VA: A look at why Gov. Northam vetoed a bill related to sex offenders in emergency shelters

[wjla.com – 4/30/19]

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam has vetoed legislation that would allow officials to temporarily block convicted sex offenders from using emergency shelters.

Northam said Tuesday it is “unconscionable” that people could be turned away from shelters during hurricanes, flash floods or other emergencies.

The legislation would have allowed shelter officials to deny entrance for convicted sex offenders for however long was “necessary to ensure the safety of other individuals” admitted to the shelter.

The legislation would have also required convicted sex offenders to declare they are registered offenders after arriving at an emergency shelter.

Northam said he’s directing state officials and encouraging local officials to formulate plans about how best to shelter “all members of our communities” during emergencies.

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Yeah! Finally a ray of logic and compassion for fellow human beings. May it being to take hold and spread more and more.

This is great! I hope Mary Devoy is smiling on this (the advocate in Virginia). This needs to be sent to FLA and other states where shelters like this are normal for them to follow VA’s lead in addition to pulling their head out of the ground. Will be interesting to see the amendments as they travel the process and their specific language.

I realize it is taking the low road, but it would be interesting to see a shelter(s) created and opened only for those that are on registries (note the plurality of that) and no one else (or maybe just those impacted by the SO registry). So when all shelters are full and roadways cannot be traveled, people can take note of those who have shelter during these weather events, including those who are cast out by others in society.

WOW i say call that gov a ray of sunlight really call his office and tell him thank you for your logic and seeing the punishment to register people I am in awww I hope i can pick my jaw back up soon things or changing for the good of the people

OMG a human being in office. Something is up or we better watch the skies for flying pigs.