New Virginia law gives students an excused absence for a civic or political event

Gov. Northam signs new laws.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam has signed 80 new pieces of legislation into law that were passed by the 2021 General Assembly.  

Here are some highlights: 

Student civic engagement – The Virginia Department is Education is directed to establish guidelines that allow an excused absence for middle and high school students to attend a civic or political event – House Bill 1940, sponsored by Del. Sam Rasoul (Roanoke), and Senate Bill 1439, sponsored by Sen. Jennifer McClellan (Richmond). 

Immigrant students – Students will be eligible for state financial aid if they are eligible for in-state tuition, regardless of citizenship or immigration status – HB 2123, sponsored by Del. Alfonso Lopez (Arlington), and Senate Bill 1387, sponsored by Sen. Jennifer Boysko (Herndon). This law takes effect Aug. 1, 2022.

Abortion – Any qualified health insurance plan offered through the Virginia state-based exchange is can no longer prohibit abortion coverage – HB 1896, sponsored by Del. Sally Hudson (Charlottesville), and SB 1276, sponsored by Sen. Jennifer McClellan (Richmond). 

Homeowner protections – The House Bill of Rights strengthens protections for homeowners facing foreclosure and establishes other rights for tenants and homeowners – HB 2175, sponsored by Del. Luke Torian (Dumfries), and SB 1327, sponsored by Sen. Jennifer McClellan (Richmond).

Animal protection – Testing cosmetics on animals and selling cosmetics tested on animals is prohibited, beginning in 2022 – HB 2250, sponsored by Del. Kaye Kory (Annandale), and SB 1379, sponsored by Sen. Jennifer Boysko (Herndon).

Tree protection – Localities are given the ability to exceed the requirements for tree replacement when approving certain developments – HB  2042, sponsored by Del. Nancy Guy (Virginia Beach), and SB 1393, sponsored by Sen. David Marsden (Annandale).

Sale of delinquent property – The time period for which a local tax official may suspend the sale of tax-delinquent property is extended from 36 to 60 months. A sale can be suspended if an heir or another person asserts ownership rights by virtue of testate or intestate succession – HB 2175, sponsored by Del. Luke Torian (Dumfries), and SB 1327, sponsored by Sen. Jennifer McClellan (Richmond). This law is a recommendation from the Commission to Examine Racial Inequity in Virginia Law established by Northam in 2019.

School meals – School boards cannot sue families to collect debts on unpaid school meals – HB  2013, sponsored by Del. Danica Roem (Manassas).

Disability rights – The Virginia Human Rights Act is amended to prohibit discrimination based on disability – HB 1848, introduced by Del. Mark Sickles (Franconia).

Conservation – Codifies Northam’s ConserveVirginia program, a data-driven Geographical Information Systems model to prioritize potential conservation areas across the commonwealth – SB 1290, sponsored by Sen. Monty Mason (Williamsburg).

Pretrial data collection – Requires the Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission to collect and study pretrial data across Virginia, including bail, conviction, and sentencing information – HB 2110, sponsored by House Leader Charniele Herring (Alexandria), and SB 1391, sponsored by Sen. Louise Lucas (Portsmouth). 

Firearm background checks – The length of time for criminal history checks for transferring a firearm is increased from three to five business days – HB 2128, introduced by Del. Alfonso Lopez (Arlington).

Search warrants – Execution of search warrants must be conducted between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., although certain exceptions are allowed – SB 1475, introduced by Sen. Richard Stuart (Montross).

Threats – Communicating threats of death or bodily injury via writing or electronically by someone over age 18 with intent to intimidate is a Class 5 felony – HB 2194 introduced by Del. Jay Leftwich (Chesapeake), and SB 1113, introduced Sen. Lionel Spruill (Chesapeake). 

Cultural competence – Evaluations of teachers, principals, and superintendents must include cultural competence as part of the licensure process – HB 1904, introduced by Del. Clinton Jenkins (Suffolk), and SB 1196, introduced by Sen. Marnie Locke (Hampton). 

Driver education – Driver education programs for students must include the dangers of speeding – S 1169, introduced by Sen. Thomas Norment (Williamsburg), and HB 2928, introduced by Martha Mugler (Hampton). 

HOA meetings – The Property Owners Association Act allows homeowner associations to conduct electronic meetings and voting and sets guidelines for such actions – HB 1816, introduced by Del. David Bulova (Fairfax). 

Economic education – Middle and high school education must include instruction in economic education, financial literacy, and different types of employment – HB 1905, introduced by Del.  Joshua Cole (Fredericksburg).

Drones – Unmanned aircraft no longer need to be registered – HB 1851, introduced by Del. Karrie K. Delaney (Centreville).

Lockdown drills – Public schools must have at least two, rather than three, lockdown drills a year – HB 1998, introduced by Del. Kathleen Murphy (McLean).