[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6362710,"mediaKeyId","2167410-684c078814549187a3e0d1db46a8d601","parentId",2167410,"title","Subcommittee changes default: courts must find lack of voting capacity before stripping voting rights from people under guardianship","audioSeconds",669,"startMs",7464000,"endMs",8133000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2167410-684c078814549187a3e0d1db46a8d601&start=7464&end=8133","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2167410-684c078814549187a3e0d1db46a8d601/thumbnail_7464000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6362710/Virginia/Subcommittee-changes-default-courts-must-find-lack-of-voting-capacity-before-stripping-voting-rights-from-people-under-guardianship","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6362710-67cf4ea0344187ec25bb51d19eececf2/orig.mp4?Expires=1775999774&Signature=UPS8Z1BuI~rcs1uriBE4Or2fyyg3ONTPcPsbQkHei3uTmSuAjlc-5XC7iqrlWB08jEhYMaXOOLvhGXkpOe4VLQ0c1vu5Skf9rOsYQlXqP93gMvQMVynqwBgTYl9wwLGxkz4PIPChCOwTonh8zg-KrlJmxYvPZlvGcaWXXb4Ba0w7ol6rXk~-lrn0E1BkGrim-miBEiUJFrQIAd6fDDCcLkNdIB9ZtyWTwMmm5WTo-qvREfxNkKkKxq5~EBKaoh-JMR1Ku1B2KsnYB7ZZELl1~VS4DwUuF5Ktt0xdbBvxfQ00KGVQvJFU-Uxe2Db7X1hUz4RETWpEgqi4opUW5JB8RQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Virginia Legislature","date","2025-01-29T00:00:00Z","article","A substitute reported by the Civil Law Subcommittee would prevent automatic disenfranchisement of individuals placed under guardianship or conservatorship by requiring a court finding, by clear and convincing evidence, that the person lacks the capacity to understand the act of voting before disqualifying them. The subcommittee reported the substitute 5-2.

Sponsor counsel explained the substitute changes the default presumption: an individual under guardianship or conservatorship would retain the right to vote unless the court separately finds the person lacks capacity to understand voting. Delegate Trent (patron) said the standard remains “clear and convincing” but the change aligns capacity language to existing guardianship provisions in code section 64.2.

Supporters included John Sweeney of the Disability Law Center of Virginia, Ashley Wright of the Arc of Virginia, Emily Hardy of the Virginia Poverty Law Center, Chris Kaiser of the ACLU of Virginia and other disability and advocacy organizations. John Sweeney told the committee the law already allows courts to preserve voting rights in some guardianship orders and that the substitute “flip[s] the presumption” so that voting rights are retained unless the court specifically finds otherwise.

Some members expressed concern that the change adds an extra finding to proceedings already addressing incapacity and that it could be abused; one member said the proposal gave them pause and indicated they would not support it at that time. The substitute passed the subcommittee by a vote of 5 to 2 and will move to the full committee for further consideration.

