The Virginia State Capitol at night. (Photo: Craig Carper/VPM News) *Ben Paviour and Roberto Roldan reported this story. The General Assembly wrapped up its 2021 session on Saturday after lawmakers passed major legislation on marijuana legalization, criminal justice reform, and COVID-19. For a second year, Virginia Democrats used majorities in the House and Senate to push their top priorities. They advanced “first-in-the-South” legislation that would ban the death penalty, create a Virginia Voting Rights Act, and declare racism a public health crisis. Lawmakers moved to allow people to expunge criminal records and expand access to absentee voting. Virginia State Sen. Mamie Locke (D-Hampton), left, delivers the morning prayer as Sen. Louise Lucas (D-Portsmouth) looks on during the Senate session at the Science Museum in Richmond, Va., Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)