The 2014 Session continues to roll along with new excitement every day — we’ve tackled issues as diverse as ethics reform and hunting on Sundays. I’ve been proud to support my good friends Senators Creigh Deeds and George Barker in their campaign to bring reforms to the mental health system in Virginia and bring much needed help to those suffering without a way to get the help they need. As Creigh said on the Senate floor, “The brain is part of the body but we treat mental illness so much different than the rest ... we must do better.”

I am happy to share that seven of my bills with “cross over” on Tuesday, Feb. 11 and be considered in the House of Delegates. The seven bills are:

• SB 11: Absentee voting and procedures; secure return of voted military-overseas ballots

Allows for secure electronic voting for military overseas by using common access cards by active-duty military personnel. This eases the process of absentee voting for military members who are often unable to vote by paper absentee means currently available. This bill was SB 830 in 2013 and improved upon by the Cyber Security subcommittee of JCOTS. This has been a top priority of the Joint Leadership Commission on Veteran Service Organizations [JLC] for several years. This bill has widespread, bipartisan support and it looks like it might pass both Houses this year.

• SB 60: Joint Commission on Health Care extends sunset provision

Extends the sunset provision for the Joint Commission on Health Care [JCHC] from July 1, 2015 to July 1, 2018.

• SB 62: Livable Home Tax Credit; increases total amount granted for program

Increases the total amount of tax credits granted in any fiscal year from $1 million to $2 million, and increases the total amount of tax credits made available through the program allocated for purchase or construction of new residences from $500,000 to $1 million. Increases the total amount allocated for retrofitting or renovation of existing residences from $500,000 to $1 million. The bill was amended to also include a grant program for individuals or small businesses who would like to take advantage of the program but do not have the capital to do repairs or upgrades without the money up front. The Department of Housing and Community Development will administer the tax credit and grant programs.

• SB 201: Health insurance; prescription drug formularies, notices

Requires any health insurer in Virginia that applies a formulary to specialty-tier prescription drug benefits provided to provide 60 days written notice to each individual covered under that policy when a drug, or drugs, are moved from one tier to another. This bill was amended in committee and the notification requirement is now 30 days.

• SB 340: Amended Requirements for Group homes of eight or fewer

Upon request from a local government chief administrative officer, the Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services will provide a list of licenses issued in the preceding month for group homes and residential facilities housing eight or fewer persons.

• SB 481: Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program; residency requirements

Extends requirements for the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program, for spouse or children of soldiers killed or 90 percent+ disabled, who can prove they lived in the state of Virginia for at least 5 years can be eligible for the education benefits. Currently families must establish residency and maintain that for at least 5 years. This bill is now a Department of Veteran Services bill, which means they are able to speak to the bill and support it in committees and to members.

• SB 605: Alcoholic beverage control; mixed beverages license for Virginia State Fair

Updates the license for the Virginia State Fair and county fairgrounds with lower square footage requirements in regards to liquor licenses to sell mixed beverages.

As always I am honored to represent the 36th senatorial district of Virginia and look forward to working hard for my constituents. Anyone with an issue or concern should contact my office in Richmond at district36@senate.virginia.gov or by phone: 804-698-7536.