Session Week One
The Virginia General Assembly has wrapped up our first few days of the 2023 Legislative Session! I am so excited for my second session as your Delegate representing the Town of Herndon, Fairfax and Loudoun County. I will continue to serve as a member of two House committees: Counties, Cities & Towns, and Communications, Technology & Innovation.
My 2023 legislative agenda addresses a number of needs brought to my office directly from constituents of the 86th District. A few bills are initiatives continued from the 2022 session, and some are new ideas.
Utility Disconnections: HB 2283
In 2022, I introduced the Utility Fairness Reform Acts (HB 1054 and HB 1052) to bring consumer protections during a state of emergency such as extreme weather or a public health crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic.
After the State Corporation Commission (SCC) conducted a study over the year, I have reintroduced this legislation and will continue to work with a diverse coalition of stakeholders and advocates to make sure Virginians can keep essential utility connections when they need them most.
Campaign Finance Omnibus: HB 2281
Virginia has some of the least stringent ethics and campaign finance regulations in the nation. The General Assembly needs to act to lessen the negative effects of money in politics. The Virginia Conflict of Interest and Ethics Advisory Council has to have enforcement abilities and common-sense limitations on big money donations to level the playing field and create trust with the public. This bill is long overdue and supported by a variety of public interest organizations in Virginia.
Jails Fines and Fees: HB 2039
I have continued to work to address the price gouging of incarcerated individuals in jails and prisons.
Families of incarcerated individuals pay excessive fees to stay in touch with their loved ones. Increased social and family interactions aid in the rehabilitation of incarcerated individuals and lower recidivism. Costs in a jail or prison commissary for essential items and telecommunication services should not exceed the price of these services.
Fast Food Commission - *bill number not assigned yet*
In the past year, other states have created commissions of fast food employees, government officials, and business owners to improve working conditions. This commission will study the fast food industry and provide steps to improve the condition of these essential workers.
Juvenile Justice: HB 2044
It’s not the juvenile that pays court fines in Virginia, it’s the families. Families may not have a financial cushion to cover charges and penalties that result from juvenile crime. Judges should be able to suspend fines and fees after considering the family's financial situation.
Insurance Eligibility, Incapacitated Adult Children: HB 2038
This legislation removes residency requirements for health insurance coverage for disabled adult children as long as a state employee pays for the majority of an adult child's financial support. People with disabilities should be treated with dignity and respect, and given the chance to transition to independent living facilities while maintaining insurance eligibility.
Consumer Protection, ATM Fees Cap - *bill number not assigned yet*
Many areas in the Commonwealth lack access to standard banking facilities. This forces residents to rely on independent ATMs in gas stations or convenience stores. Independent ATMs often charge exorbitant fees for those who rely on these services.
This legislation requires independent ATM operators to charge a maximum fee of three dollars per withdrawal and not charge for balance inquiries. These ATMs would have to comply with these regulations in order to receive a license from the SCC.
Local Liability, Trails: HB 2041
This bill seeks to increase connectivity of trails in HOAs by permitting a county to obtain an easement. Too often, these public and private trails are not connected in a cohesive network due to concerns about liability. This bill was brought to my office by the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors.
Animal Welfare: HB 2042
The closure of the Envigo animal testing facility in Cumberland County last year was a significant step forward for eliminating animal cruelty in Virginia. However, this facility’s closure did not resolve the lack of accountability in animal experiments. This legislation mandates an annual documentation of the number of animal experiments and a plan to reduce future animal testing. This legislation also creates protections for whistleblowers who report animal testing cruelty.