Statement of Governor Kaine on Outcome of Special Session of Virginia General Assembly

Statement

Governor Timothy M. Kaine issued the following statement today upon the adjournment of 2009 Special Session I of the Virginia General Assembly:

"The General Assembly deserves credit for acting quickly and collaboratively today to address the public safety issues raised by the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision on Melendez-Diaz vs. Massachusetts.

"Today's legislative action offers some relief to Virginia's forensic analysts, who may need additional time to schedule appearances for court testimony. The legislation approved today also streamlines the procedure for requesting live testimony for prosecutors and members of the law enforcement community while appropriately preserving the intent of the court decision.

"Although there are additional concerns that will need to be addressed by the legislature in the 2010 legislative session in January, the measures approved today ensure some key challenges initially presented by the court decision have been resolved.

"I also applaud the General Assembly for their decisive action today to approve legislation ensuring proper financial relief to Arthur Lee Whitfield, whom I pardoned earlier this year in recognition of his wrongful incarceration."

Source