Year: 2014

2014 Virginia General Assembly There are a wide variety of legislative proposals that may impact housing rights and the ability of people with disabilities to live fully integrated lives. The legislature is considering bills that would increase the amount available in the state budget to promote the building of new housing that is wheel chair...

The legislative session ended on March 8th, and now many bills that passed both houses will go to the Governor for consideration. One of those bills expands the definition of a service animal under state law.  State law extends special protections to some kinds of service animals.  Previously, that protection was limited to service dogs...

The mission of the disAbility Law Center of Virginia is, through zealous and effective advocacy and legal representation, to protect and advance legal, human, and civil rights of persons with disabilities; combat and prevent abuse, neglect, and discrimination; and promote independence, choice, and self-determination by persons with disabilities. The 2014 legislative session ended on Saturday,...

This Saturday is “sine die,” the end of the 2014 legislative session.  As a result, the committees are finishing their work early this week, so that any final legislation can be considered by the remaining house and, if necessary, can have sufficient time to have any differences resolved in a conference committee. Many bills are...

Substitute decision making is before the General Assembly this week.  The House approved a  Resolution to conduct a study of substitute decision making options for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  The Resolution is before the Senate Committee on Rules on Friday, February 28, 2014.  House Joint Resolution 190 (Landes) directs the Secretary of Health...

The disAbility Law Center of Virginia promotes and protects the rights of all Virginians with disabilities.  The dLCV may educate policymakers about the impact of proposed legislation.  Contact us at info@dLCV.org or at 1-800-552-3962 if there is a policy matter of concern to you that you feel we should be addressing. Mental Health Bills The...

The House and Senate have both approved legislation that will bring Virginia’s housing laws into closer compliance with the Federal Fair Housing Act.  HB 527, introduced by Delegate Pogge, clarifies that a home with eight or fewer persons with disabilities living in it must be regarded as a single family residence, regardless of whether the...

The mission of the disAbility Law Center of Virginia is, through zealous and effective advocacy and legal representation, to protect and advance legal, human, and civil rights of persons with disabilities; combat and prevent abuse, neglect, and discrimination; and promote independence, choice, and self-determination by persons with disabilities. Contact us at info@dLCV.org or at 1-800-552-3962...

An attempt to make auxiliary grants more flexible was defeated in subcommittee in the House.  HB 894, offered by Delegate Peace, would have expanded eligibility for auxiliary grants.  Auxiliary grants provide supplemental income for recipients of Supplemental Security Income residing in a licensed assisted living facility.  Auxiliary grant programs are funded 80% by the state...

The disAbility Law Center of Virginia promotes and protects the rights of all Virginians with disabilities. The dLCV may educate policymakers about the impact of proposed legislation. Contact us at info@dLCV.org or at 1-800-552-3962 if there is a policy matter of concern to you that you feel we should be addressing. A bill to provide...