The 2024 session is off and running already! Committees have already begun to consider important bills. As with previous years, the Virginia General Assembly will meet in person and will give the public the option to participate in person and observe either in person or virtually. It is not clear whether they will allow any testimony virtually this year. Additionally, the legislature is in a brand new building this year. You should expect glitches with the virtual technology as they settle into the new space. If they are considering something truly important to you, it is best to be there in person!
One bill of interest to the disability community concerns services for people with brain injury and other neurobehavioral disabilities. HB 593 from Mark Sickles directs the Department of Medical Assistance Services to amend the state Medicaid plan to add neurobehavioral and neurorehabilitation facilities for individuals with traumatic brain injuries and neurocognitive disorders. The bill requires the creation of a Medicaid waiver to support home and community-based services for individuals with traumatic brain injuries or neurocognitive disorders. The bill has not been assigned to a committee yet, but we expect it to begin in the House Committee on Health and Human Resources and then to be referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Our mission is to advance independence, choice, and self-determination; protect legal, human, and civil rights; and eliminate abuse, neglect, and discrimination of people with disabilities through zealous and uncompromising legal advocacy and representation. We are available to educate policymakers about the potential impact of legislative proposals. Please let us know of any legislative proposals or budget issues that you think we should be following. Contact us at info@dlcv.org or by calling 1-800-552-3962 or 1-804-225-2042.