Ending: The change would require courts to make an explicit finding about voting capacity in guardianship and conservatorship cases; supporters called it a due-process protection for a civil right, while some members warned of added procedural burdens and potential for misuse.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Civil Subcommittee Wednesday, Jan 29, 2025 3:03 PM - 5:20 PM","oneSentenceSummary","The Civil Law Subcommittee reported a substitute to require courts to find, by clear and convincing evidence, that an individual lacks capacity to vote before removing voting rights in guardianship or conservatorship proceedings; reported 5-2.","taxTitle","2025 Legislature VA, Virginia","taxId",77687,"location","Virginia","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6362715,"Subcommittee amends, reports bill to strengthen public housing tenant protections; appeal bonds, maintenance fees targeted",264,6360000,6624000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2167410-684c078814549187a3e0d1db46a8d601&start=6360&end=6624","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2167410-684c078814549187a3e0d1db46a8d601/thumbnail_6360000.jpg","/articles/6362715/Virginia/Subcommittee-amends-reports-bill-to-strengthen-public-housing-tenant-protections-appeal-bonds-maintenance-fees-targeted","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6362715-8103401809cb417996e0255152b66dde/orig.mp4?Expires=1775999774&Signature=cWrzLB3R8e8TBN41Y0rrlMD56S6tWCAogzNEtwDdu8ncUNbJiGbm7QNgaSSgNz2SRP529o9IPkRybz3BGWD1wv6Cox9hWjzfKilwMr80d-HkqdPeVnmo9VXvNQ42F9HErGMKn3os30VFgFMoJV8KRI-xVaoMwHlZdbgwLba9jaf6o4IYNx~GHut40v~Eeu~Ulducmafn1V0LWWPHi0b13i1d5Ynp8ANH~GPob1y83BTpooHVq0da52In2ecbWgA0eFw4dhdyfM-NTp6P7pDS1c8kwxNm6GN~v6Z2UNtRkw64ME5Okfzy8wt3OzLZTnsfVE0fz9u6wFYVt4UBnV46uQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","House Bill 2415, sponsored in committee as a public-housing tenant protection measure, was amended in subcommittee and reported to the full committee by a 6-1 vote after testimony from tenant organizers, the Virginia Poverty Law Center and other advocates.

The bill aims to address recurring problems in some public housing authorities’ rent calculations, eviction practices and maintenance fees. The substitute before the committee would require housing authorities to provide tenants with instructions on how to request a rent reduction for loss of income when issuing a nonpayment notice; direct judges to waive cash appeal bonds for indigent public housing tenants; and clarify that housing authorities may not charge tenants additional maintenance fees for repairs that are required through no fault of the tenant.

Tenant organizer Omar El-Gaddafi testified that Legal Aid Justice Center represents public housing residents across multiple jurisdictions and said the bill “provides critical protections and eliminates practices that often keep these Virginians trapped in poverty.” Christy Maira of the Virginia Poverty Law Center and other advocates said waiving cash appeal bonds for indigent tenants would improve access to the appeals process and that most tenants do not have the funds to post bonds.

The subcommittee considered and adopted two substantive amendments. One amendment replaced language referring broadly to “violation of a requirement of this chapter” with narrower language covering repairs “necessitated by the tenant's action or omission,” after members and counsel proposed the change to limit unintended scope. The committee also agreed to remove a requirement that certain printed notices be posted in five locations, after members raised concerns that a weather-damaged or missing posting could create litigation points. The sponsor agreed to strike the posting language throughout the substitute.

Supporters said the bill would reduce unwarranted evictions tied to incorrect rent calculations, eliminate certain after-hours maintenance fees that tenant witnesses said are charged in violation of existing law, and increase tenants’ access to grievance and appeal processes. The subcommittee adopted the substitute and reported the bill 6-1.

Ending: The bill moves to the full committee with amendments narrowing some provisions and clarifying appeal-bond waivers for indigent tenants.","House Bill 2415 — focused on public housing rent calculations, appeal bonds for tenants, and maintenance-fee limitations — was amended in committee and reported 6-1 after testimony from tenants’ advocates and legal-aid organizations.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6362720,"Subcommittee reports bill to remove appeal-bond cap, citing victim compensation and federal parity",194,6247000,6441000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2167410-684c078814549187a3e0d1db46a8d601&start=6247&end=6441","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2167410-684c078814549187a3e0d1db46a8d601/thumbnail_6247000.jpg","/articles/6362720/Virginia/Subcommittee-reports-bill-to-remove-appeal-bond-cap-citing-victim-compensation-and-federal-parity","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6362720-9e45c969dcb65cb7dbe6fb6e3eda428a/orig.mp4?Expires=1775999774&Signature=l3Hst96TlitRUaCM7jxv1Y9M6-qOJq2I65f3ybjlqYcPJ9kjSktN-5DSDrl1BgxuBMKT6tDJ6TxS46ImAE4-3FeLkJa9n8C9MHLJGlOgLLCYH9l1r2N9AtpFvhaeWavDVKepBgPL9HcDuDHaJe~USjIgcEhSarMq-5F050DbSLlqVqOsEFJhLBFA51aJ6W4xe95aR3eE3M48FwJZTo7YwrLHNG~ev2OOqcDYvstHPEKfz-8HjzZZrM4iGvhOKjpQfjaYVlldt6pcgFc2Ne-~M7NVzBo-fxYTfC2GsMlH2W7vS411j5rHgM-zX-RJtiV3aBA5-~2NhmbWI20q0KzPng__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A bill to remove the statutory cap on appeal bonds and align state practice with federal courts and other states was reported out of the Civil Law Subcommittee by a 6-0 vote.

