2017 Virginia General Assembly
Legislative Highlights
January 20, 2017
The disAbility law Center of Virginia monitors activities in the legislature that may be of interest to people with disabilities. 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 should be following. Contact us at info@dlcv.org or by calling 1-800-552-3962 or 804-225-2042.
There are two proposals seeking to protect the rights of parents who are blind: HB 2273 (LaRock) was tabled in subcommittee on Wednesday. SB 1199 (Favola) will be heard by the Senate Committee on Courts of Justice, probably on Wednesday January 25th in the afternoon. We expect that Senator Favola will offer a substitute at that time.
Several bills seek to require training for jail personnel and law enforcement when dealing with persons with mental illness: HB 1480 (Helsel), SB 940 and SB 1064 (Deeds)requires mental health awareness training for emergency personnel; SB 933 (Favola) requires training by jail staff in mental health first aid. The Senate Committee on Rehabilitation incorporated SB 940 into SB 1064 and referred the bill to Finance.
HB 1782 (Bell, Robert), SB 942 (Cosgrove) and SB 1063 (Deeds) authorizes the Board of Corrections to investigate deaths in jails. The Senate Committee on Rehabilitation incorporated SB 942 into SB 1063 referred the bill to Finance.
The mission of the disAbility Law Center of Virginia 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.