Archive for February 2012

February 21, 2012

Contact: Delegate Joe May

Phone: (804) 698-1033

(HB805) Delegate May’s Initiative to Provide Northern Virginia Motorists with a Faster, More Convenient Emissions Inspection Option Passes House and Senate Transportation Committees

~The legislation creates an on-road remote sensing emission inspection option called Clean Screen, and allows for the privatization of the station emissions inspection program to create greater efficiency~

RICHMOND –For years, motorists with vehicles registered in Northern Virginia have had to rearrange work and school schedules, give up their lunch hours, fight traffic and wait in line to receive their biennial emissions inspection.

In recognition of these challenges, Delegate Joe May initiated legislation (House Bill 805) to provide on-road remote sensing emissions inspectionsites throughout the Northern Virginia region.  SenatorsJohn Watkins and Richard Saslaw are patrons of identical legislation in the Senate, Senate Bill 502.

“90% of the vehicles in Northern Virginia are clean running vehicles,” says Delegate May.  “There is no reason we should not reward thesemotoristswith an alternativetesting option that will save time and reduce the inconvenienceofobtaining an emission inspection at a traditional station.”

If approved by the Governor, on-road remote sensing will be part of a Clean Screen program which will allow vehicle owners to complete their biennial emissions inspection by driving past a laser-based mobile site.  If a vehicle meets the emissions criteria established by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, the vehicle owner will be notified and may elect to pay for the cost of the inspection by mail or electronically.

The on-road Clean Screen program will be phased in over three years, with 10% of the qualified vehicles tested the first year, 20% the second year, and 30% after the third year.Noting that he would prefer to give 100% of Northern Virginia’s motorists the opportunity to take advantage of the Clean Screen program, May said he was limited by federal requirements that dictate the number of vehicles that can receive on-road inspections.  “The Department of Environmental Quality felt 30% was in line with the federal requirements,” said May.

The cost of the on-road inspection is capped at $28.  While this is the same cost as a traditional station test, motorists in Northern Virginia will save thousands of dollars once the time lost from work, school, family and other opportunities are considered. On average, 800,000 vehicles are tested each year in Northern Virginia.  At an estimated two hours per vehicle, this means an approximate 1,600,000 hours are spent annually dealing with vehicle emissions testing.”

The Clean Screen program is completely voluntary and motorists will still have an opportunity to choose a traditional inspection station if they prefer.

The legislation also allows the Department of Environmental Quality to privatize the station based emissions testing program through the use of a program coordinator and expands the use of equipment that may be used in station based emission testing.

Intro

February 14th marks Crossover, the day that the House of Delegates must complete its work on the nearly 1,300 House Bills introduced this session. It has been a long session, and the House of Delegates has made a lot of progress when it comes to improving the Commonwealth. A great deal has been accomplished in the five weeks since the start of Session with over 400 bills, covering a wide range of issues, having passed the House. Already, I have had the pleasure of seeing many of my bills pass, including House bills 803, 804,805,807, 1243, and 1245.Over one-third of the bills the House has passed relate to my core focus of the session — helping businesses create jobs, expanding education opportunities, keeping our communities in the 33^rd House district safe, and making our government more efficient and effective. These areas of focus will also be addressed in the budget, which is scheduled to be voted on by the House of Delegates in the coming weeks.

Tebow Bill Passes House

On the floor this week, the House passed HB 947, which paves the way for homeschooled children to participate on high school athletics teams. The bill, nicknamed the “Tebow Bill”, requires the Virginia High School League, the organization that governs high school athletics in Virginia, to allow home school students to try out for public schools teams. Currently, twenty-two states allow for homeschooled children to participate on high school athletics teams, including Florida where Tim Tebow was allowed to play on his high school football team.

House Republicans Unveil 2012 Public Safety Agenda

This week, some of my Republican colleagues held a press conference to highlight a number of public safety initiatives to keep families safe from habitual drug traffickers, individuals who prey on children, drunk drivers, gang members, and those who commit domestic violence.

Delegate Rob Bell (R-Albermarle) discussed two of his bills, HB 968, which will increase penalties for habitual drug traffickers, keeping our kids away from drugs and drug-related violence, and HB 973, which would impose a mandatory life sentence for raping a child under the age of 12.  In the last two years, 228 children under the age of 12 have been victims of these horrific crimes, and only 10 of these cases resulted in a life sentence, with a median sentence of 13 years.

