have been publicized since I introduced the legislation, I am hopeful that, if the Federal government does not quickly adopt a strong and fair regulations, on the obligation of data collectors, our JCOTS will make a comprehensive recommendation for action by the General Assembly next year.

Delegate Jim Scott represents the 53rd District in the Virginia House of Delegates. He may be emailed here.