Department of Education; Child Care Subsidy Program waiting list; additional priority group; target timeline for assigning slots to priority groups. Requires the Department of Education to amend its Child Care Subsidy Program Guidance Manual to add a seventh priority group to the Child Care Subsidy Program waiting list that consists of any family that meets all other Program eligibility criteria and includes a parent who is employed for at least 30 hours per week by a publicly funded child care provider in the Commonwealth that serves children from birth to age five, excluding employment by a local school division but including employment by a Head Start program that is located within a public school building. The bill also directs the Department of Education to require local departments of social services to target a maximum of 30 days for moving priority group families from the waiting list into services; regularly assess, in coordination with the Department of Social Services, the length of time it takes for priority groups to be assigned slots; and provide quarterly updates, beginning October 1, 2025, to the Commission on Early Childhood Care and Education on such timeline and any other barriers experienced by families in priority groups on the waiting list in accessing services.
Del. Alfonso Lopez
Sponsored bills
Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Board established; report. Continues the Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank (the Bank) as a division of the Department of Energy to implement the provisions of the bill and approve expenditures and disbursements from the Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Fund. The bill describes the powers of duties of the Bank and requires certain lending practices. The bill requires the Bank to develop and adopt a strategic plan biennially starting in 2025 to develop programs to overcome market impediments through access to Bank financing and technical assistance and outreach and marketing strategies designed to make potential project developers, participants, and communities aware of financing and technical assistance available from the Bank. The bill requires the Bank to adopt a long-term investment strategy by December 15, 2025, and every four years thereafter. The bill requires the bank to maintain a public website and submit an annual report to the Governor and General Assembly. The bill also creates an Advisory Board and specifies how initial appointments of nonlegislative citizen members shall be staggered and made.
Workers' compensation benefits; post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorder, or depressive disorder incurred by law-enforcement officers and firefighters. Increases from 52 weeks to 104 weeks the maximum duration after the date of diagnosis that workers' compensation benefits are payable for post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorder, or depressive disorder incurred by law-enforcement officers and firefighters acting in the line of duty.
Board of Education; Standards of Learning assessments; availability in commonly spoken languages other than English. Requires the Board of Education to prioritize the incorporation of Standards of Learning assessments in commonly spoken languages in the Commonwealth other than English into its statewide student assessment system, and in any contract that it enters into with a third party for the development, establishment, and maintenance of such system.
Maddy summaryThis bill (SJ 326) is a symbolic resolution commending the Self Storage Association for its 50th anniversary. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals, businesses, or policies. The resolution formally recognizes the association's contributions to the industry through a formal statement adopted by both legislative chambers. It passed the Senate and House by voice vote in February 2025, following standard procedure for commemorative resolutions.
Maddy summaryThis resolution honors the life and contributions of Thomas S. Whipple. It passed the Senate on February 6, 2025, and the House on February 10, 2025, and is now awaiting the governor's action. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or affect any policies or individuals.
Maddy summarySJ 328 is a non-binding ceremonial resolution honoring Michele Irene Chapman. It serves as a formal tribute to her life and legacy without implementing any policy changes or affecting any laws. The resolution passed both the Senate and House with no substantive provisions. As a commemorative measure, it has no direct impact on constituents or legislative action.
Maddy summaryThis resolution commends sprinter Noah Lyles for his athletic achievements. It is a ceremonial measure with no policy provisions or direct impact on legislation or constituents. The bill passed both chambers by voice vote and was formally adopted. As a commendation, it does not create new laws or affect any specific group.
Maddy summaryThis resolution (SJ 329) formally commends the Alexandria Little League Intermediate Division baseball team for their accomplishments. It directly recognizes the team's efforts and achievements as a youth sports organization. The resolution serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation from the state legislature, with no associated policy changes or financial obligations. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not affect laws, regulations, or any individuals beyond expressing official praise.
Court appearance of a person not free on bail. Makes various changes to provisions regarding bail hearings, including (i) the appointment of counsel for the accused, (ii) the information provided to counsel for the accused, (iii) a requirement that counsel for the accused, when practicable, be provided with adequate time to confer with the accused prior to any bail hearing, and (iv) the compensation of counsel for the accused. Effective in due course, the bill provides that the chief judge in each circuit shall create a plan to be completed by November 1, 2025, that establishes the means by which the jurisdiction will meet these requirements. The remainder of the bill has a delayed effective date of January 1, 2026.