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 1365 (Campbell) removes the local office of the department of social services from participating in the discharge planning for individuals leaving the training centers. Under current law, local DSS “shall” have responsibility for the individual. HB 1365 makes it discretionary.
HB 1710 (Yost) requires that proceeds from the sale training centers property must be deposited in the Behavioral Health and Developmental Services Trust Fund and be used only for the purpose of creating additional waiver slots.
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.
The disAbility law Center of Virginia monitors 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.
In the early days of the session, new proposals will appear quickly. We may not know about every proposal of interest to the community. Please let us know of any 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.