Delegate Dave Albo (R-Fairfax) has put forward two bills, HB 49 and HB 50, which respectively increase the jail time for DUI-maiming and DUI-manslaughter.

Delegate Ben Cline (R-Rockingham) introduced two bills to address strangulation and gang recruitment. HB 752 raises the penalty of assault and battery via strangulation in an attempt to curb the elevation of domestic violence. To help combat gang violence, Cline also introduced HB 751, which will make it a felony to induce criminal activity or recruit a gang member via the internet, a telephone, or text message. With technological developments, gangs are using new methods of communication to recruit, discuss, and plan criminal activities.

Protecting our families and keeping our streets safe is one of the most important responsibilities of the government. I, along with my Republican colleagues, are 100% committed to doing everything we can when it comes to protecting children and  keeping families safe from the dangers of this world.

Making Virginia the Most Veteran Friendly State

This week, the House passed a handful of bills aimed at accomplishing Governor McDonnell’s goal of making Virginia the most veteran and military friendly state in the Nation.  On Monday, the House passed HB 719, a bill that allows for a veteran with a permanently disabled service-connected disability to purchase a lifetime hunting, fishing, or combined hunting and fishing license at a discounted rate. The House also passed HB 384 which would give hiring preference for state jobs to members of the Virginia National Guard. This bill builds from last year’s successful efforts to give hiring preference for state jobs to veterans.

Updates on My Legislation

HB 803 – Hillsboro Charter

I introduced House Bill 803, regarding changes in election date for council members in even-numbered years to November. This bill clarifies the voting authority of members who are appointed to fill unexpired terms, and updates a reference to Title 15.1 to Title 15.2. After being referred to the Committee on Counties, Cities, and Towns, the bill passed the House 99-Y to 0-N. It has been communicated to the Senate, where it was referred to the Committee on Local Government.

HB 804 – Town of Purcellville Charter

I introduced House Bill 804, regarding the charter of the Town of Purcellville. This bill distinguishes the authority of the town council to adopt all architectural design standards and review processes from the responsibility of the Board of Architectural Review to apply such duly adopted standards. After being referred to the Committee on Counties, Cities, and Towns, the bill passed with a 99-Y to 0-N vote.

HB 805 – Remote Sensing

House Bill 805 allows a percentage of vehicles to be emissions tested using remote sensing roadside test equipment. This bill would eliminate a trip to the test station for non-polluting vehicles, saving many Northern Virginias, including citizens of Loudoun County, a considerable amount of time. On February 6^th, the bill passed the House (98-Y 0-N) and was been communicated to the Senate. On February 7^th, the Senate referred the bill to the Committee on Transportation.

HB 806 – Overweight Vehicle Fees

House Bill 806 developed out of a study undertaken in 2011 in response to the enactment of House Bill 2022 (2011), which called upon the DMB, in consultation with the Virginia Department of Transportation, the Virginia Port Authority, the Virginia State Police, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, and more than 100 stakeholders from state and local governments and the private sector, to develop a uniform system of permitting overweight vehicles. These feels will help pay for the maintenance and repair of the Commonwealth’s transportation infrastructure. The fees also establish a more equitable distribution of costs, both among different types of overweight vehicles and between carriers operating overweight vehicles and other motorists using Virginia’s roadways. The fees have been proposed at a level where they are not expected to impair the Commonwealth’s economic competitiveness. On February 8^th, the bill was reported from Appropriations with a 22-Y 0-N vote. It was read for the first time February 10^th. Today, February 13^th, the bill was read for the second time and engrossed.

HB 807 – Electronic Tracking

House Bill 807 was a recommendation of the Joint Commission on Technology and Science. The bill would make it illegal to use an electronic tracking device through intentionally deceptive means and without consent to track the location of another person, with the exception of law enforcement, parents/legal guardians of minors, and the owners of fleet vehicles. Today, February 13^th, the bill passed the House with an 88-Y to 10-N vote. It has been communicated to the Senate.

HB 813 – Commercial Space Flight

This bill will promote the development of the commercial space flight authority, the economic development and aerospace research throughout the Commonwealth. The development of the space port at Wallops Island will create high-paying jobs, as well as bring new revenue to Virginia through tourism and space exploration projects. On February 6^th, the Transportation subcommittee recommended reporting with amendment (5-Y 0-N). On February 10^th, the bill had its first reading. On February 13^th, the House read the bill for the second time and the committee substitute was agreed to.

