Virginia Human Rights Act; racial discrimination; hair. Provides that the terms "because of race" and "on the basis of race," and terms of similar import, when used in reference to discrimination in the Code of Virginia and acts of the General Assembly, include traits historically associated with race, including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists. This bill is identical to HB 1514.
Sponsored bills
Study; Joint Subcommittee to Study the Development of a Framework for Regulated Adult-Use of Cannabis and Medical Cannabis; report. Establishes the Joint Subcommittee to Study the Development of a Framework for Regulated Adult-Use of Cannabis and Medical Cannabis (Joint Subcommittee). The bill requires the Joint Subcommittee to (i) study and provide guidance on the potential creation of a Cannabis Control Commission to oversee licensing and regulation of industrial hemp, medical cannabis, and adult-use of cannabis; (ii) provide regulatory guidance on potential tax rates and revenue forecasts for retail and wholesale products; (iii) study and make recommendations regarding the issuance of initial cultivation and retail licenses; (iv) develop and recommend a fee structure and grandfathering process for current pharmaceutical processors; (v) study and recommend potential marijuana advertising regulations; (vi) study and determine appropriate public consumption venues and personal cultivation allowances; (vii) study funding and processing requirements for expungement of criminal records and rights restoration related to marijuana decriminalization; (viii) study and recommend methods for diversifying ownership of the marijuana market; (ix) assess the California, Massachusetts, and Illinois marijuana programs and their effectiveness in transferring economic prosperity to disproportionately affected areas; (x) study the potential development of a community reinvestment fund; and (xi) review and analyze National Highway Traffic Safety Administration studies on marijuana-related impairment.
Commending Virginia REALTORS®.
Celebrating the life of Virginia Flynn Bell.
Public elementary and secondary schools; treatment of transgender students; policies. Requires the Department of Education to develop and make available to each school board, no later than December 31, 2020, model policies concerning the treatment of transgender students in public elementary and secondary schools that address common issues regarding transgender students in accordance with evidence-based best practices and include information, guidance, procedures, and standards relating to (i) compliance with applicable nondiscrimination laws; (ii) maintenance of a safe and supportive learning environment free from discrimination and harassment for all students; (iii) prevention of and response to bullying and harassment; (iv) maintenance of student records; (v) identification of students; (vi) protection of student privacy and the confidentiality of sensitive information; (vii) enforcement of sex-based dress codes; and (viii) student participation in sex-specific school activities and events, excluding athletics, and use of school facilities. The bill requires each school board to adopt, no later than the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year, policies that are consistent with but may be more comprehensive than such model policies developed by the Department of Education. This bill is identical to SB 161.
Commending Zenaviv.
Celebrating the life of Rosetta Cole Gilbert.
Local human rights ordinances; sexual orientationand gender identity. Provides that localities may prohibit discriminationin housing, employment, public accommodations, credit, and educationon the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Commending the Virginia Emergency ManagementAssociation.
Celebrating the life of Sidney Buford Scott.