Category: Legislative Highlights

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February 5, 2015 – Seclusion and Restraint in public schools

Legislation requiring the state Department of Education to develop regulations concerning the use of restraints in public schools is moving quickly through both houses of the Virginia General Assembly.  The bills require the regulations to include definitions, criteria for use, restrictions for use, training requirements, notification requirements, reporting requirements, and follow-up requirements when seclusion or...

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February 4, 2015 – Training Center Bills

The mission of the disAbility Law Center of Virginia is, through zealous and effective advocacy and legal representation, to protect and advance the legal, human and civil rights of people with disabilities, to combat and prevent abuse, neglect and discrimination, and to promote independence, choice and self-determination by persons with disabilities. We continue to monitor...

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January 28, 2015 – Seclusion and Restraint

We are monitoring legislation that requires the state Department of Education to develop regulations concerning the use of restraints in public schools. Both bills are promoted by the Commission on Youth. The bills require the regulations to include definitions, criteria for use, restrictions for use, training requirements, notification requirements, reporting requirements, and follow-up requirements when...

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January 20, 2015 – Children’s Issues

The disAbility law Center of Virginia is monitoring issues of interest to the disability community in the Virginia legislature during the session that began last week.   We are available to educate policy makers about the potential impact of legislative proposals.  Please let us know of any legislative proposals or budget issues that you think we...

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January 15, 2015 – Training center bills

The session has begun! We are monitoring legislation that will affect the ability of the state to comply with its settlement agreement with the Department of Justice. One such bill is HB 1614 (Campbell) that would require the state to keep both Southeastern Virginia Training Center and Southwestern Virginia Training Center open. Another bill, HB...

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January 13, 2015 – Seclusion and restraint in public schools

The 2015 legislative session in Virginia begins tomorrow.  This is a “short” session, meaning that the legislature plans to be in session for 45 days, rather than the 60 days of the “long” session. We will be monitoring and supporting legislation that requires the state Department of Education to develop regulations concerning the use of...

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January 12, 2015 – Voting Rights

The 2015 legislative session in Virginia begins this Wednesday at noon.  All bills being considered will first be heard in committee or subcommittee.  If you are interested in a particular bill, click on the link below or visit http://virginiageneralassembly.gov/virginiaLegislature for more information about that bill. The disAbility law Center of Virginia will be monitoring developments...

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January 9, 2015 – Children’s Mental Health

The 2015 legislative session in Virginia begins at noon on January 14, 2015.  This is a “short” session, meaning that the legislature plans to be in session for 45 days, rather than the 60 days of the “long” session. The disAbility law Center of Virginia will be monitoring developments in the legislature that may be...

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January 8, 2015 – Observation Status

When the Virginia General Assembly convenes next week, it will consider a bill that will require hospitals to notify an individual when they are on “observation status” only and have not been formally admitted to a hospital.  The hospital practice of “observation” wreaks havoc with individual’s insurance coverage and often results in high personal expenses...