Focus on Fairfax - Overview of New Laws

Focus on Fairfax

July 20, 2013

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

In the next few days, I will be sending out my annual "Legislative Action Report." This report provides a summary of just some of the more than 800 new laws that were passed during the 2013 session that will affect our community. Most went into effect on July 1st. In addition to landmark legislation concerning transportation, the General Assembly passed bills affecting health care, education, bullying, and texting while driving - just to name a few.

I am pleased to give my Focus on Fairfax subscribers a sneak preview of the report! Click here to download the online PDF version. In addition, the Division of Legislative Services prepares a comprehensive overview of all legislation considered during the 2013 session. You can download that report by clicking here.

As always, I welcome your feedback and questions!

Summer Homework

While the 2013 session adjourned in late February, the work of the General Assembly continues as various commissions tackle issues requiring further study. I am pleased to serve on three commissions - the Housing Commission, Joint Commission on Health Care, and State Water Commission. All three have robust work plans that may result in recommendations for legislation for the 2014 session. For instance, the work plan for the Joint Commission on Health Care includes issues such as factors affecting health care costs, helping individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder transition from school to the work place, the cost impact of untreated dental disease, the use of telemedicine for mental health services, and age restrictions on the use of tanning beds. The Commission is also tracking implementation of federal health care act provisions and the proposed closure of the Northern Virginia Training Center.

Click on the following links for agenda items.

Housing Commission

Joint Commission on Health Care

State Water Commission

Please don't hesitate to let me know if you would like additional information or are interested in a specific topic.

Informal Coffee Hours

Finally, I am pleased to continue a traditional started eight years ago! Save the dates for my 2013 informal office hours. These are opportunities for constituents to stop by without an appointment to ask a question about an issue or to simply find out what is going on in Richmond. All events are from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Coffee is on me! Upcoming dates include: