The VBA enjoys the well-deserved reputation as a thoughtful, nonpartisan advocate of law reform and preservation of access to justice. We are charged by our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws to promote legislation that will benefit the public at large, as opposed to particular interests. Accordingly, the VBA legislative agenda seeks to achieve the following:

• Clarify the law so that it is comprehensible to those persons who must abide by it and to those who are charged with administering it.
• Simplify and promote uniformity in judicial and administrative procedures.
• Promote the public welfare, not parochial interests or causes.
• Improve the professional performance of both the judiciary and Bar.

Judged by these standards, the 2015 session of the General Assembly was a success for the VBA. [Click here for the specific results.] The final budget included funding for a total of 405 judges across the Commonwealth, an increase of 9 new judges over 2014 and closer to full funding of the 429 authorized judgeships. In addition, the Governor has on his desk 9 bills proposed by VBA sections and affiliated organizations (Boyd-Graves Conference; Business Law Section; Construction and Public Contracts Law Section; Real Estate Section; Virginia Family Law Coalition; and Wills, Trusts & Estates Section). Two other proposals made significant headway this session, even though they did not secure full passage (Commission on the Needs of Children; Veterans Issues Task Force). Other VBA sections closely monitored bills of interest to our membership during the session.

 

Many thanks to all of the VBA members who volunteer their time throughout the year to develop and advance our legislative agenda. Thanks also to our lobbying team of Jeff Palmore and Edward Mullen from Reed Smith. The VBA's legislative program is an important part of what we do, and 2015 will go down as another successful session.

 

P.S. - Don't forget to check your inboxes later in the year when VBA section members receive summaries of legislative changes that impact their practices. Not a section member? Get involved today.