HB 1186 – Pole Attachments

I introduced House Bill 1186 to address inconsistent pole attachment rates. This legislation is important to make sure that all Virginians are provided affordable, high-speed internet, so that all in the Commonwealth are able to participate in distance learning, teleworking, telemedicine, and other activities that will modernize the way people are educated, work, and receive healthcare. Broadband guarantees that all citizens will have the chance to participate in the global economy. Today, February 13^th, the bill passed the House with a 95-Y 0-N vote, and has been communicated to the Senate.

Links of Interest

February 10

Governor’s Legislative Video Update

February 9

Joint Media Release: Republican Majority Caucus Chairmen Hugo and McDougle give Progress Report on 2012 General Assembly Session

Governor McDonnell Announces 495 Express Lanes Project Brings Nearly $450 Million in Small Business Contracting

February 7

Governor McDonnell Releases Competitive Analysis of Virginia’s Aviation Industry

Governor McDonnell Announces an Additional $3.15 Million in Community Development Block Grant Funding

Virginia’s Oyster Harvests Boom

Governor McDonnell’s Transportation Program Provides Millions in Income and Tax Revenue Plus Several Thousand Jobs

Governor McDonnell Says Over 2 Million Virginia Taxpayers Can Prepare, File their Taxes for Free this Year

February 6

Press Release: House Republican Caucus Unveils 2012 Public Safety Initiatives

Video: House Republican Caucus Unveils 2012 Public Safety Initiatives

Governor McDonnell Congratulates Southside Virginia Community College on Receiving Bellwether Award

Governor McDonnell Announces 50 New Jobs in Chesterfield County

Visitors

I always enjoy getting visitors at my office here in Richmond. This week, I had the pleasure of meeting with individuals from Loudoun ENDependence who are committed to helping those with disabilities. On February 8^th, Senator Colgan and I were pleased to sponsor an Aerospace reception at the Library of Virginia. Aerospace Legislative Day was on February 9th, where I spoke on the importance of the aerospace industry on Virginia’s economy. It was also a pleasure meeting with community college students from Lord Fairfax Community College. I encourage all to visit Room 504 at the General Assembly building.

Contact Me

As always, my staff and I are here in Richmond to serve you. We want to hear what you think about the legislation pending before the House, or if there’s anything we can do to help you in dealing with a state government agency. My office can be reached at (804) 698-1033 or via the Internet at DelJMay@house.virginia.gov. If you are planning to visit Richmond during Session, I encourage you to visit me in Room 504. Thank you again for allowing me to serve as your Delegate.

Delegate Joe T. May

33^rd House District

Home Office (703) 777-1191

Richmond Office (804) 698-1033

Introduction

As we continue toward the crossover phase of the 2012 General Assembly session, we are getting to the point where major legislation is passing out of House committees and being acted upon on the floor of the House. My focus continues to be on legislation that helps Virginia businesses create jobs and opportunities, improves the educational opportunities for all, and support reforms to make our state government more efficient and effective. This week, the House advanced a number of important measures that will support open competition on public contracts, improve our public schools, and uphold the integrity of elections in the Commonwealth.

House Passes the Fair and Open Competition in Government Contracting Act

On Tuesday, the House passed HB 33, a bill that prohibits mandatory project labor agreements and guarantees full and open competition in bidding on public contracts. It is estimated that a mandated project labor agreement can raise the cost of a project by ten to twenty percent, so prohibiting these mandatory agreements will help ensure Virginia gets the most out of our taxpayer dollars on infrastructure projects. This legislation also ensures all of Virginia’s qualified contractors and their skilled workforces, regardless of labor affiliation, can compete on a level playing field for Virginia projects.

“Opportunity to Learn” K-12 Education Reform Bills Pass House

The House passed two important K-12 public education reform bills that were a part of Governor McDonnell’s “Opportunity to Learn” agenda. First, the House passed House Bill 1061, which will reduce the number of high school diplomas available from seven to three. This will add rigor and relevance to Virginia earned diplomas and ensure that Virginia students are either career ready or college ready upon graduation. The second bill that passed the House, HB 1063, will allow a local school division to establish its own starting date for the school year. This measure seeks to remove an unnecessary mandate on our local schools that require a school division to apply for a waiver to start the school year prior to Labor Day. Currently, 77 local school divisions already have a waiver. I voted in favor of both of these measures.

