On July 1^st many new laws went into effect. Listed below are some of a few that may impact your daily life.

Requires all telephone service providers to obtain your authorization before charging for products, goods, or services.

Allows a concealed handgun permit holder to carry concealed on the premises of a restaurant or club, but prohibits holder from consuming alcohol.  Under current law, one does not need a permit to carry a gun openly in a restaurant.  Penalty: if alcohol is consumed while carrying concealed, it is a Class 2 misdemeanor, which can include six months in jail.

Prohibits homeowner associations from banning the display of the flag of the United States.

Authorizes localities to impose civil penalties for noise ordinance violations.

Creates a “move-over” law, which requires drivers on a four-lane highway to yield when emergency vehicles are approaching.

Increases the general highway speed limit from 65 to 70 mph in certain, to be determined, interstate sections.

Here is some key legislation that I authored during the 2010 session.

Creates a program for autistic adults to improve work skills in order to hold a job in the private sector

Provides for homeowner associations qualified immunity relating to storm water management facilities located on property owned by that community if certain conditions are met. If the operation and maintenance of an HOA-owned storm water retention facility is formally transferred to a local government by contract, HOAs will be able to buy insurance appropriate to a reduced potential liability.

Provides for a new fire code appeal process. This bill came to me from Runnymeade HOA. After many years of on-street parking in a relatively dense community, the fire marshal banned parking on certain streets. The community was unable to appeal the decision on its merits and the state did not have jurisdiction to hear an appeal. 

If you would like more detailed information about new laws please visit http://dls.virginia.gov/pubs/IDC/IDC10.pdf. If you would like more information on legislation on my legislation, please visit my website at www.marksickles.com.  If you have ideas for next winter’s legislative session, please send them to delmsickles@house.virginia.gov.