During the General Assembly session, the disAbility Law Center of Virginia is available to assist policy makers as they consider issues that affect persons with disabilities. 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...
Category: 2015 Legislative Highlights
Post
February 6, 2015 – Auxiliary Grants
During the General Assembly session, the disAbility Law Center of Virginia is available to assist policy makers as they consider issues that affect persons with disabilities. 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...
Post
February 5, 2015 – Seclusion and Restraint in public schools
Legislation requiring the state Department of Education to develop regulations concerning the use of restraints in public schools is moving quickly through both houses of the Virginia General Assembly. The bills require the regulations to include definitions, criteria for use, restrictions for use, training requirements, notification requirements, reporting requirements, and follow-up requirements when seclusion or...
Post
February 4, 2015 – Training Center Bills
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 continue to monitor...
Post
February 2, 2015 – Mental Health Treatment for Objecting Minors
On Friday afternoon, the House subcommittee on mental health approved an amended bill relating to a minor’s right to object to mental health treatment. HB 1717, patroned by Delegate LeMunyon, would have extended the amount of time a child can be held without a hearing. Currently, if an adolescent objects to treatment, he can be...
Post
January 28, 2015 – Seclusion and Restraint
We are monitoring legislation that requires the state Department of Education to develop regulations concerning the use of restraints in public schools. Both bills are promoted by the Commission on Youth. The bills require the regulations to include definitions, criteria for use, restrictions for use, training requirements, notification requirements, reporting requirements, and follow-up requirements when...
Post
January 20, 2015 – Children’s Issues
The disAbility law Center of Virginia is monitoring issues of interest to the disability community in the Virginia legislature during the session that began last week. 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...
Post
January 15, 2015 – Training center bills
The session has begun! We are monitoring legislation that will affect the ability of the state to comply with its settlement agreement with the Department of Justice. One such bill is HB 1614 (Campbell) that would require the state to keep both Southeastern Virginia Training Center and Southwestern Virginia Training Center open. Another bill, HB...
Post
January 13, 2015 – Seclusion and restraint in public schools
The 2015 legislative session in Virginia begins tomorrow. 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. We will be monitoring and supporting legislation that requires the state Department of Education to develop regulations concerning the use of...
Post
January 12, 2015 – Voting Rights
The 2015 legislative session in Virginia begins this Wednesday at noon. All bills being considered will first be heard in committee or subcommittee. If you are interested in a particular bill, click on the link below or visit http://virginiageneralassembly.gov/virginiaLegislature for more information about that bill. The disAbility law Center of Virginia will be monitoring developments...