Protecting the Integrity of the Electoral Process

On Wednesday, the House passed HB 9, a bill to protect the integrity of our electoral process by requiring a voter to present a valid ID before casting a ballot. Currently, a voter who does not present a valid ID at the polling place can simply sign an affidavit and vote. The current provisions do not provide local Electoral Boards with any mechanisms to prevent a fraudulent vote cast by a voter who doesn’t show a valid ID. Should House Bill 9 become law, voters who do not present a valid ID would be required to sign an affidavit before casting a provisional ballot. Provisional ballots will allow local Electoral Boards to verify the vote cast is a valid vote before being counted. Let me be clear- this bill does not deny anyone the fundamental right to vote. Instead, this measure simply gives our local Electoral Boards a tool to prevent a fraudulent vote from being counted.

Update on My Legislation

HB 805 – Remote Sensing —

House Bill 805 allows a percentage of vehicles to be emissions tested using remote sensing roadside test equipment. This bill would eliminate a trip to the test station for non-polluting vehicles, saving many Northern Virginians, including citizens of Loudoun County, a considerable amount of time. On February 6^th, the bill passed the House (98-Y 0-N) and has been communicated to the Senate. I’m hopeful that the bill will pass the Senate without any problems.

HB 807 – Electronic Tracking

House Bill 807 was a recommendation of the Joint Commission on Technology and Science. The bill would make it illegal to use an electronic tracking device through intentionally deceptive means and without consent to track the location of another person, with the exception of law enforcement, parents/legal guardians of minors, and the owners of fleet vehicles. The bill will be heard in full committee February 8^th.

HB 813 – Commercial Space Flight

This bill will promote the development of the commercial space flight authority, economic development and aerospace research throughout the Commonwealth. The development of the space port at Wallops Island will create high-paying jobs, as well as bring new revenue to Virginia through tourism and space exploration projects. On February 6^th, the Transportation subcommittee recommended reporting with amendment (5-Y 0-N). It will be heard in the House Appropriations Committee.

HB 1186 – Pole Attachments

I introduced House Bill 1186 to address inconsistent pole attachment rates. This legislation is important to make sure that all Virginians are provided affordable, high-speed internet, so that all in the Commonwealth are able to participate in distance learning, teleworking, telemedicine and other activities that will modernize the way people are educated, work, and receive healthcare. Broadband guarantees that all citizens will have the chance to participate in the global economy.

Links of Interest:

Jan 30

Press Release – House Republican Caucus Discusses Government Reform Agenda:

http://www.vahousegop.com/2012/01/house-republican-caucus-discusses-government-reform-agenda-for-the-2012-session/

Jan 31

Governor McDonnell Announces Start of Virginia Spring Fire Season

Feb 1

Governor McDonnell Announces Pavement Recycling Methods Save Time, Money and Materials During Construction – I-81 recycling project wins national award –

http://www.governor.virginia.gov/News/viewRelease.cfm?id=1108

Feb 2

Governor’s Press Releases

FEMA Approves Earthquake Assistance for Albemarle and King George Counties

Governor McDonnell Announces the Commonwealth Transportation Board Saves Nearly $26 Million in Refinancing Deal for Improvements

Virginia Wine Industry Jobs Grow by 50%; Economic Impact Doubles, New Study Finds

In Closing

As always, my staff and I are here in Richmond to serve you. We want to hear what you think about the legislation pending before the House, or if there’s anything we can doto help you in dealing with a state government agency. My office can be reached at (804) 698-1033 or via e-mail at DelJMay@house.virginia.gov. If you are planning to visit Richmond during Session, I encourage you to visit me in Room 504. Thank you again for allowing me to serve as your Delegate.

Delegate Joe T. May

33^rd House District

Home Office (703) 777-1191

Richmond Office (804) 698-1033

Follow us on Twitter: @DelegateJMay

Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/joetmay

Last week was a very fast paced week. We are now in the heart of the 2012 General Assembly Session. Between subcommittee and committee meetings and House floor sessions, we are working hard considering bills filed by our colleagues and advancing legislation we have introduced.

