New Laws, Big Local News & Independence Day Events

The 2016 General Assembly adjourned in early March. Throughout the 60-day session, we considered thousands of bills. Most of the bills that ultimately passed and were signed by the Governor go into effect today.

Every year, the General Assembly publishes a comprehensive list of bills that are likely to affect your everyday life. Below, I have highlighted a few major accomplishments. You can read the entire list here http://dls.virginia.gov/pubs/idc/idc16.pdf

My Legislation Becoming Law this Friday:

• HB 168 Passing stopped school buses; mailing of summons.

• Incorporated into similar/identical bills:

  • HB 257 Fire or rescue volunteers; mental health treatment; funding by locality.  (HB 233)
  • HB 273 Transfer of certain firearms; identification requirement.   (HB 206)
• HB 1470 Northern Virginia Transportation Authority; use of revenues, effective date.

Constitutional Amendments

There will be two constitutional amendments on the ballot this November. The first will enshrine our right to work status in Virginia constitution, which will make Virginia a stronger state for business by guaranteeing that no employee can be fired just because he or she refuses to join a union. The second constitutional amendment will give localities the option to provide a property tax exemption to the surviving spouse of a law enforcement, firefighter, or emergency service personnel killed in the line of duty. I encourage you to vote “Yes” on both of these amendments in November.

Safe Families & Safe Communities

We passed a number of laws aimed at protecting victims of domestic violence by increasing penalties for repeat offenders. It will now be a Class 6 felony to stalk someone under a protective order or commit an assault and battery against someone under a protective order. We also passed legislation making it a felony to violate a protective order with a firearm. These laws will help make our families and communities safer.

Second Amendment

Virginia has expanded its concealed carry reciprocity. Virginia will now have reciprocity with every state that has a concealed carry statute. Virginia will recognize the permits from all fifty states, and the State Police is required to enter agreements ensuring Virginia’s permit is recognized in other states. This legislation was part of a compromise with Governor McAuliffe to reverse Attorney General Mark Herring’s unilateral move last year to end concealed carry reciprocity.  This major, bipartisan compromise secures the rights of law-abiding citizens.

Purchasing Flags

The General Assembly passed legislation requiring state and local governments to buy U.S. or Virginia flags produced in the United States with only materials from the United States.

Transparency in Healthcare Costs

Hospitals are now required to provide to patients, upon request, the cost of any elective procedure, test or service that they will be required to cover.

Student Privacy on Social Media

We passed legislation that prohibits colleges and universities from requiring a student to disclose the username or password to any of his or her personal social media accounts.

I encourage you to keep in touch with me and my office.  I value the feedback you provide as it helps me do my job representing you better.  You can email me at DelDLaRock@house.virginia.gov or call me at 540-751-8364.  You can also join the conversation via our social media on Facebook or Twitter.