Del. Jason Ballard

Public utilities; rate increases during certain months prohibited. Prohibits the regulated operating revenues of certain public utilities from being increased in the months of November, December, January, or February. The bill's limitation does not apply to certain increases, which are the same exceptions as allowed for the existing prohibition on multiple rate increases during a 12-month period. This bill was incorporated into HB 2621.

Firearm safety device tax credit; defines commercial retailer. Redefines an "eligible transaction" for purposes of the firearm safety device tax credit as one in which a taxpayer purchases one or more firearm safety devices from a commercial retailer, as defined in the bill. Current law defines "eligible transaction" as one in which a taxpayer purchases one or more firearm safety devices from a federally licensed dealer. The provisions of the bill apply to taxable years beginning on and after January 1, 2025. This bill was incorporated into HB 2595.

Unlawful detainer actions; no rental agreement between owner and occupant; immediate execution of writ of possession. Provides that, at an emergency hearing on a summons for unlawful detainer filed by an owner of a residential single family dwelling unit where there is no rental agreement between an owner and occupant, if the court enters judgment in favor of such owner, and a writ of possession is issued, the owner may request that the 72-hour waiting period for execution of such writ be waived and that the sheriff immediately execute such writ.

Roanoke Higher Education Authority; board of trustees; powers and duties; specialized noncredit workforce training. Requires the board of trustees of the Roanoke Higher Education Authority to seek opportunities to collaborate with local comprehensive community colleges to meet specialized noncredit workforce training needs identified by industry but provides that if local comprehensive community colleges are unable to meet identified industry needs, then the board may seek to collaborate with other education providers to provide or may provide Roanoke Higher Education Center-delivered specialized noncredit workforce training independent of local comprehensive community colleges.

In-state tuition eligibility; certain members of National Guard or Reserves of the Armed Forces of the United States units in the Commonwealth. Declares eligible for in-state tuition charges at public institutions of higher education in the Commonwealth regardless of domicile any member of the National Guard or the Reserves of the Armed Forces of the United States who is not a resident of the Commonwealth but who is an active member of a unit of the National Guard or the Reserves of the Armed Forces of the United States in the Commonwealth.

Virginia Retirement System; enhanced retirement benefits for 911 dispatchers. Allows local governments to provide enhanced retirement benefits for hazardous duty service to full-time salaried 911 dispatchers. The bill provides that such enhanced retirement benefits apply only to service earned as a full-time salaried 911 dispatcher on or after July 1, 2025, but allows an employer, as that term is defined in relevant law, to provide such enhanced retirement benefits for service earned as a full-time salaried 911 dispatcher before July 1, 2025, in addition to service earned on or after that date. The bill has a delayed effective date of July 1, 2025.

Virginia Retirement System; enhanced retirement benefits for 911 dispatchers. Allows local governments to provide enhanced retirement benefits for hazardous duty service to full-time salaried 911 dispatchers. The bill provides that such enhanced retirement benefits apply only to service earned as a full-time salaried 911 dispatcher on or after July 1, 2025, but allows an employer, as that term is defined in relevant law, to provide such enhanced retirement benefits for service earned as a full-time salaried 911 dispatcher before July 1, 2025, in addition to service earned on or after that date. The bill has a delayed effective date of July 1, 2025.

Human trafficking investigators; licensing by the Department of Criminal Justice Services. Authorizes the Department of Criminal Justice Services to register and issue licenses for human trafficking investigators. The bill provides that a human trafficking investigator is a private investigator who is GSA compliant and engages in the business of, or accepts employment to make, investigations to obtain information on sex trafficking or severe forms of trafficking as defined in the federal Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 and in the federal Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 746 formally recognizes the Narrows High School boys' track and field team for winning the 2024 state title in the 4x400 meter relay. The resolution highlights that the team set a 30-year school record with their victory and notes their strong academic performance alongside their athletic achievements. As a commemorative measure, the House of Delegates directs its clerk to present a copy of the resolution to the team's head coach, Dakoda Schrader, to express appreciation for their accomplishments.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution formally commends Shelor Motor Mile on the occasion of its 50th anniversary. It recognizes the dealership's history, growth from a small garage to a major regional business, and its extensive charitable contributions to schools and the community. The House of Delegates will present a copy of this resolution to the company as an expression of appreciation for its legacy and service.