Virginia Senator Cosgrove Introduces Bill to Repeal Optional Reporting of Misdemeanors in Schools

Senator John Cosgrove (R-Chesapeake) has introduced a bill for the 2022 General Assembly session requiring school principals to report certain misdemeanor offenses to law enforcement and to the victim’s parents. His SB 2 reverses changes made by Delegate Mike Mullin’s (D-Newport) 2020 House Bill 257. That bill changed the law so only felonies were required to be reported to law enforcement, leaving the rest to be reported at the discretion of school officials.

Mullins’ original bill kept reporting requirements for some misdemeanors including sexual assault. That version of the bill passed the House with broad bipartisan support.

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Newport News School Board Backtracks, Passes Transgender Policy

The Newport News School Board reconsidered its vote against a transgender policy. After frustration from transgender advocates and politicians including Congressman Bobby Scott (D-VA-03) and Delegate Mike Mullin (D-Newport News), the board voted four to three in favor of the policy, flipping its previous vote of five to one with one abstention.

In the Thursday special meeting Member John Eley explained why he changed his vote: “As school board members we must uphold the law and follow the law. If we’re not in compliance with the law, we’re breaking the rules.”

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Delegate Mullin Introduces HB 2263 to End Virginia’s Death Penalty

Delegate Mike Mullin (D-Newport News) has introduced HB 2263, which would abolish the death penalty in Virginia. The bill has attracted support from leading Democratic policy makers; co-patrons of the bill are House Majority Leader Charniele Herring (D-Alexandria), attorney general candidate Delegate Jay Jones (D-Norfolk), gubernatorial candidate Delegate Lee Carter (D-Manassas), and 40-year House member Delegate Ken Plum (D-Fairfax). In his 2021 State of the Commonwealth address, Governor Ralph Northam also advocated ending the death penalty.

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Lawsuit Accuses Delegate Michael Mullin of Violating Separation of Powers

Delegate Michael Mullin (D-Newport News) is accused of violating the separation of powers by serving as an attorney in cases with justices he appoints. The lawsuit asks the court to “disqualify any judge(s) subject to review or reappointment” by Mullin, and to remove Mullin from prosecution of the case.

The suit contends that Mullin’s positions as both a Delegate in the House and an assistant attorney violates Articles III and IV of the Constitution of Virginia.

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