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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...

The Virginia General Assembly is nearing the half way point for the 2014 session.  Tuesday, February 11th, is known as “crossover.” That is the day by which each house must complete the work on any bill, except the budget, that originated in that house.  If they have not completed work by the end of the...

The Senate is considering a bill that will pose an administrative delay for people transitioning out of training centers.  SB 627 will require that, before a person is discharged from a training center, the Department of Behavioral Health must certify  that the community placement is “comparable” to the care in a training center.  Given that...

Children’s mental health bills There were two legislative proposals that would have eliminated the right of a minor, over age 14, to consent or object to mental health treatment.  Under current law, if a minor over age 14 is determined to be in need of mental health treatment and that minor objects, the treating facility...

Many bills, but not all, that would have advanced fair housing rights or would have assisted with more accessible housing have been defeated. On the positive side,  HB 527 has been approved by the full House and will be considered by the Senate after crossover.  Patroned by Delegate Pogge, the bill clarifies that group homes...

Senate Rehabilitation and Social Services heard a bill this morning intended to affect the planned closure of the state’s institutions for people with developmental disabilities.  Senator Newman introduced two bills, SB 627 and SB 136.  Both require that the state certify that the quality of services in the community must be equal to or better...

The disAbility Law Center of Virginia is a private nonprofit organization, dedicated to advancing the rights of people with disabilities in Virginia.  The dLCV may educate policymakers about the impact of proposed legislation.  Contact us at info@dLCV.org or at 1-800-552-3962 if you know of proposed legislation, a budget proposal or other issue that you think...

Temporary Detention Orders Many of the mental health bills under consideration in this session deal with the very first stage of intervention when a person is in a mental health crisis:  the emergency custody order.  The next phase of intervention, a temporary detention order, has had little public attention in the wake of recent events. ...