Advocates want to make Virginia an abortion 'safe haven'

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — With a newly empowered Democratic majority at the Virginia General Assembly, abortion-rights advocates say the state has a chance to roll back decades of restrictions and become a “safe haven” for women in neighboring conservative states. Abortion-rights groups laid out...

Virginia House advances gun control measures

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Democrats in the Virginia House are advancing a package of gun-control measures less than a week after tens of thousands of pro-gun advocates from around the country rallied at the state Capitol. But the advancing bills don't yet include a proposed assault weapon ban, a top priority...

Va Senate passes 'red flag' gun law over fierce opposition

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — The Virginia Senate approved legislation Wednesday that would allow authorities to take guns away from people deemed dangerous to themselves or others, as the state moves closer to joining a growing number of states enacting so-called “red flag” gun laws. The...

West Virginia invites NRA as Virginia plans for gun-control

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — A West Virginia senator is inviting the National Rifle Association to move to his state as lawmakers pursue gun-control measures in neighboring Virginia, where the group now has its headquarters. The invitation came in a Monday letter from Republican Sen. Randy Smith to NRA...

Virginia Senate advances 'red flag' gun law, despite rally

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — The day after a massive gathering of gun-rights activists at the Virginia Capitol, the state Senate on Tuesday advanced legislation that would allow authorities to take guns away from people deemed dangerous to themselves or others. The Democratic-led Senate gave preliminary approval...

Virginia Senate advances bill to scrap Lee-Jackson holiday

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — The Virginia Senate on Tuesday advanced legislation to scrap the state’s Lee-Jackson holiday celebrating two Confederate generals. The Democratic-led Senate voted largely along party lines to pass legislation that would make Election Day a state holiday instead of Lee-Jackson...

Virginia moves to brink of becoming 38th state to ratify ERA

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia on Wednesday moved to the brink of becoming the crucial 38th state to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment in what was seen as a momentous victory for the women's rights movement even though it is far from certain the measure will ever be added to the U.S. Constitution. The state...

Virginia House panel advances ERA for full floor vote

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia moved a step closer to ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment on Tuesday, even as the measure's future nationally remains in doubt. A House committee approved a resolution to ratify the gender equality measure, which advocates hope will become the next amendment to the U.S....

Virginia House votes to ratify ERA; Senate expected to follow later Wednesday

Virginia lawmakers ban guns at state Capitol

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia lawmakers voted Friday to ban firearms at the state Capitol, the first in what's expected to be many contentious gun votes in coming weeks. Newly empowered Democrats who made up a majority of a special rules committee voted to ban guns at the Capitol and a legislative office...