New Laws Going Into Effect
As the heat ramps up here at home, there’s a lot going on in Virginia politics. In particular, today (July 1) is the day when the bulk of the legislation passed during session takes effect. For your awareness, I’ve provided a brief summary of some important ones below:
Expanding Healthcare Coverage: House Bill 2038
My bill, HB 2038, focuses on health insurance coverage for state employees and their adult children with disabilities. In previous years, state employees were not able to extend their health insurance to their adult children with disabilities if they did not share a residency. Beginning today, state employees whose children live independently or in a group home can now be covered through their parents’ health plans.
Women’s Rights in the Workplace: House Bill 1895
HB 1895, also known as the Silenced No More Act, is a win for women in the workforce! Non-Disclosure Agreements have been used for years to silence women who have experienced harassment and/or assault in their workplace. HB 1895 will ensure that victims who experience sexual harassment can speak up about their experience, even if they have signed a non-disparagement agreement or other form of NDA with their employer. While there is still so much progress to be made in protecting workers, this is a first step in the right direction.
Violence on Campus: House Bill 1916 and Senate Bill 910
After the devastating losses at the University of Virginia shooting this past school year, HB 1916/SB 910 create welcome progress towards safer campuses. This new law requires that universities take more steps to put a quick stop to threats on campus. Colleges must now immediately obtain the criminal history and health records of students issuing a threat, then notify campus or local police departments within 24 hours of hearing about a threat.
There is still so much we need to do to ensure the safety of our college students and from gun violence, but Republicans refused to seriously consider any substantive measures to further gun safety this session. I will continue to put pressure on my Republican colleagues in the hopes that common-sense gun reform becomes a bipartisan issue.
Elder Care Standards: House Bill 1446 and Senate Bill 1339
Given the increasing demand for elder care in our communities, this law is necessary to protect older citizens from the neglect and abuse that we too often see in the news when nursing homes don’t hire enough staff to properly care for their patients. HB 1446 and SB 1339 increase the minimum staffing requirements to ensure quality care of individuals in nursing homes.
Marijuana Policy: House Bill 2294 and Senate Bill 903
Back in 2021, the Virginia General Assembly legalized the possession of up to one ounce of cannabis. That same law also included provisions to permit a commercial cannabis industry in Virginia, starting in 2024. This session, the Virginia legislature made some impactful decisions about the commercial future of marijuana. HB 2294 and SB 903, passed this year and effective July 1st, limits the amount of THC in commercial products to .3% or two milligrams per package, whichever is lower. In order to accommodate medicinal uses, the law includes an exception for products that include a 25:1 ratio of CBD to THC. While the bill took steps towards regulating marijuana retail sales and addressing high THC synthetics like Delta-8, there is much work left to be done to build a responsible regulatory framework.
Public Education: HB 1592 & SB 1072, SB 1043, and SB 1175
HB 1592/SB 1072 requires principals to notify parents of children involved in any bullying situation within 24 hours of them learning of it, rather than the 5 school days currently required by law. SB 1043 addresses the mental health of students by loosening requirements for filling school psychologist positions when vacancies persist, and encouraging partnerships between schools and community mental health providers. Lastly, SB 1175 expands staff support to increase scientific and general literacy for students who need it, helping to close the literacy gap that the pandemic exacerbated.
Utility Regulation: House Bill 1770 and Senate Bill 1265
While there are environmental concerns associated with HB 1770 and SB 1265, the vast majority of legislators from both parties agreed that its ability to lower utility costs for consumers made it a big win for Virginians. This law delegated power back to the State Corporation Commission to regulate Dominion Energy’s base rates if they judge they are exceeding the set profit margin established in this bill.
Taking Care of our First Responders: HB 1408 & SB 906; HB 1775 & SB 904
We are so grateful for the firefighters, EMTs, and law enforcement officers that keep us safe on a day-to-day basis. But oftentimes, these workers are exposed to conditions that damage their physical and mental health with little to no safety net. This session, we expanded the ability of first responders to claim compensation for certain cancers and mental health conditions associated with their time in service.
Increasing Food Access: House Bill 2025
One of the issues that we all can agree on is that every student deserves access to a filling and nutritious meal. This legislation, patroned by Delegate Danica Roem, requires that schools proactively send home applications for free and reduced-price lunch programs to parents at the start of each school year, as well and information on how to apply for SNAP benefits.
Sneaky Streaming Services: House Bill 1517
And lastly, something everybody can relate to: ever signed up for a free trial, then forgotten to cancel it? HB 1517 amends the Virginia Consumer Protection Act in order to prohibit companies from silently charging customers after their 30-day free trial ends.
As always, our office is here to serve you. If you have any questions about how new laws taking effect today might impact your life, please feel free to reach out to us at delishin@house.virginia.gov or at 703-677-8334.
