Aproposal to create a research fund named for actor Christopher Reeve to finance embryonic stem cell research at Virginia's academic institutions has received the support of a Senate committee. The measure would allow the state to administer private funds and would call for $1 million in state money.
Sen. H. Russell Potts Jr. (R-Winchester), who sponsored Senate Bill 1194, read a letter of support written by Dana Reeve, the widow of the actor, who was paralyzed in a horseback riding accident in Virginia. Nobel laureate John B. Fenn and Kris Gulden, a former Alexandria police officer who was paralyzed in a bicycling accident, spoke before the Education and Health Committee, which approved the measure 10 to 5.
Sen. H. Russell Potts Jr.'s bill would create a research fund named for Christopher Reeve.
(Steve Helber -- AP)
|
|
Numerous opponents testified that embryonic stem research is unethical because it exchanges one life for the promise of helping another.
The bill will be considered by the Senate Finance Committee, which will decide whether state money should be appropriated.
Abortion Clinic Rules Defeated
A Senate committee has defeated a measure that would have subjected abortion clinics to the same regulations as outpatient surgery centers. They are now treated like doctor's offices, with fewer rules and inspections.
Senate Bill 839 would have required clinics to have wider hallways and doorways, among other restrictions. The sponsor, Sen. Ken Cuccinelli (R-Fairfax), called the regulations "common sense" safety guides that would improve the treatment of women.
Others, however, argued that the bill would require costly renovations that would shut down many clinics. The Education and Health Committee voted 9 to 6 to pass by the bill indefinitely.
Sen. H. Russell Potts Jr. (R-Winchester), who chairs the committee, scheduled the debate for the same day as Planned Parenthood's annual lobby day, so the hearing room was packed with several hundred people wearing bright orange stickers that read "Pro-Family, Pro-Choice."
A similar bill has passed the House of Delegates and will be considered by the Senate in coming weeks.
More Chances to Provide Evidence
The Senate has voted to expand the ability of felons to submit new evidence of their innocence after trial. The General Assembly last year revoked a rule that required such evidence to be submitted within 21 days of sentencing. But that measure allowed defendants to file only one such petition.
Under Senate Bill 914, there would be no limit to the number of times felons could try to use new evidence to demonstrate their innocence. However, the process would still be limited to those who plead not guilty at trial. Sponsor Henry L. Marsh III (D-Richmond) had wanted those who plead guilty to have that right as well. To become law, the bill must be passed by the House of Delegates and signed by the governor.
Adoption Legislation Targets Gays
A House committee yesterday approved legislation that would allow "homosexual activity" to be one of the factors considered in the adoption process by the Virginia Department of Social Services.
Background investigations of Virginians seeking to adopt a child would include "whether the petitioner is known to engage in current voluntary homosexual activity or is unmarried and cohabiting with another adult to whom he is not related by blood or marriage." House Bill 2921, sponsored by Del. Richard H. Black (R-Loudoun), was sent from the Health, Welfare and Institutions Committee to the House floor on an 18 to 4 vote.
The legislation is a scaled-back version of Black's original intent: a proposed ban on adoptions by gay adults. If the measure became law, the information on homosexuality would be included in a packet given to a Circuit Court judge who decides on adoption.
Staff writer Chris L. Jenkins contributed to this report.
