Week three of the 2020 General Assembly wrapped up with substantial developments the Virginia REALTORS^® legislative agenda, including our efforts to create Association Health Plans in Virginia.

While developing and implementing AHPs in Virginia will take some time, we hit a couple key milestones early in the process.

House Bill 795, sponsored by Delegate Chris Hurst, reported from the House Labor & Committee Subcommittee #2 on a 7-1 vote Thursday evening, advancing to the full committee. On the Senate side, SB 235 passed the Senate General Laws and Technology Committee 15-0 and should be voted on by the full Senate next week.

Although we have accomplished positive results in this early stage, there are several steps ahead of us.  Keep an eye out for more opportunities to respond to Calls For Action and other ways to engage with legislators.

You can find more details about the 2020 Legislative Agenda on our website.

Additionally, we saw progress this week in adding sought-after protections to Virginia’s Fair Housing Law. In accordance with the National Association of REALTORS^® Code of Ethics, we have supported adding sexual orientation and gender identity to Fair Housing in the Commonwealth for several years.

One of the main legislative vehicles for this advancement is House Bill 1663, which reported out of the House General Laws Subcommittee on Housing and Consumer Protection on a 5-1 vote. The bill also adds protections for veterans. Stakeholders are optimistic that these reforms will advance out of the General Assembly and be enacted into law in 2020.

Member (or Association or Local Visit) Highlight:

This week we had groups from the Hampton Roads REALTORS^® Association and the Southside Virginia Association of REALTORS^® visit the Capitol. Both groups spent the morning visiting with senators and delegates discussing how legislation impacts you, your clients, and real estate consumers. Thanks to both groups for their enthusiastic advocacy for all Virginia REALTORS^®.

SVAR’s visit to the Hill.

HRRA’s visit to the Hill.