Tie vote in Senate nullifies nullification amendment

In a near-party-line vote of 19-19, Sen. Ralph Smith’s (R – Roanoke) SJ 305 — a redundant constitutional amendment that would have allowed the General Assembly to “nullify” administrative rules and regulations — failed to achieve the 21 votes required for passage. (Two Senate Republicans joined all seventeen Democrats in opposition.) Under current law, the General Assembly already has the ability to address issues with rules and regulations through ordinary legislation.

Said Sen. Donald McEachin (D – Henrico), “This resolution would amend our constitution with unnecessary language. Instead of wasting time on political stunts and partisan posturing, Republicans should be working with us to make Virginia a better place to live, work, and raise a family.”

Said Sen. Lynwood Lewis (D – Accomack), “The legislative session this year is just forty-five days long. Virginians expect their leaders to spend that time working to solve the many, many problems we face — but instead we’re wasting precious time on needless partisan games that do nothing to help hardworking families. I am deeply disappointed.”