RICHMOND – The Virginia Senate today voted 40 to 0 to approve House Bill 2730, sponsored by Del. David Englin (D-Alexandria), to protect the right of hospital patients to allow anyone they choose to visit them, without regard to family status, sexual orientation, or other characteristics. With today’s vote, the Senate has now approved all seven pieces of Englin’s legislation that passed the House of Delegates.
Here is the list of Englin bills that the General Assembly now will formally communicate to Governor Timothy M. Kaine for his action:
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House Bill 2730 to protect equal rights in hospital visitation.
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House Bill 2727 to help preserve affordable housing for the elderly and disabled renters.
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House Bill 2735 to authorize local government participation in programs offered by the National Association of Counties, including NACo’s prescription drug discount program.
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House Bill 2729 to require the government to notify property owners when changes to Federal Emergency Management Agency floodplain maps may affect their property.
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House Bill 2738 to expand Virginia’s minimum wage protections to workers aged 65 years and older.
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House Bill 2732 to strengthen the Virginia Central Registry for Brain Injury and Spinal Cord Injury, improving services to certain disabled Virginians.
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House Bill 2740 to close a campaign finance disclosure loophole that applies to political action committees.
“My sincere thanks and appreciation to all of the colleagues who voted for these bills, and to the staff members and advocates who helped these bills get through the process,” said Englin. “While some of these pieces of legislation are more significant steps forward than others, they each represent some measure of progress that will benefit the people of the 45th District and other Virginians.”
