Northam Signs Bills On Broadband, Flexibility In Alcohol Sales

RICHMOND, VA — Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam signed additional pieces of legislation into law this week, including a bill that expands access to broadband and another one that codifies increased flexibility for restaurants selling alcohol.

The most notable bill signed into law this week was the legislation abolishing the death penalty in Virginia. On Wednesday, Northam signed the bill at the Greensville Correctional Center near Jarratt, a prison facility that houses the state's execution chamber. Virginia joined 22 other states and the District of Columbia in banning capital punishment and became the first state in the South to abolish the death penalty.

“These new laws will make a real difference in the lives of Virginians and position our Commonwealth for a strong post-pandemic future,” Northam said Friday in a statement. “I am grateful to legislators for their hard work this session and look forward to our continued partnership in the months ahead to build on this progress.”

Among the bills that Northam signed into law were House Bill 1923, sponsored by Del. Hala Ayala (D-51), and Senate Bill 1334, sponsored by Sen. John Edwards (D-21), to expand an existing broadband capacity pilot program to increase access to high-speed internet in underserved areas of the state.

The governor also signed House Bill 2266, sponsored by Ayala, and Senate Bill 1471, sponsored by Sen. Siobhan Dunnavant (R-12), to provide flexibility to restaurants to serve alcohol outside and during permitted events. These laws codify current policies in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Other notable bills that Northam signed into law this week were:

• House Bill 1893, sponsored by Del. Chris Hurst (D-12), and Senate Bill 1212, sponsored by Edwards, to create the New River Valley Passenger Rail Station Authority to support passenger rail expansion west of the City of Roanoke.
• Senate Bill 1284, sponsored by Senator Barbara Favola (D-31), to establish the Commonwealth Clean Energy Policy to codify the goal of Virginia’s transition to a clean energy economy, including prioritizing the electrification of transportation.
• House Bill 1903, sponsored by Del. Betsy Carr (D-69), to increase bicycle safety by allowing localities to reduce the speed limit in residential or business districts.
• Senate Bill 1300, sponsored by Favola, to direct the Board of Local and Regional Jails to review and improve pregnancy-related care in consultation with stakeholders.

Visit the General Assembly's website for a full list of legislation signed by Northam from the 2021 special session.

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