Sen. Lamont Bagby

Constitution of the United States; Equal RightsAmendment. Ratifies the Equal Rights Amendment to the Constitutionof the United States that was proposed by Congress in 1972. The jointresolution advocates the position that the 1972 Equal Rights Amendmentremains viable and may be ratified notwithstanding the expirationof the 10-year ratification period set out in the resolving clause,as amended, in the proposal adopted by Congress.

Commending the Washington Nationals.

Celebrating the life of Ronald Lewis.

Commending the United States Women's NationalSoccer Team.

Requires a background check for any firearm transfer and directs the Department of State Police (the Department) to establish a process for transferors to obtain such a check from licensed firearms dealers. A transferor who sells a firearm to another person without obtaining the required background check is guilty of a Class 6 felony. The bill also provides that a transferee who receives a firearm from another person without obtaining the required background check is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. The bill exempts transfers (i) between immediate family members; (ii) that occur by operation of law; (iii) by the executor or administrator of an estate or by the trustee of a testamentary trust; (iv) at firearms shows in accordance with law; (v) that are part of a buy-back or give-back program; (vi) of antique firearms; (vii) that occur at a shooting range, shooting gallery, or any other area designed for the purpose of target shooting, for use during target practice, a firearms safety or training course or class, a shooting competition, or any similar lawful activity; or (viii) that are temporary transfers that (a) occur within the continuous presence of the owner of the firearm or (b) are necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm. The bill removes the provision that makes background checks of prospective purchasers or transferees at firearms shows voluntary. The bill also provides that the Department shall have three business days to complete a criminal history record information check before a firearm may be transferred. The bill establishes an appropriation for the fiscal impact of the bill and authorizes the Director of the Department of Planning and Budget to allocate such appropriation among the agencies and programs impacted by the bill.

Changes the name of guidance counselors to school counselors and requires school boards to employ school counselors in accordance with the following ratios: in elementary schools, one hour per day per 91 students, one full-time at 455 students, one hour per day additional time per 91 students or major fraction thereof; in middle schools, one period per 74 students, one full-time at 370 students, one additional period per 74 students or major fraction thereof; and in high schools, one period per 65 students, one full-time at 325 students, one additional period per 65 students or major fraction thereof. Additionally, the bill provides that notwithstanding any act of the 2019 Regular Session of the General Assembly the ratio of school counselors to students shall be as provided for in the appropriation act.

Establishes requirements for offering guaranteed asset protection (GAP) waivers, which are agreements, entered into as a part of or addendum to a motor vehicle financing agreement, under which the creditor agrees for a separate charge to waive or cancel amounts due on the finance agreement if the financed motor vehicle is totally damaged or stolen. The measure requires the creditor to insure its GAP waiver obligations; prohibits a creditor from conditioning an extension or term of credit on the purchase of a GAP waiver; requires a GAP waiver to include disclosures regarding the cancellation of the GAP waiver during a free look period; and establishes requirements and restrictions for the cancellation of GAP waivers, including refund provisions. The measure provides that GAP waivers are not insurance and are exempt from Virginia's insurance laws. This bill is identical to