Do you need directions? Wonder what to do for lunch? Not sure what to wear? Or do you have questions about making an appointment with your legislator or about what to say when you get the appointment? If so, visit our Day at the Capitol FAQs to get all the answers. You can follow the links to maps, a list of parking garages, tour schedules, a list of restaurants, and many more important details. Be sure to read the Updated Schedule for the day. If you can't find the information you need, e-mail me at support@heav.org, and I'll do my best to answer your question as quickly as possible.

Don't forget to make an appointment to visit your legislators. Their General Assembly phone numbers are linked in the Day at the Capitol FAQs. This is a great opportunity to bring a gift of home-made baked goods--cookies, brownies, or bread. Food gifts are always appreciated by the legislators and their staff. Be sure to bring your camera for some great photo ops with your legislators or HEAV's living-history interpreters!

Keep Up-to-Date on Legislative Activity!
For an up-to-the minute report on legislative activity, check Ben's legislative post each day. You'll get first-hand reports about your legislator's comments and votes.

This is a very fast-moving session with lots of bills that could affect homeschoolers. Many have already failed--both good and bad bills. You can see the final outcome on our website of the 2008 Bills and Resolutions we are tracking.

Important! Action Needed!
Social Worker Court Abuse: HB 1382 (Iaquinto and Toscano) will remove a layer of protection for families. It will allow non-attorney social workers to file court actions against parents. Over zealous social workers can directly ask a judge for a warrant to search a home or to take a child away from his parents instead of going through an attorney who is more familiar with the law. According to HSLDA attorney Scott Woodruff, this bill could allow social workers to violate the rights of parents and children.

Please call your delegate immediately and ask him to oppose HB 1382 in order to prevent potential social worker court abuse. You do not need to identify yourself as a homeschooler. HB 1382 could come before the House as early as Thursday. Find your delegate's number here.

Recent Legislative Activity
Community College Match Program: HB 512, HB 1293, and HB 117 (Delegates Landes, Athey, and Dance) were heard and combined in the House Education Committee, then the bill was tabled because of cost. FAILED

Tax Credits: HB 1164 (Delegate Saxman) creates tax credits for businesses and individuals who contribute to eligible foundations and scholarship funds. These funds can be distributed to qualified students, including homeschoolers. It was reported from the House Finance Committee, but the House referred it to the Committee on Appropriations.

Homeschool Testing Options: HB 1183 (Delegate Lingamfelter) would provide three additional testing options for homeschoolers. An amendment in the nature of a substitute was adopted, then a discussion ensued addressing several testing issues. The bill was headed back to subcommittee when the patron assured the committee he could fix the bill. In consultation with HSLDA, HEAV, and VaHomeschoolers, new language was agreed upon that addressed the committees concerns. The bill was reported 20-1. (Delegate Alexander voted against the bill.)

Sports Access: HB 375 (Delegate Carrico) became a controversial piece of legislation. Several representatives of VHSL spoke against the bill. Del. Hamilton expressed concern that this bill would create an uneven playing field for public school students and homeschool students. A motion was made to PBI (pass by indefinitely) the bill. The bill failed to report, 10 to 12 (Landes, Lingamfelter, Fralin, Cole, Gilbert, Athey, Pogge, Massie, Loupassi, and Morrisey voted to report). FAILED

Driver Education under DMV: HB 1540 (Delegate Hugo) moves driver education from the Department of Education to the DMV and repeals the homeschool driver education statute in the process. We have been in communication with Delegate Hugo, as has HSLDA and VaHomeschoolers. He has indicated he supports homeschoolers. Delegate Hugo had the bill stricken from the docket during the committee hearing today, February 5.

Truancy and School Drop-Out Prevention - HB 1263 - Delegate Franklin P. Hall
Public School Grade Placement Testing - HB 107 - Delegate Mark Cole
Automatic Admission to Colleges - HB 165 - Delegate David Poisson
Computers Added to School Supplies Sales Tax Holiday - HB 263 - Delegate Onzlee Ware
Increase in Driving Hours for Holders of Learner's Permits - HB 889 - Delegate Matthew J. Lohr
Teacher Expenses Tax Credit - HB 985 - Delegate David A. Nutter
Clarification of Two-Year College Transfer Grant - SB 148 - Senator Walter A. Stosch

Remember to pass on our HEAV Legislative Updates to your support groups and e-groups, and post them on your blogs. We will keep you up to date with our new "Legislative Posts." Join our e-mail list, and encourage others in your support group to sign up for our FREE Legislative Updates.

Sincerely,