| From the HSLDA E-lert Service: |
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| Date: From: Subject: | 2/4/2008 5:09:24 PM Home School Legal Defense Association Virginia--Legislative Update |
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====================================================================== From the HSLDA E-lert Service... ====================================================================== Virginia--Legislative Update Dear HSLDA Members and Friends: The Virginia Legislature is moving rapidly on many bills of interest to homeschool families. NEW ASSESSMENT OPTIONS H.B. 1183. This bill, filed by Delegate Scott Lingamfelter at HSLDA's request, will add new year-end assessments. It passed subcommittee and committee last week and could come for a vote on the floor of the House of Delegates any day. Please call your delegate! LEARNER'S PERMIT-ATTENDANCE RED TAPE H.B. 1540. HSLDA called the office of the sponsor, Del. J.H. Miller, and explained that this was a bad bill because it manipulated learner's permits to try to improve school attendance, and could lead to a dramatic increase in red tape for homeschool families. The delegate has proceeded with the bill nonetheless. We are watching to see what action the House Transportation Subcommittee No. 3 takes on this bill. A hearing is set for tomorrow. TAX CREDITS H.B. 420. Failed in committee. Would have provided tax credits for homeschoolers of up to $2,000. H.B. 1164. Passed House Finance Committee on a 13-7 vote, but the House sent it back to committee. It is now in the House Appropriations Committee, Elementary and Secondary Education Subcommittee. This bill would create a tuition scholarship-tax credit program that would help many students, including homeschoolers. HPV VACCINATIONS H.B. 188. During the national stampede last year to impose mandatory immunization on girls for HPV (human papillomavirus--which can cause sexually transmitted disease), new evidence suddenly emerged throwing significant doubt on the claims the vaccine manufacturer had made. Bills in states that had previously looked likely to pass either failed to pass or were withdrawn. Virginia was the only state to actually pass an HPV bill. H.B. 188 delays the effective date of last year's bill so we can take more time to see if the vaccine's claims are legitimate. The bill passed the House January 21 and has been sent to the Senate. HSLDA supports this bill, although we do not support mandatory HPV vaccinations. HOMESCHOOL "OPTION" REVISION H.B. 767. This bill makes some relatively minor changes to the homeschool "options", i.e., what a family is required to show when fling their notice of intent. This bill was drafted by the Department of Education, with comments by HSLDA and the other state homeschool organizations. While this bill was designed to solve administrative issues the Department perceived, its effect will overall be positive for homeschoolers. This bill passed the House on January 24 and has been sent to the Senate. NON-ATTORNEY SOCIAL SERVICES EMPLOYEES FILING LAWSUITS AGAINST PARENTS H.B. 1382. Social services departments are chronic violators of the constitutional rights of citizens, both parents and children, often brazenly claiming that they are above the U.S. Constitution. This bill will make it easier for them to violate citizens' rights by allowing non-attorney employees to initiate court actions against parents--including asking for a court order to take children out of their home. While one of an attorney's roles is as an advocate for his client, another important role is to uphold justice. Lawyers who fall short can be disbarred. Because attorneys have been trained in the law, they have a far more complete knowledge of justice. Allowing non-attorney employees to file court actions against parents removes an important level of protection against injustice. This bill has passed House committee and will soon come for a vote on the floor of the House of Delegates. Thank you for standing with us for freedom. Scott A. Woodruff HSLDA Staff Attorney ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -> Can you look at the clouds and tell the direction of the wind? An interesting phenomenon of wind is that it can blow in multiple directions at the same time, at different heights from the ground. But usually there is a prevailing wind. HSLDA watches the gusts and monitors the prevailing trends of change in the legal climate of home education. So no matter which way the wind is blowing, we're there to protect your family. More reasons to join HSLDA... http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=1938 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ====================================================================== The HSLDA E-lert Service is a service of: Home School Legal Defense Association P.O. 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Thank you for your cooperation. ====================================================================== | |
