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RICHMOND — Retiring Del. Rob Bell (R-Albemarle) said this week that he has stepped down early to join the administration of Virginia Attorney General Jason S. Miyares (R) as deputy attorney general for health, education and social services.
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First elected to the General Assembly in 2001, Bell has served as chairman of the House Courts of Justice committee, which oversees changes to Virginia’s legal system and the appointment of judges. He was known as an exacting, meticulous lawmaker who would help novice delegates craft legislation even if he planned to vote against it.
Bell, a Charlottesville lawyer and former prosecutor who unsuccessfully sought the Republican nomination for attorney general, built a reputation as an advocate for victims and for tougher criminal penalties, particularly in areas of sexual assault and domestic violence. He also was strongly antiabortion and a supporter of home schooling and school choice.
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House Speaker Todd Gilbert (R-Shenandoah), a former seatmate of Bell’s in the Capitol and Richmond roommate when the legislature was in session, called him “among the most tenacious, effective, and influential members of the General Assembly in its history. He deftly advanced, stopped, and shaped legislation for 20 years and made countless Virginians safer in their homes and communities.”
“I have a deep respect for his work ethic, intellect and knowledge of Virginia laws,” Miyares said Monday in a written news release. “I have confidence that he will work vigorously for the citizens of the Commonwealth.”
Bell and Miyares served together on the House courts committee before Miyares was elected as attorney general in 2021. Bell resigned immediately from his House seat and began working in the attorney general’s office on Monday.
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