Although most of the work of the legislature will require review by the Governor, resolutions do not. Resolutions express the sentiment of the legislature but do not have the force of law. They are used to honor some groups and, often, individuals, or to state a common feeling of the legislators. Resolutions are also the means to put a potential constitutional amendment on the ballot, for Virginia voters to act on.
One of the resolutions of interest to the disability community is HJ 510. The resolution, offered by Delegate Scott and others, designates March as Trisomy Awareness month. Trisomy 21 is more commonly known as Down Syndrome, and Trisomy 18 is known as Edwards Syndrome. The resolution notes that there are many other forms of Trisomy, as well. The resolution was agreed to by both the House and the Senate.
Likewise, HJ 488 (Simon), designates October as Dyslexia Awareness Month. The resolution notes that one in five students is affected by a language-based learning disability, with dyslexia the most common of those. The resolution calls for opportunities to acknowledge the accomplishments of youth and adults with dyslexia and to honor educators specializing in teaching strategies to assist them. HJ 488 was adopted by both the House and Senate, as well.
Another resolution of interest would have begun a ballot initiative to change the qualifications of voters. Currently, someone under guardianship loses their right to vote unless the court expressly states that the person retains it. HJ 520 (Herring) would have placed the question before the voters to potentially shift that so that a person only loses the right to vote when a court expressly takes it away. However, that measure did not pass out of the House. The Senate companion, SJ 223 (Locke) also failed in the Senate Committee on Rules.
dLCV’s mission 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. Please let us know of any issues that you think we should be following. Contact us at ga@dlcv.org or info@dlcv.org or by calling 1-800-552-3962 or
804-225-2042.