General Assembly Primer

Where The General Assembly usually meets at the historic white-columned Capitol, which was designed by Thomas Jefferson and Charles-Louis Clerisseau, in Richmond. But it is being renovated, so legislators will convene nearby in the Patrick Henry Building, the old state library.

The Budget In one of his last acts in office, Gov. Mark R. Warner (D) proposed a two-year, $72 billion spending plan. Taking advantage of a more than $1 billion surplus, he has suggested spending more for university research, cleanup of the Chesapeake Bay and mental health facilities.

Transportation Gov.-elect Timothy M. Kaine (D) and many lawmakers agree that addressing congested roads and improving mass transit are their top priorities. But there is little agreement about what should be done or how much to spend.

Schools The Virginia Education Association has asked the state to shoulder its share of a 4.5 percent raise for teachers this year. Warner recommended 3 percent, and lawmakers will sort out the difference. Other education bills deal with how teachers and principals are licensed and with school bus safety.

Social Legislation The assembly will probably give the required second approval to a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage and present it to voters. Del. Robert G. Marshall (R-Prince William) wants to bar doctors from helping unmarried women conceive children through means other than sex, such as artificial insemination.

Sex Offenders Atty. Gen.-elect Robert F. McDonnell (R) wants a mandatory 25-year prison sentence for those convicted of crimes against children younger than 13 and to create Global Positioning System monitoring of some felons after they are released.

Updates The Richmond Report will provide frequent updates on legislative action.