Archive: News

DNA Database Expansion Moves Forward

February 2, 2015 by David Toscano

[su_row class=””][su_column size=”1/2″]FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Carmen M. Bingham
carmen@davidtoscano.com
Feb. 2, 2015[/su_column][su_column size=”1/2″]Delegate David J. Toscano
914 Capitol Street
Room 614
Richmond, VA 23218
Phone: 804.698.1057[/su_column][/su_row]
RICHMOND – Delegate David Toscano (D-57) is pleased to announce that the initiative to expand the DNA database has passed its first hurdle by obtaining support from the House Criminal Law Subcommittee. Working closely with Albemarle Sheriff J.E. “Chip” Harding, Toscano introduced HB 1617, which would expand the DNA database by adding several serious Class I misdemeanors to the list of offenses requiring DNA samples to be submitted by convicted offenders. Law enforcement officials believe this to be an effective tool to prevent future tragedies.

Speaking in support of Delegate Toscano’s bill, Sheriff Harding highlighted that “stopping a repeat offender early could prevent them from going on to commit much more heinous crimes.”

“This initiative has the potential to save lives and prevent future tragedies,” said Delegate Toscano. “It enjoys bipartisan support and we hope it will pass.”

The bill moves forward as a joint initiative of Toscano and Delegate Rob Bell (R-58).

Toscano Bill Adds Serious Misdemeanor Offenders to DNA Database

January 14, 2015 by David Toscano

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Carmen M. Bingham
carmen@davidtoscano.com
Jan. 14, 2015

CHARLOTTESVILLE – Delegate David J. Toscano (D-57th District) filed a bill that would include several serious Class I misdemeanors to the list of offenses requiring a DNA sample to be submitted by an individual once convicted of the offense. Sheriff J.A. “Chip” Harding of Albemarle County has been a strong proponent of increasing the DNA database believing this would provide law enforcement an effective tool to prevent such tragic events as the death of Hannah Graham.

“I believe if law enforcement obtains DNA for serious convicted misdemeanors, we would triple the databank and get people early in their crime careers,” said Sheriff Harding. “Stopping a repeat offender early could prevent them from going on to commit much more heinous crimes.”

“If there is a way we can prevent another tragedy, then we should do it,” said Toscano. “Law enforcement should have every available tool to ensure our families and communities do not become victims of potential repeat offenders.”

House Bill 1617 would add ninety-nine Class I misdemeanors to the list of offenses that require a convicted offender to provide a DNA sample. Among these Class I misdemeanors are assault and battery, criminal trespass, reckless handling of firearms, maiming, killing or poisoning animals, harassment by computer, impersonating a law enforcement officer, identity theft, credit card fraud, DUI, prostitution, abuse and neglect of incapacitated adults, and indecent exposure. Most traffic offenses are excluded, as are offenses committed by juveniles, with the exception of three misdemeanor sex offenses– sexual battery, attempt to commit sexual battery and peeping. The Daily Progress recently reported on Delegate Toscano’s bill. The story can be found here: tinyurl.com/ToscanoDNA

In addition to these bills, Delegate Toscano has introduced HB2139, a bill that requires reporting of felony criminal sexual assaults at institutions of higher education. Another bill directs institutions of higher education to note on the transcript of a student dismissed from their institution for violation of the institution’s sexual misconduct policy.

Statement of the House Democratic Caucus on the Conviction of Delegate Joe Morrissey

December 13, 2014 by David Toscano

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 13, 2014

CONTACT:
Trent Armitage
(860) 416-3480
trent@vademocrats.org

Richmond, VA – In light of his conviction for Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, the House Democratic Caucus calls for the immediate resignation of Delegate Joe Morrissey. The House of Delegates is the oldest legislative body in the United States of America and should hold its members to the highest standards of ethical conduct. A conviction arising out of sexual misconduct involving a minor, accompanied by significant active jail time, and legislative service while serving in a jail work release program is not consistent with those standards.

“This is a very troubling case,” said Minority Leader David Toscano, “and disqualifies him from serving in the House. Our citizens are looking very closely at their legislators and the integrity of the body and his trust with his constituents and his colleagues has been broken. For the good of the General Assembly and the Commonwealth, he should immediately resign, and we are actively exploring all available options, including removal, if he does not.”

“The House Democratic Caucus believes that Delegate Morrissey should resign immediately so that that the People of the 74thDistrict can be served by a member who can focus on their needs without significant personal distractions,” said Caucus Chairman Scott Surovell.

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Paid for and Authorized by the House Democratic Caucus

Virginia House Democrats
1710 East Franklin St
Richmond VA 23223 United States

Toscano issues call for legislative hearing on campus sexual violence

November 24, 2014 by David Toscano

CHARLOTTESVILLE – Delegate David J. Toscano (D-57th District) today issued a call for a legislative hearing to examine the reporting practices of sexual assault at Virginia universities and colleges in the aftermath of the recent gang rape allegations at University of Virginia in the RollingStone article of November 19, 2014. The call came in a letter addressed to the Chairs of the House and Senate Courts of Justice Committees, Delegate Dave Albo, Senator Tommy Norment, and Senator Mark Obenshain, respectively.

“This is a serious problem at UVA, but it is larger than just one institution,” said Toscano. “We have a special role as legislators to do what we can to attack this problem. We fund public and private institutions of higher education in Virginia, both directly and indirectly through TAG grants. More importantly, it is our children and grandchildren who attend these institutions and who deserve our protection.”

Toscano suggested that the legislative panel hear first from the Governor’s Task Force on Combating Campus Sexual Violence chaired by the Attorney General, and receive information on protocols that colleges and universities have in place to encourage reporting these crimes to law enforcement. Toscano requested the hearings take place during the first week of the 2015 General Assembly, scheduled to convene on January 14, 2015.

A copy of Delegate Toscano’s letter to the chairs is available here.

A copy of Delegate Toscano’s statement of November 21 is available here.

Delegate David J. Toscano represents the 57th District in Virginia’s House of Delegates, which consists of the City of Charlottesville and parts of Albemarle County. Since 2012, Delegate Toscano has also served as House Democratic Leader, elected by his fellow Democratic delegate peers.

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Contact: Carmen Bingham, (434) 220-1660, carmen@davidtoscano.com
Office of Delegate David Toscano, 57th District
House Democratic Leader
211 East High Street
Charlottesville, VA 22902

Statement by Delegate David J. Toscano on the McDonnell Verdicts

September 4, 2014 by David Toscano

Whatever one thinks about the actions of the former Governor and First Lady, you cannot help but be saddened by what has happened to them and to our Commonwealth. The decision today closes a depressing chapter in Virginia history. The jury carefully considered the evidence and has now spoken. With its verdict, it sends a clear message that public officials are not above the law and that those of us who have the honor to serve have a special responsibility to keep the public trust.

I hope this verdict will improve the prospects of enacting further ethics and campaign finance reform in the Commonwealth.