RICHMOND, Va. - Governor Ralph Northam signed 16 bills into laws Tuesday.
The bills signed encourage energy efficient strategies and reform parole eligibility for juveniles.
House Bill 585 was signed Tuesday, requiring certain cities and counties to incorporate focus around transit into their plans. The purpose of this bill is to reduce Virginia's carbon footprint by considering plans of affordable housing and public transportation.
Governor Northam signed House Bill 35, which allows people who committed a crime as a juvenile to be considered for parole after serving 20 years of their life sentence.
“House Bill 35 is a landmark piece of legislation that gives an opportunity for youths who have committed serious crimes and repented, a future opportunity for social redemption,” said Delegate Lindsey.
Governor Northam also signed the following:
· House Bill 94: Adoption; proper notice of proceeding to legal custodian.
· House Bill 106: Numbering on buildings; civil penalty.
· House Bill 150: Derelict residential buildings; civil penalty.
· House Bill 278: Home/electronic incarceration program; payment to defray costs.
· House Bill 369: Furloughs from local work release programs; furlough approved by local sheriff.
· House Bill 370: Board of zoning appeals; dual office holding.
· House Bill 406: Local government revenues and expenditures; comparative report, filing date.
· House Bill 515: Urban county executive form of government; board of social services.
· House Bill 549: Overgrown vegetation; local authority.
· House Bill 598: Alcoholic beverage control; creates annual mixed beverage performing arts facility license.
· House Bill 778: Family assessments; increases timeline for completion.
· House Bill 949: Alcoholic beverage control; privileges of local special events licensees.
· House Bill 1006: Human trafficking; assessments by local departments.
· House Bill 1137: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and Virginia Initiative for Education and Work; hardship exception.
All bills will become a law on July 1.
The General Assembly session is set to adjourn on March 8.
