Issues are flying fast and furious across Virginia, and the General Assembly is trying to stay on top of them during the short, 45-day session.

State Sen. Tommy Norment (R-James City County) had already finished a meeting with the Senate Courts Committee by 11 o’clock on Monday morning and was preparing for the day’s Senate session. In the committee, he said, he and other members had been trying to iron out differences on issues that ranged from medical malpractice to violent sexual predators. But he was able to quickly switch tracks and discuss such issues as aquaculture, transportation and real estate assessments.

Sen. Ralph Northam (D-Norfolk) had a busy morning, as well, as he pitched a bill to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Conservation, and Natural Resources. But later in the day, after the Senate had adjourned, he met with the Gazette-Journal, relaxed a bit, and talked about local legislation that will impact the area.

Aquaculture

One of the issues wi...