Extends the sunset date from January 1, 2018, to January 1, 2020, for the local gas severance tax that is dedicated to (i) the local Coal and Gas Road Improvement Fund, (ii) the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Fund, and (iii) water, sewer, and natural gas systems and lines. This bill is identical to
Approved by Governor-Chapter 357 (effective 7/1/17)
Provides that a wireless services authority may fix rates, fees, and charges for services provided, or facilities owned, operated, or maintained by the authority, for which the authority has received loan funding. Currently, an authority may do so only if it has issued revenue bonds. A similar change authorizes rates to be set at levels to provide for payment of loans. The measure also requires each authority to maintain records demonstrating compliance with certain provisions and to make the records available for inspection and copying by the public pursuant to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.
Expands the types of crimes victims of which are eligible to apply for the address confidentiality program to include sexual violence. The bill provides that such programs may also include specialized services for victims of human trafficking. Current law permits victims of domestic violence and stalking to apply to this program. The bill requires that sexual or domestic violence programs be accredited by the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Program Professional Standards Committee to accept applications and authorizes crime victim and witness assistance programs to accept applications. The bill increases program participants' certification period from one to three years. The bill contains technical amendments.
Permits certain Indian tribes recognized by the federal government to join planning district commissions as members and to negotiate the terms of such membership.
Provides an exemption for counties with a charter from having to create a managing library board appointed by the local governing body. This bill is identical to
Allows a funeral service provider to request, and allows a life insurer to provide, information about a deceased person's life insurance policy, including the name and contact information of any beneficiaries of record. The measure does not require a life insurer to provide information that is confidential or protected. The bill requires a funeral service provider to whom such information is provided to make all reasonable efforts to contact all beneficiaries of record, if the beneficiary is not the decedent's estate, within four calendar days of receiving such information and provide to the beneficiaries all information provided to the funeral service provider by the insurance carrier. The bill also requires the funeral service provider to inform the beneficiaries that the beneficiary of a life insurance policy has no legal duty or obligation to pay any amounts associated with the provision of funeral services or the debts or obligations of the deceased.
Corrects numerous sections of the Code of Virginia by replacing the term "intellectual disability" with "developmental disabilities" as appropriate.
Amends provisions related to the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman (the Office) and its access to and handling of certain information and records to conform to federal requirements and remove ambiguities. The bill also prohibits interference with or retaliation or reprisals against (i) the Office or its representatives or designees for fulfillment of its functions, responsibilities, or duties or (ii) a person who in good faith complains or provides information to, or otherwise cooperates with, the Office or any of its representatives or designees. The bill requires the Commissioner for Aging and Rehabilitative Services to promulgate regulations regarding the investigation of allegations of interference, retaliation, or reprisals and the implementation of sanctions with respect to such interference, retaliation, or reprisals. The bill also requires the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services to put in place mechanisms to ensure that the Office may (a) analyze, comment on, and monitor the development and implementation of laws, regulations, and policies related to long-term care services and providers or to the health, safety, welfare, and rights of individuals receiving long-term care services; (b) recommend changes to such laws, regulations, and policies; and (c) provide information, recommendations, and the position of the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman to public and private agencies, legislators, media, and other persons regarding concerns of individuals receiving long-term care services.
Requires any locality establishing a stormwater management utility to provide a full or partial waiver of charges for a person whose approved stormwater management plan indicates that the stormwater produced by his property is retained and treated on site.
Clarifies that the exemption for wholesale manufacturers from local license taxes includes a manufacturer that is also a defense production business selling manufacturing, rebuilding, repair, and maintenance services at the place of manufacture to the United States or for which consent of the United States is required. This bill is identical to
Provides that any officer who is convicted of a felony under the laws of any state or the United States shall be automatically suspended upon such conviction, regardless of any appeals, pleadings, delays, or motions. The bill contains an emergency clause. This bill is identical to
