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 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.
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 expect several bills to address the needs of children and adolescents with mental illness Here are a few:
Children’s Mental Health
HB 1581 (Watts) will require public schools to include in their family life curricula a discussion about mental health and the availability of advanced directives for mental health care.
SB 779 (McWaters) lowers the standards for involuntary commitment of a minor over the age of 14 and extends the period of time an objecting minor can be held from 4 days to 5 days.
HB 1443 (Richard Bell) requires the Department of Education to develop regulations concerning the use of seclusion and restraint in public schools