Subcommittee backs bill expanding powers and reporting duties of Children's Ombudsman SB 125 would expand the Office of the Children's Ombudsman's access to records, permit referrals to the inspector general, and require the office to provide findings and recommendations to the governor or General Assembly on request; the subcommittee reported the bill with support from the ombudsman and Virginia Poverty Law Center.

A groundbreaking bill has just passed that empowers the Office of the Children's Ombudsman to better protect vulnerable children in Virginia.

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#VA #CitizenPortal #CivicEngagement #ChildProtection #VirginiaChildren #GovernmentTransparency

Subcommittee advances bill to expand early-intervention Part C services to older infants and toddlers HB 103 would direct state agencies to implement or extend IDEA Part C early-intervention services to cover children up to age 4 (extending existing Part C practice), drawing pediatric support and questions about workforce and reimbursement; the subcommittee voted 5–1 to report and refer to Appropriations.

Virginia's subcommittee just voted to expand vital early-intervention services for toddlers, potentially changing the lives of children up to age 4!

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#VA #VirginiaChildren #EarlyIntervention #CitizenPortal #ChildDevelopment #DisabilityServices

Subcommittee pauses Delegate Clark’s universal child-health bill, requests study of 9,000 uninsured children Delegate Dahlia Clark’s HB 280, which would guarantee free-at-point-of-service health coverage for children, drew pediatric and nonprofit support but also questions about costs and provider capacity; a committee member moved to lay the bill on the table and request a DMAS study of the uninsured population.

Delegate Dahlia Clark's groundbreaking proposal for universal, free health coverage for Virginia's children is on hold, but the debate over 9,000 uninsured kids is just heating up!

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#VA #VirginiaChildren #PreventiveCare #HealthCareAccess #ChildWellbeing #CitizenPortal

Subcommittee advances bill to remove civil statute of limitations for child sexual abuse by persons of authority House Bill 538 would eliminate the civil statute of limitations for child sexual abuse claims against persons of authority; survivors and advocates urged the change while insurers warned of insurance‑market impacts. The subcommittee reported the bill 7–2.

Virginia's HB 538 could change the game for child sexual abuse survivors by eliminating the civil statute of limitations against those in power.

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#VA #ChildAbusePrevention #AccountabilityReform #VirginiaChildren #InsuranceImpact #CitizenPortal

Committee Reviews Early Childhood Legislation for Terminology and Expert Input Committee requests early childhood education experts to review legislation before making amendments.

Virginia's School Health Services Committee is redefining how we talk about children facing economic challenges, advocating for language that respects their individuality and promotes inclusivity.

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#VA #EconomicDisparities #CitizenPortal #InclusiveLanguage #VirginiaChildren

General Assembly Implements 5% Cap on Private Special Education Rate Increases Private special education expenses rise, prompting budgetary caps and increasing demand for services.

Virginia's Joint Subcommittee has unveiled alarming truths about skyrocketing special education costs and the strain on Medicaid funding for children and families.

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#VA #CitizenPortal #HealthCareFunding #VirginiaChildren #SpecialEducationCosts #FosterCareSupport

Delegate Maldonado advances bill to empower parents against childhood threats Committee approves bill aimed at protecting children's childhood from emerging challenges.

Virginia's House Committee just voted unanimously on a groundbreaking bill to empower parents in the digital age, ensuring children can enjoy their childhood free from overwhelming tech pressures.

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#VA #LegislativeAction #ParentEmpowerment #VirginiaChildren #CitizenPortal

Senate passes Children's Services Act to clarify funding for at-risk youth programs Senate Bill 801 clears committee with unanimous support to enhance funding eligibility for children

Virginia's Senate just passed a groundbreaking bill to ensure at-risk youth receive the vital support they need—setting the stage for transformative change!

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#VA #YouthSupport #VirginiaChildren #LegislativeReform #CitizenPortal #FosterCareBenefits

House Bill 1844 aims to protect children from harmful heavy metal exposure in baby food House Bill 1844 aims to protect children from harmful heavy metal exposure in baby foods.

A groundbreaking bill in Virginia is set to tackle the alarming risks of heavy metal exposure in baby food, potentially safeguarding the health of our youngest generation.

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#VA #FoodSafety #VirginiaChildren #ToxinProtection #ChildHealth #CitizenPortal

Virginia Senate passes bill to protect child content creators and ensure fair compensation Virginia bill mandates protections and payments for child content creators in online videos.

Virginia is stepping up to protect child content creators with groundbreaking legislation that ensures their earnings are safeguarded until adulthood!

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#VA #CitizenPortal #WorkforceSupport #VirginiaChildren #ChildProtection #DigitalSafety

Delegate Tran highlights social media addiction as a critical threat to Virginia's youth mental health Social media addiction threatens children's mental health, prompting urgent calls for innovative solutions.

Virginia leaders are sounding the alarm on social media addiction, warning it could leave our children with attention spans shorter than a goldfish and dire mental health consequences.

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#VA #CitizenPortal #SocialMediaEffect #VirginiaChildren #MentalHealth #YouthWellbeing