I believe that promoting public safety is the first responsibility of state government:
Gang Violence:
Gang activity is continuing to threaten many communities in Western Fairfax. In 2004, I co-sponsored successful legislation which creates additional penalties for hazing of gang members – a normal part of gang recruitment and initiation. I also co-patroned successful legislation that creates an additional penalty for threatening anyone with a machete. This legislation was a response to the use of machetes as a weapon by gangs in Northern Virginia.
Firearm Safety:
In 2007, I sponsored legislation to help keep mentally ill persons away from firearms. I support legislation mirroring Governor Kaine’s recent executive order to ensure that those who are receiving court ordered treatment for a mental illness can’t buy a gun.
Domestic Violence:
In 2006, I co-patroned successful legislation which protects victims of domestic violence from being unfairly evicted from their homes.
Sex Crimes:
In 2006, I worked with the Attorney General’s office and my colleagues to reform our laws. My legislation improved our procedures for keeping our most violent and dangerous sexual predators detained in a manner consistent with the U.S. Supreme Court’s requirements. Now, violent offenders who cannot be rehabilitated can be incarcerated for mental health reasons even after their sentence is served, thereby keeping our children safer.
Police Officer Pay:
Our public safety officers go above and beyond the call of duty week after week to protect us. They often sacrifice time with their families and neglect normal activities to keep us safe. My legislation makes sure that police officers are fairly paid for the overtime hours that they work.
Identity Theft:
In 2006, I sponsored legislation to give you greater control over your personal information.
Illegal Drugs:
I was one of the chief sponsors of successful legislation that helps keep addictive “meth” off our streets.
