Consent to enter (landlords must give 72 hours’ notice)
Right of redemption (48 hours to clear accounts and pay all monies)
EDUCATION
All public schools must offer in-person instruction in Virginia
Teachers pay (5%) increase;
Increased the number of school counselors
Cultural competence tests required for teachers/counselors etc.
Schools can no longer file lawsuit against students or parents for
Virginia school divisions can begin school as early as two weeks before Labor Day
COURTS/CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM
6 NEW judges will be appointed in VA
Those convicted of a felony are now eligible for a ‘simple appeal’
No facial recognition technology (adversely affects persons of color)
Law enforcement agencies will be required to wear body cameras (funds will be provided with Senate bill 1119
Search warrants can only be done between 8a-5 unless a judge authorizes it at another time FOR GOOD Cause.
Abolished the death penalty
Courts will no longer suspend drivers’ licenses for unpaid fines.
Faking a crime is now a misdemeanor.
Established an Office Of Civil Rights office (to focus on unnecessary and unconstitutional policing; combats housing discriminations, combatting LBGTQ & gender based discriminations, combats pregnancy discriminations)
GUN SAFETY/ GUN REFORM
5 days for background check
Persons with a history of violence cannot own a firearm
No guns on state property (schools, capital buildings)
No guns within 40 feet of any polling location
Anyone applying for a ‘concealed carry’ permit, must take an in-person training class. (used to be virtual class)
One handgun a month law
Gun owners MUST report lost or stolen firearms to law enforcement or incur a civil penalty
Stricter laws for leaving a loaded, unsecure weapon around children.
More leeway by local government to ban guns in public spaces, like parks, rec centers, etc
CHILDREN
Must be 21 to purchase tobacco and nicotine products.
Ministers, priests, etc. now have an obligation to report suspected child abuse, except where the religious doctrine to remain secret.
Elementary and middle school children can no longer be charged with ‘disorderly conduct’
Parents/custodians must now be notified before questioning any child 16 years or younger.
You can no longer strip search children under 18 in any facility.
Social Services must now check if a child who is the subject of abuse or neglect lived in another state and if the child was in the child abuse registry there.
Step siblings, and step parents and other adult relatives are added to the list of people who can apply to adopt a child.
HEALTH
Prescription Insulin will no longer cost more than $50.00 for a 30/day supply.
Regional jail, & school nurses can now carry and administer the opioid overdose reversal drug.
Increased the penalty for cruelty to animals to 100,000.
Balanced medical billing – all service providers will be treated as ‘in network’ for health insurance provided in VA.
Conversion therapy (anti-gay therapy) is prohibited. (The religious exemption still applies)
Assed the Reproductive Health Protection Act, eliminating restrictions on abortions.
Decriminalized marijuana and working towards full retail legalization in 2023.
Driving with a cell phone must now be hands-free
Increased access to birth control and contraception for Medicaid and FAMIS recipients.
INCOME/SUPPORT
The minimum wage will increase, incrementally to 15.00/hour
Fair Labor Standards Act – employers must pay overtime for over 40 hours (stricter exemptions)
Virginia Human Rights act provides worker protections for Home health workers, and first responders which include fair pay laws, and worker’ compensation (including PTSD for officers)
Simple drug felons (marijuana) can still be eligible for food stamps based solely on that conviction.
AND THERE'S MORE!
Ratified the ERA
Lee Jackson day has been replaced with Election Day.
It will be easier to change a person’s name and gender on birth certificates
You will no longer need a voter id to vote.
You will no longer need an excuse to vote absentee-in person
Students entering college in Virginia will be entitled to in state tuition as long as you can prove Virginia residency (specifically assists undocumented persons).
Home Health employers must now provide paid sick leave to their employees.
