Today marks the end of our fifth week in the 2023 legislative session of the Virginia General Assembly. We have finally heard all of the bills offered by members of the House of Delegates and will now take up the bills that were passed by the Senate. Some of these bills are identical to those offered in the House, but many are unique to each chamber.
This year I introduced 11 bills. As a member of the minority party, most of my bills died in subcommittees. This is not an unusual practice, but it is always disappointing. One of my bills that was killed in a subcommittee is HB 2073, which supports increased access to healthcare services via telemedicine. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Virginians with rare diseases were able to receive care from doctors and medical experts who practice in other states. Now, the rules have changed and these avenues are no longer open. My bill was intended to remediate this problem. I lost my daughter to a rare disease, so I started the Rare Disease Caucus to better understand and address the challenges faced by families like mine. Even though HB 2073 did not pass, I will continue to advocate for people with rare diseases.
Keep reading to learn about my three bills that were passed in the House.
As always, please reach out to me with any questions or concerns you might have. During the legislative session, I can be reached in my Richmond office at 804-698-1034 or [email protected].
Sincerely,
Delegate Kathleen Murphy
VA-34
Legislation Updates
Three of the 11 bills that I introduced this year have passed the House and are now up for consideration by the Senate:
- HB2077 requires all attorneys who assist veterans with VA-related claims and appeals processes to provide a written disclosure informing all clients of the free services provided by the Department of Veterans Services for service members, veterans, and their families.
- HB2080 authorizes the issuance of special license plates for supporters of women veterans bearing the legend SUPPORT WOMEN VETERANS.
- HB2224 directs the Department of Health and the Department of General Services to convene a work group to evaluate the current funding model for the Commonwealth's newborn screening program. The work group will analyze the appropriateness of Virginia’s current fee-for-service funding model and prepare alternative funding models.
See a full list of my bills HERE.
This Month: Roundtable for Women Veterans
I am proud to be working with Delegate Jackie Glass, a veteran, to host our next Women Veterans Roundtable here in Richmond. The roundtable will serve as an opportunity for women veterans to speak directly with lawmakers about their unique issues and concerns.
Women veterans are invited to join us at the Virginia War Memorial on Thursday, February 23rd at 6:00 p.m. RSVP here.
Public Safety Update
From the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles:
Virginia’s Emergency Contact Program is a free public service that allows you to store emergency contact information. This program gives law enforcement a way to notify your family or friends in the event of a serious crash or other emergencies that leaves you unable to communicate. The Emergency Contact Program is available to people with a valid Virginia driver’s license, identification card, learner’s permit, commercial driver’s license, or temporary driver’s license. You can add, modify, or delete up to two emergency contacts at any time. Your information will be securely stored by DMV and will be accessible only by law enforcement in the event of an emergency.
How to Enroll
You can add or modify emergency contact information:
- Online on your myDMV Account page, using a DMV password
- Submit a completed "Emergency Contact Application" (DL 569) either at any DMV customer service center or by mail to: Virginia DMV Attn: Data Integrity Work Center, PO Box 27412, Richmond, VA 23269
MPA Summer 2023 Art Camp Registration is Now Open!
Registration is now OPEN for McLean Project for the Arts’ 2023 Summer Art Camps. Offerings include MPA Art Camps (ages 6-13) and Abrakadoodle Camps (ages 3-6), as well as their CIT program (ages 14-16). Sessions run June 26th - August 11th. Sign up early to secure your spot!
For more information, please contact Briana Clorey at [email protected].
Upcoming Events
Wednesday, February 15: Public Safety Forum with McLean District Station Leadership
The Commanders of the McLean District Station of the Fairfax County Police will discuss the current crime trends as well as prevention methods. This is a great opportunity for you to discuss issues and concerns that are affecting your neighborhood. The in-person event will be held in the Community Hall in the McLean Community Center. If you have questions you would like the McLean District Station Leadership to answer, please send them to [email protected]
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave
Saturday, February 25: Fairfax County NAACP Black History Month Celebration
Join emcee Shirley Ginwright, Past President of Fairfax County NAACP, and keynote speaker Curtis Valentine, Founder of Real Men Teach, as we celebrate the accomplishments of African-Americans and enjoy a great soul food lunch. This year's theme is "Black Resistance - Rebuilding Black Wall Street". Musical performance by Harvest Assembly Baptist Church Choir. Register here.
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Location: Harvest Assembly Baptist Church, 8008 Fordson Rd
