Del. Atoosa Reaser

Assault and battery; definition of "Islamophobia"; penalty. Defines "Islamophobia" as it relates to the crime of assault and battery as malicious prejudice or hatred directed toward Islam or Muslims. This definition applies regardless of whether the victim is actually a practitioner of Islam, provided that the perpetrator targeted such victim based on a perceived adherence to such faith. The bill also clarifies that religious conviction includes Islam. The bill directs the Department of State Police, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General and the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, to include the bill's definition of "Islamophobia" in its hate crime reporting central repository.

Department of Education; English language learner students; expenditures; data collection; report. Requires the Department of Education, in consultation with each school board, to annually collect, maintain, post publicly and conspicuously on its website, and report no later than November 1 to the Board of Education, the Governor, and the General Assembly data on expenditures for the education of English language learner students in each local school division. The bill requires such data to be disaggregated by school level, grade level, and student English proficiency level.

Affordable housing; assisted living facilities. Allows localities that have adopted an affordable housing program to require that, in an application for a special exception or special use permit, affordable rental units be included for any proposed development of an assisted living facility.

Teacher licensure; technical professional license; curriculum and instruction coursework; comprehensive community colleges. Permits any individual seeking a technical professional license to complete any required coursework in curriculum and instruction at any comprehensive community college in the Commonwealth that offers such coursework, regardless of whether such coursework is offered on a for-credit basis or as part of a noncredit workforce credential.

Military leaves of absence for employees of the Commonwealth or political subdivisions; law-enforcement officers. Provides that any person who is employed by the Commonwealth or a political subdivision of the Commonwealth as a law-enforcement officer shall receive paid leaves of absence for up to 388 hours for which a leave of absence is required, during which such person is engaged in federally funded military duty, to include training duty, or is called forth by the Governor for military duty.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a simple resolution that formally expresses appreciation for an individual named Joon. It does not create new laws, change policies, or affect any groups of people. The only action taken is to place a commendation on the official record of the House.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally commends Colonel James T. O'Kelley, a retired member of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, for his service. It is a ceremonial measure that does not create new laws, allocate funds, or change existing policies. The legislation simply expresses appreciation for his contributions to the military.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes the contributions of four women leaders within Caroline County Public Schools. It serves as a commendation resolution rather than establishing new laws or altering school policies. The measure was passed by the House of Representatives through a voice vote to honor these specific individuals.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally commends Reverend Dr. Raymond A. Bell for his contributions. It is a procedural measure that does not create new laws or affect public policy. The text simply expresses appreciation and was passed by the House of Representatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally commends the Sterling Volunteer Fire Company for its service. It does not create new laws, allocate funding, or change any policies. The measure serves as a ceremonial recognition passed by the House of Representatives.