Groups lay out legislative priorities ahead of start of Virginia General Assembly

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - Richmond City Hall has a wish list heading into the 2024 Virginia General Assembly session.

It includes a $100 million ask to address the combined sewer system. It’s one of the oldest in the state.

As of now, the state budget only contains half of those funds, which is to help keep wastewater out of the James River.

“We’re asking for more because we know if we are unable to find the needed amount, a lot of this burden will fall on the ratepayers,” said Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney.

$650 million is needed overall, with the mayor saying if the state doesn’t help, utility bills could skyrocket.

Another top ask is allowing these speed cameras in more places. Stoney hopes to get permission to install them around higher education institutions in the city.

“That means in the areas of VCU, University of Richmond, Virginia Union or even J. Sergeant Reynolds. Right now, we cannot utilize speed cameras to catch those individuals who are not obeying the traffic laws,” said Mayor Stoney.

The Virginia Citizens Defense League also has some wants this session, too. The group hopes to better knife laws while also pushing a bill to overturn needing a permit to carry a concealed gun.

“If you put on a coat now, magically you have to get a permit and all that, so permit-less carry would say it doesn’t matter if you have a coat on or not a coat, if the gun is visible or not visible, it’s all the same. You can carry,” said Philip Van Cleave, VCDL President.

The pro-gun rights group also plans to advocate against a bill that would restrict firearms in restaurants and bars that serve alcohol.

“There have been no problems. You’re not allowed to drink under current law if you carry in a restaurant with a concealed handgun you can’t drink. You’re not mixing guns and alcohol but there’s a bill out there to take away that right,” said Van Cleave.

The Virginia NAACP plans to get in the way of some of that. The group says it supports expanding background checks for firearm sales. Members also want to end racial disparities within policing.

“We will defend and expand the elimination of pre-textural policing which is racial profiling at all law enforcement traffic stops,” said Tyee Mallor, Virginia NAACP Legislative Coordinator.

The session starts at noon Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Lobby Day is set for Jan. 15. That’s a day when a number of groups descend on the Virginia State Capitol to pump their priorities. VCDL is hoping thousands of its members will rally that day too.