Requires a local department of social services to conduct a sex trafficking assessment upon receiving a complaint of suspected child abuse that is based upon information and allegations that a child is a victim of sex trafficking, provided that the local department has not determined that a separate investigation or family assessment is required. The bill also allows a child-protective services worker of a local department responding to such complaint to take the child victim into custody and allows the local department to maintain custody of the child for up to 72 hours without prior approval of a parent or guardian. As introduced, this bill was a recommendation of the Virginia State Crime Commission. This bill is identical to
Approved by Governor-Chapter 376 (effective 7/1/19)
Transfers the power and duty to establish compulsory minimum entry-level, in-service, and advanced training standards for juvenile correctional officers, as well as the time required for completion of such training, from the Department of Criminal Justice Services to the Department of Juvenile Justice.
Prohibits an insurer from refusing to issue or failing to renew a motor vehicle insurance policy solely because of the status of the applicant or policyholder, as applicable, as a foster care provider or a person in foster care.
Allows members of property owners' associations to elect to receive notice of meetings of the association by email in lieu of the current requirement that such notice be sent by United States mail or hand delivered, provided that in the event that such electronic mail is returned as undeliverable, notice is subsequently sent by United States mail.
Requires carriers issuing health benefit plans that develop step therapy protocols for a health benefit plan to ensure that those step therapy protocols are (i) developed and endorsed by a multidisciplinary panel of experts that manages conflicts of interest among the members; (ii) based on peer-reviewed research and medical practice; and (iii) continually updated based on a review of new evidence, research, and newly developed treatments. The measure requires that when coverage of a prescription drug for the treatment of a medical condition is restricted for use by a carrier or utilization review organization through the use of a step therapy protocol, the patient and prescribing provider have access to a clear, readily accessible, and convenient process to request a step therapy exception. The measure establishes conditions under which a request for a step therapy exception shall be granted and authorizes a patient to appeal a step therapy exception request denial. The provisions of the measure shall apply to any health benefit plan delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed on or after January 1, 2020.
Requires health insurers and health services plan providers whose policies or contracts cover services that may be legally performed by licensed nurse practitioners to provide equal coverage for such services when rendered by a licensed nurse practitioner. The bill contains an enactment that exempts the measure from the requirement that the Health Insurance Reform Commission review any legislative measure containing a mandated health insurance benefit or provider. The bill has a delayed effective date of October 1, 2019.
Adds to the requirements for the five licensed optometrist members of the Board of Optometry that they be individuals who at the time of appointment (i) have met all requirements for practice as an optometrist and are qualified to engage in the full scope of the practice of optometry and (ii) are actively engaged in the delivery of clinical care to patients.
Provides that an animal control officer shall confiscate a tethered cock if such cock has been, is, or is intended to be used in animal fighting.
Establishes the Robert O. Norris Bridge and Statewide Special Structure Fund to be used for the purpose of funding maintenance and replacement of large and unique structures. The bill also requires the Commonwealth Transportation Board to (i) undertake a comprehensive review of the current and future condition of pavements and bridges in the Commonwealth; (ii) dedicate a portion of certain funds to the Robert O. Norris Bridge and Statewide Special Structure Fund; and (iii) evaluate the feasibility of using the Public-Private Transportation Act of 1995 to design, build, operate, and maintain two bridges to replace the Robert O. Norris Bridge on State Route 3 and the Downing Bridge on U.S. Route 360. This bill is identical to
Directs the Department of Social Services to promulgate emergency regulations to ensure collaboration, communication, access, and transparency between the local boards and licensed child-placing agencies and foster parents. The bill also directs local boards of social services and licensed child-placing agencies to implement and publicize a dispute resolution process through which a foster parent may contest an alleged violation of such regulations by the local board or licensed child-placing agency.
Authorizes a locality by ordinance to create a local Stormwater Management Fund consisting of appropriated local moneys for the purpose of granting funds to an owner of private property or a common interest community for stormwater management and erosion prevention on previously developed lands. This bill is identical to
