It is the mission of the disAbility Law Center of Virginia 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.
One of the issues of concern that we constantly hear from our community is about transportation. While there do not seem to be any proposals under consideration that would improve access to transportation, there are several bills concerning people with disabilities that have come out of the House Transportation sub-committees.
Delegate Rob Bell’s HB 1960 deals with people with special communication needs, such as autism or hearing impairment. Currently, it may be indicated on a vehicle registration whether the owner has a communication challenge. The bill allows it is be noted on registration, also, if the usual driver who is not necessarily the owner has a communication challenge. The bill was amended in subcommittee to note that the individual has to consent to the disclosure unless the individual is under guardianship. The subcommittee recommended reporting 9-0, and it now goes to full committee.
Likewise, Delegate Bell is offering HB 1961, in which a guardian or a parent of someone under the age of 18 can request an ID card from the Department of Motor Vehicles. Current law limits it to someone under age 15. The subcommittee recommended reporting the bill, 9-0, and it now goes to full committee.
In a different subcommittee, the House considered requirements for striping new crosswalks, in order to make them more visible to users and drivers. HB 1841, from Delegate Keam, was converted into a study resolution, by the subcommittee.
Please continue to check back here for updates as the session proceeds, and 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.