Sen. Mamie Locke

Issuance of writ of vacatur for victims of human trafficking. Amends the procedure that allows victims of human trafficking, defined in the bill, to file a petition of vacatur in circuit court to have certain convictions vacated and the police and court records expunged for such convictions. This bill is identical to HB 2393.

Juveniles; adjudication of delinquency; penalty. Specifies that a delinquent child is a child 11 years of age or older who has committed a delinquent act. Currently, there is no minimum age for a child to be adjudicated delinquent. The bill provides that if a juvenile younger than 11 years of age is found to have committed an act that would be delinquent if committed by a child 11 years of age or older, the juvenile shall not be proceeded upon as delinquent; however, the court may make any orders of disposition authorized for a child in need of services or a child in need of supervision. The bill also provides that any funding that is available to provide services to a child 11 years of age or older who is proceeded upon as delinquent shall also be made available to a child younger than 11 years of age who is found to have committed an act that would be delinquent if committed by a child 11 years of age or older in order to provide such child the same services. The bill includes in the definition of  "child in need of services" a child younger than 11 years of age who has committed an act that would be delinquent if committed by a child 11 years of age or older. The bill adds that a child may be taken into immediate custody when such child is alleged to be in need of services or supervision and there is a clear and substantial danger to the child's life or health or the safety of the child's family or the public. Finally, the bill includes in the offense of causing or encouraging acts rendering children delinquent, abused, etc., any person 18 years of age or older, including the parent of any child, who willfully contributes to, encourages, or causes any act, omission, or condition that (i) causes a child younger than 11 years of age to commit an act that would be delinquent if committed by a child 11 years of age or older or (ii) causes any child to participate in or become a member of a criminal street gang in violation of existing law. Under the bill, any person who commits such offense is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Department of Housing and Community Development; affordable housing; development by nonprofit organizations. Directs the Department of Housing and Community Development to develop a document describing considerations that a locality may consider when implementing an ordinance to stimulate affordable housing and strategies on property owned by a property tax-exempt nonprofit organization. Such document shall be published on the Department's website no later than December 31, 2025.

Employment; paid sick leave; civil penalties. Expands provisions of the Code that currently require one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked for home health workers to cover all employees of private employers and state and local governments. The bill requires that employees who are employed and compensated on a fee-for-service basis accrue paid sick leave in accordance with regulations adopted by the Commissioner of Labor and Industry. The bill provides that employees transferred to a separate division or location remain entitled to previously accrued paid sick leave and that employees retain their accrued sick leave under any successor employer. The bill allows employers to provide a more generous paid sick leave policy than prescribed by its provisions. Employees, in addition to using paid sick leave for their physical or mental illness or to care for a family member, may use paid sick leave for their need for services or relocation due to domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking. The bill provides that certain health care workers who work no more than 30 hours per month may waive the right to accrue and use paid sick leave. The bill also provides that employers are not required to provide paid sick leave to certain health care workers who are employed on a pro re nata, or as-needed, basis, regardless of the number of hours worked. The bill requires the Commissioner to promulgate regulations regarding employee notification and employer recordkeeping requirements. The bill authorizes the Commissioner, in the case of a knowing violation, to subject an employer to a civil penalty not to exceed $150 for the first violation, $300 for the second violation, and $500 for each successive violation. The Commissioner may institute proceedings on behalf of an employee to enforce compliance with the provisions of this bill. Additionally, an aggrieved employee is authorized to bring a civil action against the employer in which he may recover double the amount of any unpaid sick leave and the amount of any actual damages suffered as the result of the employer's violation. The bill has a delayed effective date of July 1, 2026.

Department of Housing and Community Development; Income-Qualified Energy Efficiency and Weatherization Task Force established; report. Directs the Department of Housing and Community Development to establish, in collaboration with the Department of Energy, and with assistance from the Department of Social Services, the Income-Qualified Energy Efficiency and Weatherization Task Force to determine barriers to access and enrollment in the current energy efficiency programs for income-qualified energy customers and to evaluate and develop a plan to address any necessary improvements regarding coordination among state and federal government agencies for utility services and resources to more effectively deliver energy-efficient housing, weatherization resources, and energy efficiency upgrades for income-qualified individuals and households in the Commonwealth. The bill requires the Task Force to meet at least six times between July 1, 2025, and September 30, 2026, and to submit a report of its findings and recommendations no later than September 30, 2026. The bill specifies that such report shall include policy recommendations and a plan to ensure that weatherization-ready repairs and whole-home energy efficiency retrofits are provided to all eligible income-qualified individuals and households in the Commonwealth residing in multifamily buildings, single-family dwellings, and manufactured homes by December 31, 2033. This bill is identical to HB 1935.

Maddy summaryHJ 710 is a ceremonial resolution formally expressing appreciation for Barry Eugene DuVal's contributions. It does not impose any legal requirements or change policies, as it is solely a symbolic gesture of recognition. The resolution directly honors DuVal but affects no individuals or entities through binding actions. This type of bill is common for acknowledging community service or achievements without altering legislation.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally commends the Virginia Wing of the Civil Air Patrol for its service. It is a symbolic gesture with no legal effect or policy changes. The bill does not affect any laws, regulations, or individuals' rights. It passed both chambers as a non-binding expression of appreciation.

Maddy summaryHJ 662 is a commemorative resolution honoring Michael Gregory Brown. It formally celebrates his life and legacy without creating new laws or affecting any policies or individuals. The resolution passed both the House and Senate and was sent to the governor for approval. This is a procedural bill with no substantive policy provisions.

Maddy summaryHJ 717 is a ceremonial joint resolution commending the Lionsbridge Football Club for its contributions to community sports. It does not create new laws or affect any policies, as it is solely a symbolic gesture of recognition. The resolution passed unanimously in both the House and Senate via voice vote on February 21, 2025, and was enrolled on March 24, 2025. This type of resolution has no legal effect and is typically used to honor organizations or events.

Constitutional amendment (first reference); fundamental right to reproductive freedom. Provides that every individual has the fundamental right to reproductive freedom and that such right shall not be denied, burdened, or infringed upon unless justified by a compelling state interest, defined within the text of the amendment, and achieved by the least restrictive means. The amendment allows the Commonwealth to regulate the provision of abortion care in the third trimester when it is medically indicated to protect the life or health of the pregnant individual or when the fetus is not viable. The amendment prohibits the Commonwealth from penalizing, prosecuting, or taking adverse action against an individual for exercising the individual's right to reproductive freedom or for aiding another individual in the exercise of such right.