Approved by Governor-Chapter 165 (effective 7/1/17)
Requires that home studies conducted by local boards of social services to determine the appropriateness of an adoptive or foster placement comply with the Mutual Family Assessment home study template and any addenda thereto developed by the Department of Social Services. The bill authorizes the Department to amend or update its Mutual Family Assessment home study template and any addenda thereto when necessary to improve the process of adoptive and foster placements, provided that such amendments or updates do not lessen the requirements of the home study process.
Chair votes No
Agreed to by House (64-Y 31-N)
VOTE: DEFEATED (46-Y 54-N)
Agreed to by House (96-Y 1-N)
Provides that when no person is elected to an office by write-in votes and the difference between the total number of votes cast for the candidate elected or the candidate elected with the fewest number of votes and the total number of write-in votes cast for that office is more than five percent of the total number of write-in votes and the number of votes cast for such candidate elected, the electoral board is required only to ascertain and the abstract of votes is required only to contain the total number of write-in votes cast for that office.
Directs the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) to establish a three-year Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Scholarship Pilot Program (the Program) for the purpose of providing access to postsecondary educational opportunities to students living in poverty. The Program would provide scholarships to select community colleges in the amount of $4,000 per year, to be applied toward the costs of tuition and books, to 200 selected students who meet TANF eligibility requirements. The Program would be funded with federal TANF block grant funds. The bill directs VCCS to (i) enter into a memorandum of understanding with the State Department of Social Services establishing the parameters of the Program and the method for selecting students to participate; (ii) monitor, record, and analyze the outcomes of all participants; and (iii) report to the Governor and the General Assembly no later than December 1 of each year regarding the effectiveness of and other information about the Program. The provisions of the bill are contingent on funding in a general appropriation act.
Recognizes pornography as leading to individual and societal harms.
Approved by Governor-Chapter 127 (effective 7/1/17)
Requires health insurers, health care subscription plans, and health maintenance organizations to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder in individuals from age two through age 12. Currently, such coverage is required to be provided for individuals from age two through age 10. The provision applies with respect to insurance policies, subscription contracts, and health care plans delivered, issued for delivery, reissued, or extended on or after January 1, 2018.
Requires the State Board for Community Colleges to require each comprehensive community college to develop policies and procedures for awarding academic credit to enrolled students who have successfully completed a state-approved registered apprenticeship credential. This bill is identical to