Legislation Proposes Statewide Black Maternal Health Week in April

Proposals to legalize and regulate thousands of slots-like skill games in Virginia convenience stores, restaurants, and truck stops, easily cleared both chambers of the General Assembly this week. There are major differences left to be resolved in the two bills that passed the state Senate and the House of Delegates ahead of Tuesday’s crossover deadline, the legislative session’s halfway point when the two chambers have to finish work on their own bills. However, the solid, bipartisan vote tallies indicate the legislation is on track to win final passage before lawmakers leave Richmond next month. The vote was 32-8 in the Senate and 65-34 in the House. Games that allow people to bet money and win cash have popped up around the state, including in this Richmond corner store. Manufacturers say they’re games of skill, not chance. (Ned Oliver/Virginia Mercury) The House version of the bill has tougher regulations on the machines that would presumably limit their profitability. It includes a higher tax rate and a local approval requirement that would give cities and counties the ability to block skill games in their communities. The Senate plan, which the skill game industry prefers due to its less strict treatment, doesn’t require...