New state laws address voting, equity, electric vehicles, and more
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam announced March 19 that he signed into law over a dozen additional bills passed by the General Assembly, including measures to expand access to healthcare and birth control, promote equity, and more.
Here’s a quick summary:
Health care access – The funding mechanism for local health departments is revised to increase support for public health, emergencies, and response efforts – House Bill 1963, introduced by Del. Lamont Bagby (Richmond).
Healthcare workers – Establishes programs to manage career fatigue and wellness among healthcare providers and medical students – Senate Bill 1205, Sen. George Barker (Alexandria).
Birth control – Virginians who rely on Medicaid can receive up to a 12-month prescription for birth control – SB 1227, Sen. Jennifer Boysko (Herndon).
Statue removal – The Department of General Services is directed to remove the statue of Harry Byrd Sr. from Capitol Square in Richmond. Byrd, a former Virginia governor and longtime U.S. senator, was an avid segregationist and the architect of the “massive resistance” effort to prevent school desegregation. – HB 2208, Del. Jay Jones (Norfolk).
Equity – Requires state agencies to establish and maintain comprehensive diversity, equity, and inclusion strategic plans and codifies the Northam Administration’s ONE Virginia Plan – HB 1993, Del. Alex Askew (Virginia Beach).
Related story: New Virginia law gives students an excused absence for a civic or political event
Lee Highway – Authorizes Arlington County to rename Lee Highway, the county’s section of Route 29 – HB 1854, Del. Rip Sullivan (Arlington).
Childcare – Expands eligibility for the Child Care Subsidy Program – HB 2206, Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn (Springfield).
Electric vehicle sales – Helps reduce air pollution by requiring car manufactures to sell a certain percentage of electric or hybrid-electric cars – HB 1965, Del. Lamont Bagby (Richmond).
Electric vehicle policies – Directs the State Corporation Commission to report on policy proposals that will increase the use of electric vehicles – HB 2282, Del. Rip Sullivan (Arlington).
Early voting – Localities are allowed to provide access to early voting on Sundays – HB 1968, Del. Lamont Bagby (Richmond).
Absentee ballot witnesses – Removes the requirement for a witness signature on absentee ballots during a declared public health emergency and directs the Department of Elections to evaluate alternatives to witness signatures in verifying the integrity of absentee ballots – SB 1097, Sen. Barbara Favola (Arlington),
Absentee ballot vendors – Allows general registrars to contract with third-party vendors to ensure timely printing and distribution of absentee ballots – SB 1239, Sen. John Bell (Broadlands).
Alcohol delivery – Codifies Northam’s Executive Directive 10 and allows delivery and takeout of alcoholic beverages until July 1, 2022 – HB 1879, Del. David Bulova (Fairfax) and SB 1299, Sen. John Bell (Broadlands).