State Sen. George Barker Reviews Legislation

State Sen. George Barker, who represents the 39th District in the Virginia General Assembly, recently issued a legislative update as the session was winding down. He and his staff will prepare detailed information on the bills that have been approved. Some of the bills discussed below were proposed by Sen. Barker, while others were introduced by his colleagues, both Democrats and Republicans. In his informative newsletter, he noted the surprising fact that more than 3,000 items have been proposed this session.

Interestingly, these proposals can have many different outcomes, rather than simply pass or fail. Results such as stricken, passed with amendment, passed with substitute and no action are self-explanatory. However, other terms may be unfamiliar to many. For example, enrolled means that both the Senate and House have agreed on the bill, failed to report that a bill is defeated because its committee is unwilling to bring it up. Signed by Speaker and President indicates that the bill is now ready for the Governor’s signature.

Two bills on substance abuse were passed by both the House and Senate. HB 196 states that purchasing and providing alcohol to people under the age of 21 is a Class 1 misdemeanor. SB 745 provides penalties for possessing, distributing or intending to sell synthetic marijuana. Most parents will agree that these bills should help ensure the safety of teens.

Highway safety laws have also been enacted to help protect youngsters. HB 1407 stipulates that underage drinking and driving constitute a Class 1 misdemeanor. Failure to stop for a school bus is now deemed reckless driving (HB 2485). This change should please readers who responded to a recent Patch article about the issue of passing school buses.

Unfortunately, two proposed traffic safety laws initiated by Sen. Barker were passed by the Senate, but not by the House. In Virginia, sending text messages on a cell phone while driving is against the law. Also, it is illegal for teen drivers to talk on a cell phone. However, before an officer can ticket a person for a either violation, the driver must be observed in another infraction, such as speeding or running a red light.

“I proposed bills to make both things a primary offense so that drivers could be stopped for breaking the law,” Barker said in his update. He plans to bring these issues up again in 2012. Perhaps in the ensuing year, safety-conscious drivers and parents will talk about these proposals to their representatives in the General Assembly.

Barker sponsored additional legislation that affects the well-being of children. Adolescents in the foster care system often have difficulty finding permanent homes. The nearer they are to 18, the harder this problem becomes. In some cases, social workers may give up the search to identify foster families for older boys and girls. Although SB 1040 provides many safeguards for every child, it also requires caseworkers to continue seeking permanent, protective homes for teens who have almost “aged out.” The Senator commented, “I believe all foster children ought to be connected and comforted with a family regardless of their age.”

For youngsters in foster care, school placement can also become an issue. When children leave one foster home for another, they often move to new schools as well. The lack of continuity can be detrimental to their education and their social and emotional adjustment.

Barker’s bill, SB 1038, permits children to stay at their original schools if continued placement there will benefit them. Each decision must be agreed upon by the local school system and the social services agency responsible for implementing the foster care plan.

Many other issues have been brought up by Barker and his colleagues. Passed by both legislative branches, they will become law shortly. We will see changes in election procedures, elementary education, conservation, energy, women and family issues, gun rulings, and traffic safety. A bipartisan transportation plan should bring speedy relief to our congested roads. Moreover, the 6,000 residents of the Commonwealth who have intellectual or developmental disabilities and need services should soon receive help.

Barker concluded his legislative update with an encouraging message:  “It's been a pleasure to represent you during the 2011 session. I'm looking forward to returning home to address constituent concerns....” Sen. Barker invites Virginians to “feel free to contact me at any time about anything I can help you with. My e-mail inbox is always open: senatorbarker@gmail.com.” His 39th District office number is (703) 303-1426.

For more information about specific bills, the Commonwealth’s Web site, http://leg1.state.va.us, is extremely helpful. And stay tuned to Fairfax Station Patch to read more about legislation enacted by the 2011 General Assembly.