HEAV'S LEGISLATIVE TEAM
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LEGISLATIVE OUTCOMES
Information is released by Legislative Information Systems (LIS) on an hourly basis. If you know the bill's number, you can find its status here. Some of the bills we have been tracking and their outcomes are listed below.

Sports Access for Homeschoolers
HB 926 Robert B. Bell (R-Charlottesville)
HB 1001 David A. Nutter (R-Christiansburg)
Three bills were introduced directing the Virginia High School League to provide an exception to its rules allowing homeschooled students to participate in interscholastic sports. All three bills were rolled into Delegate Bell's HB 926.

After Delegate Bell presented the background and purpose of the bill to the House Education Committee, Virginia High School League representative Ken Tilley stated they were not amenable to compromise of any kind. The Virginia High School League (VHSL), the School Superintendents Association, and the Virginia School Board Association opposed the bill. After much discussion, the bill failed to report (9-Y, 12- N); however, it was continued to 2011.

The committee recommended the Virginia High School League (VHSL) use this time to work with homeschoolers to find an equitable solution. With several bills introduced during past sessions and three during this session alone, many legislators are becoming aware of a growing interest in sports access.

Vaccination of Homeschool Students at Public Schools
HB 270 requires the Department of Health to develop a plan for the prompt vaccination of ALL children, including private school children and homeschoolers, upon the declaration of an emergency by the Board of Health or an epidemic of a vaccine-preventable disease. The amended bill included consent of the minor's parent or guardian. The subcommittee recommended reporting (passing) the bill (6-Y, 0-N).
 
Because HB 270 was uncontested, it was expected to pass the full House without debate; however, Delegate Griffith (R-Salem) raised questions about a school principal standing in "loco parentis" for the parents. The patron, Delegate Englin, asked that the bill "go by for the day" in order to address Delegate Griffith's concern. The following day Delegate Englin amended his bill by striking "or person standing in loco parentis."
 
Just prior to the House vote, Delegate Bob Marshall (R-Manassas) raised the question of Gardasil (HPV vaccine purported to prevent cervical cancer) being a required immunization. After emphasizing this would have to be a declared emergency, the bill was engrossed and passed the next day (96-Y, 3-N).
 
Triennial School Census
SB 557 Mark R. Herring (D-Leesburg)
HB 669 Joe T. May (R-Leesburg)
Three bills have been introduced to eliminate the requirement that every three years a census be taken of all school-age children residing within each school division. The bills would require that the distribution of taxes to localities be based on the average daily membership of the school division rather than on the school-age population.
 
The Senate bills were rolled into SB 413. They were reported (passed) with a substitute, then re-referred to Finance. Although it was reported (passed) out of Finance with a substitute (13-Y, 0-N), the final outcome has not been determined.

Regarding HB 669, the House subcommittee decided to take no action by voice vote (failed).

Philosophical Exemption to Immunizations
This bill established a philosophical exemption for immunizations. The subcommittee recommended laying it on the table by voice vote (failed).

Parental Rights Amendment
HJ 193 Brenda L. Pogge (R-Yorktown)
HJ 193 urges Congress to pass the Parental Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and submit it to the states for ratification. By this resolution, the Virginia General Assembly also affirms the Parental Rights Amendment to the United States Constitution. The House subcommittee recommends reporting (passing) (6-Y, 1-N).
[For more information on the Parental Rights Amendment, visit www.ParentalRights.org.]

Tribute to the Memory of Christopher Klicka
The House of Delegates with the Senate concurring mourns the passing of an exemplary public servant and outstanding Virginian, Christopher J. Klicka. The House agreed (passed).

HOW YOU CAN PARTNER WITH US DURING THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION

1. Subscribe, read, and pass on the HEAV Legislative Update e-newsletters--send them to your support groups and e-groups and post them on your blogs. We will keep you up-to-date on legislative issues as they develop. Join our e-mail list, and encourage others in your support group to sign up for these FREE Legislative Updates.
2. Pray for our legislative team.
3. Support the work of HEAV through volunteering, membership, and financial contributions. Because of your support, HEAV has had a presence at the General Assembly and with the Department of Education for the last 27 years. Every year, we've worked with legislators, monitored bills, and have been a voice for homeschooling in Richmond and throughout the Commonwealth. With your help and support, we look forward to continuing this important work.

Ways to Stay Informed!
The Virginia General Assembly has given citizens the ability to track up to five bills with the FREE bill tracking software Lobbyist in a Box. (See the Quick Links on the right-hand side of the page.) It's user-friendly and greatly simplifies bill tracking!
If you have questions about the legislative process, or need to learn how to navigate the General Assembly website, you can find help at the General Assembly FAQ.
NOTE FROM YVONNE BUNN