The 2019 legislative session in Virginia will begin on January 10th at noon. 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 that meets on even-numbered years. The legislature will not be considering a full budget proposal, but will consider amendments to the budget that was adopted in 2018.
Tomorrow, January 3, 2019, the public may attend and speak at budget hearings in multiple locations across the state. For more information, see the legislative services calendar here:
https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?191+oth+MTG
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 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.
Here are some of the topics we expect to address during this session:
Mental Health Legislation
We expect to see multiple proposals from the Joint Subcommittee to Study Mental Health Services in the 21st Century, also known as the SJ 47 workgroup or the Deeds Commission. The Subcommittee meets on January 8th at 2 pm to finalize its legislative priorities.
We also expect to see legislation proposing an exemption from the death penalty for persons with serious mental illness.
DD/ID related
We expect to see legislation seeking to keep Central Virginia Training Center open.
ADA related
We expect to see legislation that would allow Credit Unions certain exemptions from ADA requirements, especially relating to website access.
We expect to see legislation designed to bring state law relating to Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices into closer compliance with the ADA.