Several new laws are in effect in Virginia and in Fairfax County beginning July 1. We’ve highlighted a few for you to be aware of (with Virginia House or Senate bill numbers in parentheses if you want to look up more details).
SCHOOL SAFETY
School Threat Assessment Teams
School resources offices (SRO) are now required to be part of a threat assessment team for any public school that employs an SRO. If a school does not have an SRO, the chief local law enforcement officer must designate an officer to receive state school safety training and serve as liaison for the school administrator. (HB 873)
ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY AND EFFICIENCY
Virtual Net Metering
Updates have been made to the municipal net energy metering pilot program, expanding the program’s duration and capabilities. This bill is the direct result of a Fairfax County initiative. (HB 396)
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Park authorities created by a locality are now authorized to locate, operate, regulate the use of and install signage relating to EV charging stations on property under their jurisdiction. This bill is the direct result of a Fairfax County initiative. (HB 443)
Energy Efficiency
Roof replacements are now able to be included in energy performance-based contracts, increasing local authority in the field of energy improvements. (HB 1225/SB 13)
Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) Financing Programs
Local governments will now have new options for financing and managing payments for clean energy, resiliency and stormwater management programs. (HB 1325)
VEHICLE AND PARKING LAW CHANGES
Parking at Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Parking vehicles not capable of receiving an electric charge in a space clearly marked for charging electric vehicles is now prohibited, and subject to a civil penalty of not more than $25. (HB 450)
Loud Vehicle Exhaust Systems
This new law changes some offenses related to loud vehicle exhaust systems to primary offenses, and provides changes to previous language that prohibited law enforcement officers from stopping vehicles that violated local ordinances unless it was a jailable offense. Learn more from our Police Department. (HB 632)
New Lights for Traffic Incident Management Vehicles
Traffic incident management vehicles may now be equipped with flashing red or red and white secondary warning lights. (HB 793/SB 450)
TAX CHANGES
Property Tax Exemptions for Military Spouses
Beginning with tax year 2022, localities may provide tax exemptions or separate tax rates for any real property owned by a surviving spouse of a member of the armed forces who died in the line of duty. The spouse must occupy that property as a principal place of residence and may not remarry to receive the potential exemption/benefit. (HB 957)
COMMUNITY INPUT OPPORTUNITIES
Community Engagement
Localities may now request that the state conduct at least one public meeting in a location to solicit public input during the planning phase of a project, providing additional options for improved public participation. (HB 437)
SIGN UP FOR DAILY EMAIL HEADLINES