The bill’s proponent explained that appeal bonds secure a judgment during an appeal and protect victims by ensuring a successful judgment remains collectible. The sponsor said the cap — set in law in 2000 — can leave victims undercompensated and said the change would mirror federal practice and statutes in several other states. The sponsor also noted the bill preserves existing judicial discretion under paragraph L to waive or reduce bond amounts and allows parties to agree to different terms.

Members asked how the bill would operate and whether judges or parties would set the bond amount. Counsel and the sponsor clarified the court retains discretion to waive or reduce the bond and that parties may agree to a different amount.

The subcommittee adopted the motion to report the bill by a 6-0 vote. No public speakers in opposition were recorded during the hearing.

Ending: The bill advances to the full committee; sponsor emphasized the measure is intended to prevent successful judgments from becoming illusory because of an outdated bond cap.","The panel voted 6-0 to report a bill that would remove a statutory cap on appeal bonds, aligning Virginia with federal courts and multiple states and preserving judicial discretion to reduce bonds.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6362726,"Subcommittee approves substitute to clarify education eligibility for Virginia law reader program",173,5978000,6151000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2167410-684c078814549187a3e0d1db46a8d601&start=5978&end=6151","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2167410-684c078814549187a3e0d1db46a8d601/thumbnail_5978000.jpg","/articles/6362726/Virginia/Subcommittee-approves-substitute-to-clarify-education-eligibility-for-Virginia-law-reader-program","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6362726-f3ca885b32e6f802e37eb77aef0405b5/orig.mp4?Expires=1775999774&Signature=UDyp-EdQShtE7r0E1Y3tNayu~FYNzOW6tN6f5jlkTjjjocOF3YF3y7sPD6YiS17JnHOMqTEz98fjL0iyBIh221XK0zsUYIjfhpQnAsXGYqac9Ccx1mCdR459PtkVkWGy~9C5LbUOxNDvLYAaP8-jvae-U-kAmKmW3x7snweHTTi1pM8xrjNgNBLgPrJ9ewj-3Oax5D03dkghwRh7~0~wKiqopOeB~uKzvGE8UIwaTMq65Usd1FXGihwibizpPTiQUBDAN7cAPIvF0Tp1RANwEajDIeOgL3MUHzWFhj~X6OV7dxuY-qAGHmRJNwwR~vimaoF~BAYufgNtDqcuGluz6g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Civil Law Subcommittee reported a substitute tied to a measure that clarifies which U.S.-based academic credentials qualify applicants for the Virginia law reader program. The motion to adopt the substitute passed and the subcommittee reported the bill by a 6-0 vote.

Delegate Carlson introduced the substitute to allow applicants who earned a U.S.-based bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree to qualify for the law reader pathway, addressing a constituent’s case in which the applicant’s undergraduate degree was earned abroad but the applicant later obtained advanced U.S. degrees. Counsel reported the substitute language was vetted and provided by the Virginia Board of Bar Examiners, which told the committee it could administer the change.

Brandy Singleton, representing the Virginia Board of Bar Examiners through the Office of the Secretary, told the panel that the language before the committee had been vetted and that the board “is on board with the bill.” No public opposition was recorded during the hearing. The clerk recorded the substitute as reported by a vote of 6-0.

