Join

Surovell’s hands-free cell phone bill fails while electronic text books bill moves forward

This past weekend, we saw about 150 people turn out at my three Town Hall Meetings in Occoquan, Montclair and Stafford County with Senator Jeremy McPike, Delegates Jennifer Carroll Foy, Hala Ayala, and Elizabeth Guzman.  You can watch videos of all six of my town hall meetings on my Facebook page or on my blog – The Dixie Pig – at scottsurovell.blogspot.com.  Thank you to everyone who turned out!

On Wednesday, the Senate Transportation Committee killed my legislation to authorize temporary driving permits for Virginians who cannot show legal immigration status but can pass a driving test and are paying Virginia taxes.  Numerous studies in the fifteen states who have done this have shown that it reduces collisions, hit and run incidents, increases reporting other crimes to law enforcement, and results in significantly increased tax collections.  The bill died on a party-line vote 7-8 after over three hundred people jammed the room and testified about how a lack of driving privileges affected them on a daily basis.

Second, my legislation that would prohibit operation of a vehicle with a phone in the driver’s hand also failed.  Road deaths are up in the United States for the first time in fifty years and most studies attribute it to drivers distracted by digital devices.  My legislation passed the Transportation Committee after failing for the last three years, but was referred to the Courts of Justice Committee after the attorneys in the chamber wanted to review it where it died.  I will try again next year.

On a more positive note, six of my bills have passed the full Senate and are on their way to the House of Delegates.  This week, several of my civil justice reform bills passed clarifying rules for spousal support modification and collection.

Also, my legislation requiring public school sex education to included education about the dangers of “sexting” passed.  Many minors engage in this conduct with no awareness that “sexting” is a felony (manufacturing and possessing child pornography), or any realistic appreciation of how freely such images tend to be distributed both generally but especially after relationships end. 

My legislation to reform admission to Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) failed in committee.  Approximately five percent of applicant children from the 36th District are admitted while in other areas of Northern Virginia, about one-in-five are admitted.  Also, two middle schools account for approximately 25% of each class while Eastern Fairfax and Prince William Counties admit less than 5% of the students while possessing probably 25% of Northern Virginia’s population.

This situation is unacceptable for a taxpayer funded institution and is a symptom of the larger misallocation of resources in Northern Virginia’s secondary education system.  I will continue to highlight this disparity and fight for more equity in how resources are allocated in Northern Virginia.

On that note, my legislation prohibiting school systems from mandating students to use electronic textbooks without providing computers was recommended by the Secondary Education Subcommittee of the Health and Education Committee along with my bill to prohibit schools from offering online classes without providing computers or waiving fees for lower income students.  Fairfax and Prince William Counties currently have such programs but charge all students fees and do not offer computers to children who want to participate but cannot afford their own device.

This week, approximately twenty of my bills will be heard in committee including my bills on predatory lending, alleviating WazeGoogle-Maps-induced traffic congestion, mobile absentee voting, and more will head to the floor.  You can watch our committee hearings live online at www.virginiageneralassembly.gov.

Please complete my constituent survey at www.scottsurovell.org/survey or email me at [email protected] if you have feedback.  It is an honor to serve as your state senator! 

Scott Surovell (D) represents southern Fairfax, eastern Prince William, and northern Stafford counties in the Virginia State Senate.

Recent Stories

The mother of a former student at North Stafford High School has filed a lawsuit against the county school division seeking $15 million in compensatory damages, alleging failure to protect her child.

Virginia is beginning to experience some of the impacts from the cargo ship crash that brought down Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, closing a vital shipping lane leading to one of the eastern seaboard’s busiest ports.

Rep. Abigail Spanberger was in Stafford County on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 to tout her efforts to bring federal dollars to the district.

Route 1 is closed at Port Potomac in Woodbridge, near Cardinal Drive. 

Are you facing life’s challenges, feeling overwhelmed, or seeking personal growth? Embrace the path to emotional well-being with our expert psychotherapy services!

Why Choose Us?

Our team of compassionate and experienced psychotherapists is here to guide you on your journey to inner peace, self-discovery, and positive change. We provide a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment.

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

Dreaming of small-town charm with big-city convenience? Look no further than 7156 Main St in Clifton, Virginia! Nestled just 30 miles from the heart of Washington D.C., this picturesque property offers the best of both worlds.

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city to find tranquility in this quaint, historic town. With its tree-lined streets and friendly community atmosphere, Clifton is the perfect place to call home. Yet, with its close proximity to the nation’s capital, you’ll never be far from the excitement and opportunities of urban living.

Imagine weekends exploring local shops, dining at charming cafes, and enjoying outdoor adventures in nearby parks. Then, commute to D.C. for work or play, soaking in all the culture, entertainment, and career opportunities the city has to offer.

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

Van Metre 5K Run

Participate in the 32nd Annual Van Metre 5K Run, a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, and every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and

Ă—

Subscribe to our mailing list