Legislative Summary
2013
The short but active 2013 legislative session adjourned February 23, and HEAV’s legislative team—lobbyist Bob Shanks, bill researcher Caroline Barnes, consultant Anne Miller, and legislative affairs director Yvonne Bunn—worked tirelessly to protect the rights of homeschool families.
Parental Rights Passes in Virginia!
Parentalrights.org initiated legislation that will protect a parent’s rights at the highest level—as fundamental rights rather than “ordinary” rights that can be disregarded for almost any reason. HEAV joined HSLDA and the Family Foundation in actively supporting the House and Senate versions of these bills.
Delegate Brenda Pogge (R-James City County) and Senator Bryce Reeves (R-Fredericksburg) are to be commended for developing a legislative strategy that kept both bills moving forward in the face of amendments and opposition.
Sports Access Fails
Access to interscholastic sports, sponsored by Delegate Rob Bell (R- Charlottesville), passed the House with amendments, but failed again to pass the Senate Health and Education Committee by one vote―the same number of votes as last year.
Opposition from the Virginia High School League, the Virginia School Boards Association, and the Virginia PTA prevailed. Compelling testimony from many articulate homeschool students and parents did not persuade committee members to change their votes.
Homeschool Resolutions
HEAV Establishes Home Education Month
HEAV requested Senate Education Committee Chairman Senator Steve Martin (R-Chesterfield) to introduce a joint resolution proclaiming the month of February “Home Education Month in Virginia.” The joint resolution passed without opposition, and February of each year will now be “Home Education Month.”
HEAV’S Thirty Years of Service Recognized
In a surprise move, Senator Martin’s office not only drafted the resolution for “Home Education Month in Virginia,” but also drafted and introduced a joint resolution recognizing HEAV’s Thirtieth Anniversary!
It commends HEAV for thirty years of service to Virginia’s homeschool families. His resolution recognizes the growth of home instruction as well as milestones in HEAV’s history. We are deeply grateful to Senator Martin for his recognition.
