RICHMOND, VA – Delegate Richard P. “Dickie” Bell (R-Staunton) announced today House Bill 48 has been reported out of the Senate Courts of Justice Committee.

     House Bill 48 encodes a version of the "castle doctrine," allowing the use of physical force, including deadly force, by a person in his dwelling against an intruder in the dwelling who has committed an overt act against him or another person who is lawfully in the dwelling.

     It was amended today in committee to conform to Senator Richard Stuart’s (R-Montross) bill, Senate Bill 4, which passed out of the Senate February 2, 2012.  It was also amended to state that the legislation is not intended to replace the Common Law, which is currently in practice.

RICHMOND, VA – Delegate Richard P. “Dickie” Bell (R-Staunton) announced today that he has patroned 11 bills and chief co-patroned 2 bills that have passed in the House of Delegates this Session.  Today marks the midpoint of Session, also known as Crossover Day, where the House and Senate must complete work on their respective bills so that they may go over to the other body for consideration.   

     “I am very pleased that so many pieces of my legislation have been so successful this year.  I believe we put together a strong package this year, and I am thrilled to see so many of these important measures advance.” said Delegate Bell. “I am hopeful that this legislation will continue to advance in the Senate.”

            The most recent legislation to pass are House Bills 72 and 218. 

RICHMOND, VA – Delegate Richard P. “Dickie” Bell (R-Staunton) announced today House Bill 48 has passed in the House of Delegates.

     House Bill 48 encodes a version of the "castle doctrine," allowing the use of physical force, including deadly force, by a person in his dwelling against an intruder in the dwelling who has committed an overt act against him or another person who is lawfully in the dwelling.

RICHMOND, VA – Delegate Richard P. “Dickie” Bell (R-Staunton) announced today that he has been appointed to the House Committee on Finance.  He was also re-appointed to the Committee on Health, Welfare, and Institutions, and the Committee on Education.

      The Finance Committee handles legislation that pertains to Virginia revenue and issues of taxation.  The Education Committee hears legislation that deals with K-12 as well as higher education in the Commonwealth.  The Health, Welfare, and Institutions Committee deals with a broad range of legislation that affects healthcare, as well as issues that affect hospitals, mental health facilities, nursing homes, and other medical institutions.

Delegate Richard P. “Dickie” Bell (R-Staunton) announced today that House Bill 1679, a bill patroned by Delegate Bell has been signed by Governor McDonnell.

RICHMOND, VA – Delegate Richard P. “Dickie” Bell (R-Staunton) announced today that House Bill 1885, a bill patroned by Delegate Bell has been signed by Governor McDonnell.

Delegate Richard P. “Dickie” Bell (R-Staunton) announced today that the Virginia Health Care Foundation has awarded two grants, totaling $228,125 to local medical centers to help each facility provide for patients who are struggling as a result of the recession.

RICHMOND, VA – Delegate Richard P. "Dickie" Bell today issued the following statement on the agreement by House and Senate negotiators on House Bill 1500, amendments to the state budget:

Delegate Richard P. “Dickie” Bell (R-Staunton) issued the following statement today regarding the passage of Senate Bill 924 by the State Senate.

RICHMOND, VA – Delegate Richard P. “Dickie” Bell (R-Staunton) announced today that House Bill 1679, a bill patroned by Delegate Bell, has passed in the State Senate.