One of my bills, HB997, passed the House on Tuesday. The bill requires local departments of social services to provide each applicant for public assistance with information regarding his rights and responsibilities related to eligibility and continued receipt of public assistance. The applicant must sign that he understands these rights and responsibilities.

Another one of my bills, HB996, passed committee unanimously and will head to a final floor vote on Monday. This bill creates a more efficient process for entrepreneurs seeking to start a business and create job opportunities for Virginians.

A couple of important health bills also passed the House this week. HB83 will require the Board of Health to establish guidelines requiring all mammogram reports to include information on breast density. HB1112 eliminates the requirement for vaccination against human papillomavirus for female children. However, the funding shall still exist for such vaccination should one choose to have it. As a member of the Health, Welfare, and Institutions Committee, I voted in favor of both.

I supported HB73, which is working its way through the House. HB73 requires departments of social services to screen each VIEW program participant to determine whether probable cause exists to believe the participant is engaged in the use of illegal substances. The intent of this bill is to ensure that the people who need assistance are getting it while those who abuse the system are not. The measure should help lessen the tax burden on citizens as they will not have to pay for those who abuse the system.

I also supported HB74 which passed the House. HB 74 reduces the time limit for reporting suspected child abuse or neglect by mandated reporters from 72 hours to 24 hours.

In the next couple of weeks there will be a number of bills relating to Second Amendment Rights. I remain a strong supporter of such rights and look forward to voting on these bills.