THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, January 23, 1996 TAG: 9601230287
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A4 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS
LENGTH: Medium: 80 lines
Lawmakers Monday filled the state Capitol with paper, meeting their deadline for filing proposed legislation for the 1996 session.
While some proposed laws would touch all Virginians, others have intense local impact. For instance, Del. Frank Wagner, R-Virginia Beach, submitted a bill to study the possibility of using Craney Island to expand the ports in the Elizabeth River, and for the site of a third crossing of Hampton Roads.
With the Hampton Roads ports expected to reach capacity by 2010 and traffic already straining the Hampton Roads and Monitor-Merrimac bridge tunnels, Wagner said he thinks Craney Island can solve both problems.
Among the more high-profile, far-reaching bills filed was a measure that would allow the creation of charter schools. The bill, sponsored by Del. J. Paul Councill Jr., D-Southampton, would allow parents, teachers and others to create independent schools free of many state regulations.
The bill is similar to one that failed last year, but is less strident, said co-sponsor Del. Phillip Hamilton, R-Newport News. For example, it limits the number of charter schools in each school district to two instead of 10, which was originally proposed. It also would give the local school board the ultimate authority over the charter school.
``It makes it more of an experimental thing,'' Hamilton said.
Sen. Patricia Ticer, D-Alexandria, introduced a bill that would repeal the state's concealed weapons statute, reinstating the requirement that a person demonstrate need in order to obtain a permit. Sen. Joseph V. Gartlan, D-Fairfax, last week introduced a similar bill.
Bills filed by Del. Linda Puller, D-Fairfax, and Sen. Jane Woods, R-Fairfax, would increase the length of the school year from 180 to 210 days.
Del. George Grayson, D-James City, introduced a measure that would require heightened security measures at convenience stores open overnight, including a requirement that two or more employees be on duty between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Legislators traditionally wait until the final day to introduce many of their bills.
A bill introduced by Del. Harry R. Purkey, R-Virginia Beach, would prohibit legislators from introducing at any regular session more than a combined total of 12 bills and resolutions.
A list of only a few of the pieces of legislation Virginia's elected officials will consider, with their patron.
EDUCATION
HB776, to establish charter schools. By Del. J. Paul Councill Jr., Franklin.
SB417 and HB744, to increase the length of the school year from 180 to 210 days. By Sen. Jane H. Woods, Fairfax, and Del. Linda T. Puller, Mt. Vernon.
HB927, to require that money from the sale or lease of surplus state property be used to improve facilities at state colleges and universities. By Purkey, Virginia Beach.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
SB431, to require health insurers and health maintenance organizations to provide coverage for mammograms and SB432, to require health insurers and health maintenance organizations to provide coverage for annual pap smears. By Sen. Kenneth W. Stolle, Virginia Beach.
SB443, to eliminate the requirement for annual inspections of hospitals, nursing homes and certified facilities. Sen. Joseph B. Benedetti, Richmond.
HB710, to require health insurers to cover treatment of prostate cancer by radioscopic examination and HB715, to make carpal tunnel syndrome or hearing loss a medically defined disease in reference to workers' compensation. By Del. Clarence E. Phillips, Castlewood.
CAMPAIGN REFORM
HB864, to impose campaign spending limits for individuals, groups and political action committees for candidates for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and the General Assembly. By Del. Glenn R. Croshaw, Virginia Beach.
SB388, to establish a fund to be financed by an income tax check-off system to provide funds for campaigns for statewide office and the General Assembly. By Sen. Madison E. Mayre, Shawville.
KEYWORDS: GENERAL ASSEMBLY 1996 PROPOSED BILLS PROPOSED LAWS by CNB