New Laws to Take Effect this Month

July 17, 2008

Dear Friends,

  I would like to take a moment and inform you of a few significant bills that recently became law on July 1st. To learn more about certain pieces of legislation, or to see the full list of bills that passed please visit:  http://leg1.state.va.us/

Repeal of Abuser Driver Fees: The measure repealed the abuser driver fees.  Those who already paid fees will be issued a refund.  This law was immediately effective.  I was the chief co-patron of this bill.

Payday Loans: The measure sets limits on the fees and interest rates that payday lenders can charge. It also sets other limits on payday lenders to limit the types of loan abuses that can send borrowers into steep debt.

Career and Technical Education: The measure increases scholarships to teachers pursuing career and technical education.  This measure works to combat the teacher shortage and to reward teachers for pursuing technical degrees.

Emergency Management: Each Virginia public college and university must develop an emergency management plan and notification system. 

Alternative Energy: The measure makes it simpler to develop and use alternative and renewable energy.  It seeks to encourage businesses and entrepreneurs to use alternative sources of fuel.

Firearms Purchase and Mental Health Treatment: The measure emphasizes that orders for involuntary mental health treatment must be forwarded to the Central Criminal Records Exchange.  Persons ordered to involuntary treatment may not purchase, possess or transport a firearm.

Identity Theft Protection: The measure requires that an individual or business that operates a database of personal information must inform both the office of the Attorney General and the affected persons if there is a breach of that database.

Telework: The measure created a state office to encourage telework.  This is a family and business friendly measure that will lessen traffic and reduce air pollution.

Tuition for Service Members: The measure makes it easier for military service members to receive in-state tuition at Virginia colleges.

It has been an honor serving the 40th District in Richmond! Please feel free to contact my office if you have any comments or questions regarding the aforementioned legislation or possible future legislation.  It would be great to hear from you!

Tim