Boys/Men Commission bill passes Senate, on way to Governor's desk

VA SB447 clears Senate 36-0, heads to history

Correction: An earlier version reported HB11 was co-sponsored by Democrats. Co-sponsor Webert is Republican.

Tuesday Virginia Senate passed SB447 unanimously, making way for the likely signing of the nation’s first legislatively created commission to specifically address boys and men’s issues.

The bill, sponsored by Sen. Lamont Bagby, chair of both the Democratic Party of Virginia and Legislative Black Caucus, also passed Rules and Finance and committees unopposed. Lashrecse D. Aird is co-patron.

Companion bill HB1188 was was introduced by Josh Thomas (D-21 Prince William), with co-patrons Jason Ballard (D), Nicole Cole (D), Michael Feggans (D), Michael Webert (R) and Jackie Glass (D).

Thomas and Glass are both members of the Virginia Coalition for Boys and Men.

[UPDATES] Virginia Introduces Bill to Create First U.S. Commission for Boys and Men

Fatherhood Initiative laid on the table

In related news, HB1511 sponsored by Del. Michael Feggans (D-97 Virginia Beach), aimed to create a Virginia Fatherhood Initiative and related grant program, but was tabled in the Health and Human Resources committee. Del. Josh Thomas was co-patron.

Virginia bill to elevate, support fatherhood