Ending: The substitute advances the bill to the full committee; members noted related bills that recognize foreign bachelor’s degrees remain under consideration.","The Civil Law Subcommittee voted 6-0 to report a substitute clarifying which U.S.-based educational credentials count toward eligibility for the Virginia law reader (apprenticeship) pathway to the bar.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6362730,"Subcommittee tables bill that would ban TikTok access for children and create private right of action",735,5198000,5933000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2167410-684c078814549187a3e0d1db46a8d601&start=5198&end=5933","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2167410-684c078814549187a3e0d1db46a8d601/thumbnail_5198000.jpg","/articles/6362730/Virginia/Subcommittee-tables-bill-that-would-ban-TikTok-access-for-children-and-create-private-right-of-action","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6362730-e36c80145525fc99cabb17a7aca263de/orig.mp4?Expires=1775999774&Signature=mLsCHciM277ZJGAQL9673X2G58hWb8jOQJHdQAz3upcVXOaD6befo7~laZie-phUu20kDoBslXYMGTT-qsR69M34uQsgmIwk3T9aKWcwJvDjAdKAPTq20TgM7t-bUyPkwQCTgUMld2NNdMF1OgpcS~Wzo~DkO7rCvDfnvugeUcbrojEgdFFM4bf8fDNwKjoRXX-afi75339W-N6K7bjQeeLnNKOkA1iwfH2308RAgHMU4M6YLcFOpSIpeCkfNAcdQ5AX5LnMK1nXDYZCiGyhQyauj1DqTAnbTYnUsGR0uK-FxBiktgFAyWqSFkkyIt1EEbINHXG46M3rlKle7AvftQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","House Bill 2568, the measure sponsored by Delegate Leftwich that would bar TikTok (and ByteDance Ltd.) from providing access to the platform to any child in the Commonwealth and create a private cause of action for parents or guardians, was laid on the table by the House Courts of Justice Civil Law Subcommittee on a 4-2 vote.

The bill’s patron, identified in the hearing as Delegate Leftwich, told the subcommittee the bill “would prohibit, TikTok and ByteDance Ltd from providing access to TikTok to any child within the commonwealth and allows a child or child's parent, guardian, or custodian to bring an action against 1 of those entities for providing such access.” Leftwich cited examples of dangerous viral trends and said “the TikTok algorithm compounds the problem by promoting content that directs minors to engage in dangerous trends.”

Joelle Godwels, an Assistant Attorney General with the Virginia Attorney General’s Office Consumer Protection Section, testified in support of the bill on behalf of the Attorney General’s Office. Godwels said TikTok “has perhaps the most addictive algorithm of any of the social media platforms” and noted a 2023 Pew Research finding that TikTok is the most-used platform among 13- to 17-year-olds.

Opponents, including Eric Link testifying for the Northern Virginia Technology Council, told the subcommittee the bill lacked definitions and predictable compliance paths. Link warned that if the General Assembly creates a private right of action with “damages of $75,000 for each discrete violation,” the statute must define core terms such as “access” so companies can lawfully comply. He asked how the bill would treat a child who uses a parent’s phone to open the app.

Members questioned whether singling out TikTok is the right approach or whether the problem would simply migrate to other platforms. One member who moved to “lay the bill on the table” said the measure felt more symbolic than a practical fix; that motion was seconded and carried. The clerk recorded the final disposition as “laid on the table by a vote of 4 to 2.”

No further committee action was recorded at the hearing and the patron was thanked for appearing.

Ending: The subcommittee’s tabling leaves the bill inactive pending any reconsideration or a future motion to remove it from the table.","A House courts subcommittee laid House Bill 2568 on the table after debate over scope, enforcement and whether singling out TikTok is effective or enforceable; vote 4-2.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Subcommittee changes default: courts must find lack of voting capacity before stripping voting rights from people under guardianship

Subcommittee amends, reports bill to strengthen public housing tenant protections; appeal bonds, maintenance fees targeted

Subcommittee reports bill to remove appeal-bond cap, citing victim compensation and federal parity

Subcommittee approves substitute to clarify education eligibility for Virginia law reader program

Subcommittee tables bill that would ban TikTok access for children and create private right of action