RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam wants to make it easier to vote early and harder for political candidates to bring in big checks.
The Democratic governor outlined a package of proposed legislation Monday that includes a bill to allow no-excuse absentee voting.
Virginia currently limits absentee voting to people with qualifying reasons.
The governor is also proposing new campaign finance limits that would cap donations at $10,000, block direct donations from corporations, and prohibit lawmakers from the personal use of campaign funds.
Northam said the proposals would boost public confidence in politics but added that his political action committee will continue to accept large corporate donations until the laws are changed.
The GOP-controlled General Assembly has defeated similar proposals in past years.
This year's legislative session starts Wednesday.
Legislative Agenda
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Virginia lawmakers will debate tax policy, gambling and host of other issues during this year's legislative session.
Legislators are set to return to the Capitol on Wednesday for the 2019 session kickoff.
Taxes will be at the top of this year's agenda. A 2017 federal tax overhaul that limits how businesses can account for losses and what kind of deductions individuals can take is set to provide a multibillion windfall in state taxes. Republicans who control the General Assembly want to give most of that money back to taxpayers, while Northam wants to use the money on school construction, boosting reserves, and other areas.
Lawmakers also will consider approving sports betting and legalizing casinos. Northam has proposed a study, but deep-pocketed gambling interests are pushing for action this year.
