This Legislative Report provides a synopsis, organized by topic, of relevant Virginia legislation proposed during the 2011 Session of the Virginia General Assembly.
VALAC was involved, in varying degrees, with every Bill examined in this Report. Some of the Bills were requested, and even drafted, by VALAC. Other Bills were supported by VALAC, sometimes in coordination with other interest groups such as the Virginia Association of Realtors, the Virginia Association of Community Managers, and the Virginia Bar Association. Also, as is the case in every Legislative Session, VALAC opposed and acted promptly on proposed Bills by explaining to the Patrons the problems with the Bills and, when possible, offering suitable alternatives.
VALAC also monitored several Bills not included in this Report that potentially had an effect, albeit indirect, on the community association industry. For instance, several Bills were introduced that would have imposed further restrictions on bank and lender foreclosures. None of these Bills passed, but VALAC is always mindful to keep Bills such as these on its radar in the event they are amended during the legislative process to a form more relevant to common interest communities.
Whether drafting, requesting, supporting, opposing, amending or just monitoring potential legislation, VALAC works year round to further its mission. Regular VALAC meetings, meetings with legislators and interest groups, legislative updates, and CAI events all encompass VALAC’s efforts throughout the year. During the General Assembly Session, VALAC meets at least weekly to discuss the ever-changing developments of the legislation it is tracking. Its Lobbyists are at the General Assembly almost daily and often speak before the Senate and House committees and subcommittees that dictate the fate of the Bills before them.
In sum, VALAC’s work is, as it should be, perpetual and vigilant.
Included with the synopses of each Bill below is a description of the position taken by the Virginia Legislative Action Committee (“VALAC”) and the ultimate fate of each Bill. The Bills that passed are noted in Green. The Bills that did not pass are noted in Red. For a more detailed account of each Bill, please see VALAC’s Legislative Tracking Chart, which can be found on VALAC’s website at http://cai-valac.org.