 
Improving Care for the Intellectually Disabled

This week, Virginia took a big step forward to improve the care for some of our most vulnerable citizens, those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
On Thursday, January 26th, Governor McDonnell announced that Virginia will move forward with the transition to community-based care by adding 4,710 new Intellectual Disability (ID) waiver slots and closing four of the five training centers around the state. This is long-overdue news for many families across the Commonwealth who are waiting for an ID waiver. An ID waiver funds services to help individuals with an intellectual disability remain in the community and avoid institutional care. Since 2002, the General Assembly has increased the number of ID waiver slots by about 58 percent, from about 5,386 slots to 8,467 slots currently. Last year, Virginia invested $30 million into a trust fund to begin the process of transitioning those with intellectual disabilities from institutional care to community-based care.

The Governor’s announcement came as Virginia reached a settlement agreement with the Department of Justice regarding Virginia’s compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the 1999 Supreme Court decision in the Olmstead case.

 
K-12 Education Reform Measures
House Republicans, working with Governor McDonnell, are committed to giving every child in the Commonwealth the opportunity to receive a top-quality education. On Monday, the House Republican Caucus held a press conference where we highlighted our K-12 education reforms designed to improve education in Virginia.  One reform would permit businesses to sponsor educational improvement scholarships for lower income children – particularly those in underserved areas of the Commonwealth.  Another reform would allow any institution of higher education in Virginia to operate a college partnership laboratory school. The last reform would replace current teacher contracts with performance-based contracts. These and other announced reforms, along with Governor McDonnell’s proposed investment of an additional $492 million in our schools, will give our teachers the additional resources and tools needed to provide the top-quality education our children deserve and ensure the solvency of the teacher retirement fund.

Track the Progress of Snowplows during the Next Snowfall

While it has been unseasonably warm this winter, the chance for snow in the Commonwealth is always a possibility. The next time it does snow in our area, you will have a new tool available to track the progress of snowplows and the status of the roads in our area. To learn more about this exciting new tool, please click here (link: http://youtu.be/HMRaItZLgyo)

 
Links of Interest

Jan. 23
Governor McDonnell Announces First Ever Direct Export of Virginia Holstein Bulls to Russia (Mechanicsville Farm was first farm to export these bulls)http://www.governor.virginia.gov/News/viewRelease.cfm?id=1098
Private Sector Innovation Wanted for Transportation Operations Centershttp://www.governor.virginia.gov/News/viewRelease.cfm?id=1097

Jan. 25

Governor McDonnell Announces “Governor’s Bowl” Food and Fund Drivehttp://www.governor.virginia.gov/News/viewRelease.cfm?id=1100
Governor McDonnell Announces New Online Web Tool that Tracks Snowplow Progress in Neighborhoods (This is being tested in NOVA)http://www.governor.virginia.gov/News/viewRelease.cfm?id=1101

Governor McDonnell Announces Settlement Agreement With the U.S. Department of Justice on Virginia’s Intellectual and Developmental Disability Systemhttp://www.governor.virginia.gov/News/viewRelease.cfm?id=1103
Statement of Governor Bob McDonnell on News that the President will Request Congress Authorize Use of BRAC Process to Identify Savingshttp://www.governor.virginia.gov/News/viewRelease.cfm?id=1104

 
My Legislation

This year I submitted 16 bills for consideration before the General Assembly.Several of the bills are administrative in nature and deal with town charters; Purcellville, Hamilton, and Middletown.  Listed below are two bills that I would like to highlight:
HB 805 –  Emissions Remote Sensing
The bill provides that a percentage of our vehicles in Northern Virginia will be emissions tested using existing remote sensing roadside test equipment.  This will eliminate a trip to the test station for those vehicles found non-polluting.  For time-starved NOVA citizens, this will save many hours.
HB 813 – Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority
This bill will promote the development of the commercial space flight authority, economic development and aerospace research throughout the commonwealth.  The development of the spaceport at Wallops Island will create high-paying jobs, as well as bring new revenue to Virginia through tourism and space exploration projects.

 
Visitors

This week we have various visitors from Virginians for the Arts with a visit from our constituent from Clarke County, Dennis Lynch, Credit Union groups, various colleges and university representatives, and Commissioner of Revenues to mention a few of the groups.

 
Contact Me

As always, my staff and I are here in Richmond to serve you. We want to hear what you think about the legislation pending before the House, or if there’s anything we can do to help you in dealing with a state government agency. My office can be reached at (804) 698-1033 or via the Internet at DelJMay@house.virginia.gov.  If you are planning to visit Richmond during Session, I encourage you to visit me in Room 504.
Thank you again for allowing me to serve as your Delegate.
Delegate Joe T. May

33rd House District

Home Office (703) 777-1191

Richmond Office (804) 698-1033