I was able to get several significant initiatives passed during the 2011 legislative session, with 20 successful bills on a variety of topics -- the most of any Northern Virginia legislator. Below is a list of my legislation that was signed into law (click the bill number for full text). If you have any questions about these bills or have suggestions for next year, please contact me at SenatorBarker@gmail.com or (703) 303-1426.

Job Creation

SB1050/SB1379 uses funds from the Governor's Opportunity Fund for investment and job creation right here in Northern Virginia.


Education and Kids

SB1037 eliminates independent living as a permanency goal for foster care plans.

SB1038 allows a child placed in foster care to remain at his original school, if determined to be in his best interest.

SB1074/SB1391 allows veterans settling in Virginia and members of the National Guard to receive in-state tuition.

SB1077/SB1448 allows students enrolled in International Baccalaureate and Cambridge courses to receive AP-equivalent credit.

SB1078 permits the employees of a child daycare program regulated by a local government to administer medication to a child.


Public Safety

SB1040 requires local boards of social services and licensed child-placing agencies to obtain background checks on adult household members where a child is being placed on an emergency, temporary, or permanent basis.

SB1049 requires contractors conducting business with the state to ensure their employees are here legally.

SB1220 provides that if a landlord fails to notify the tenant of a notice of mortgage acceleration, the tenant has the right to terminate the rental agreement.

SB1222 permits those in dating relationships and other relationships beyond immediate family to seek protective orders when violence or harm is threatened.

SB1338 requires insurance companies licensed in the Commonwealth that offer retained asset accounts for death benefits to provide the beneficiary with written information describing the settlement options, keeping them safe from benefit manipulation.


Healthcare and Seniors

SB1039 clarifies provisions allowing certain nursing facilities to participate in the Medical Assistance Program for seniors.

SB1073 gives counties full flexibility to exempt the elderly and permanently disabled from property taxes.


Transportation

SB1221 exempts the business community from duplicating studies already done for local governments.


Government Efficiency

SB1032 increases the size of the rainy day fund, forcing government to save money to maintain core services in tough times without raising taxes.

SB1036 allows localities to modify voting machines to meet legal requirements for accessible voting equipment.

SB1076 clarifies election recount procedures when a discrepancy arises with the optical scan tabulator.

SB1223 establishes the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Funding Pool Program, to consist of block grant funds for service providers who expand TANF programs.

SB1224 establishes that the Department of Social Services is designated as the state agency responsible for coordinating public agencies and charitable groups seeking to assist low-income Virginians.