Public Comments for 01/27/2022 General Laws - Professions/Occupations and Administrative Process
HB381 - Consumer Data Protection Act; data deletion request.
Last Name: Nies Locality: Bamboo Creek

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Last Name: Nicholls Locality: Chesapeake

I support HB381 very much. I support HB615. I don't support HB914 as a state holiday, but as a day of recognition. I do not support HB1049, states are already overloaded with not that many workers.

HB471 - State agencies and localities; solar-ready roof requirements, energy-positive building design, etc.
Last Name: Nies Locality: Bamboo Creek

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Last Name: Stillman Organization: Taxpaying Citizen Locality: VIENNA

I've worked for the last 6 years as a citizen advocate in Fairfax County to get solar on school roofs. Students came to me and asked for help in this advocacy. We're finally seeing this come about and it will save the school system money. The utility continues to raise the price of electricity and FCPSchools will have a $1.5M short fall in FY2023 which could have been avoided with the massive deployment of solar as the price is locked in for the term of the agreement. Students care about the future and the reduction of CO2 from the generation of electricity. Making schools designed for net zero in Fairfax County will only add 5% to the construction cost and will be recouped in 10 years according to a study that the school system contracted. The air quality will be better for these students contributing to their health and the learning environment is improved. Building schools to net zero and solar ready makes good economic sense. Please vote in favor of HB471.

Last Name: Nawaz Organization: Virginia Grassroots Coalition Locality: McLean

Thank you for the opportunity to voice my support for HB471. This bill makes sense because it prepares our buildings for the future. Schools that produce as much energy as they consume are healthier for students, leading to fewer student absences and higher academic achievement. They are also good for taxpayers. The costs of making a building net-zero (which starts with energy efficiency) and solar-ready is minimal. A study conducted for Fairfax County Public Schools showed that new schools built to energy-positive standards recover the added construction costs in just 10 years, while schools renovated to that standard recover the cost in 15 years.

Last Name: Kent Locality: Great Falls

I am writing as a taxpaying Virginian who believes that funds allocated for education should be expended, as much as possible, on educating students rather than paying for inefficient and costly operations such as energy consumption for heating and cooling. It's pretty simple: spend less on energy and more on education. I also believe that it is best to be take actions that leave open opportunties for future major gains. Passing HB 471 achieves both of these objectives. By implementing some fairly basic design requirements, newly constructed public buildings will be positioned to achieve major cost savings over a period of time much shorter than the expected life span of the building. The same is true for major modifications of those buildings as defined in this bill. But to maximize these benefits, the building must be ready. A number of studies have shown this. For example, a November 2020 study by Perkins Eastman, an international architecure design & consulting firm makes this exact point. For example, on page 28: "PV (solar array panels) is MOST affordable when installed on a building’s roof. PV which must be mounted separately from the building on parking lot awnings and the like is much more expensive, as the project must pay for an additional structure as well as the additional infrastructure to route power from these remote locations into the building power grid. Therefore, the design and massing of the building, as well as the location of HVAC equipment within the building rather than on the building’s roof, is critical to maximize the roof area available for building PV. Roofs that are held to a consistent elevation and kept free of all HVAC equipment (which is located within the building) give the best mounting surface for any required PV arrays." Clearly, if you do not pass this bill, you will be wasting taxpayer money on expenditures that could have been easily avoided. Therefore, I urge you to recommend reporting this bill. Thank you, Robin S. Kent Great Falls, VA

Last Name: Pien Organization: Loudoun Climate Project Locality: Leesburg

Hello. My name is Natalie Pien from Leesburg, VA representing Loudoun Climate Project to speak in support HB471 Solar Ready Roofs. Since the 2013 General Assembly authorization for Power Purchase Agreements, more than 45 school districts throughout VA have entered in solar PPAs. Schools with solar panels are • healthier for students inside with fewer absences due to illness, • better for Virginia’s air quality as greenhouse gas emissions are not emitted • taking urgently needed steps to mitigate climate change. While current law requires new public buildings & those undergoing major renovations to meet high energy performance standards, rooftop solar-readiness is not included. This bill not only adds rooftop solar-readiness, it specifies design and construction to net-zero energy standards in accordance with the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers for K-12 schools. Delegate Subramanyam’s legislation is needed to help ensure: • healthy students today and into the future • fiscal responsibility for taxpayers today & into the future, • a livable planet. Please vote “Yes” on HB471. Thank you.

Last Name: Pender Organization: Chesapeake Climate Action Network Locality: Hampton

Solar power energy is used substantially for public facilities across the United States of America. Cities like Santa Fe, New Mexico have installed enough renewable energy on city facilities to provide 25% of its electricity needs, including 4.6MW of solar energy. HB471 can ensure that Virginia can have solar-ready roofs becoming part of the planning process for new public buildings and those undergoing major renovation. Solar-ready roofs save money for taxpayers by allowing public buildings to install solar at no upfront cost, and with long-term savings. In fact, this bill will ensure that public schools be designed and constructed to produce as much energy as they consume and become built to net-zero energy standards. Thus, for these reasons CCAN supports this bill HB471.

Last Name: Lee Organization: Oakton High School Environmental Club Locality: Fairfax County

We are a group of students from Oakton High School Environmental Club, and we wanted to express our support for HB 471, which requires that renovated schools and public buildings be made ready for solar energy. As high schoolers, the transition to clean energy is especially important to our futures. As our high school has undergone its new renovation, we urge not only our school, but other Virginia schools to do their part to make this world more sustainable. Through this bill we are stepping closer to a more green future as the energy consumed is less than is being generated. Solar panels added will not only provide electricity for the school, it will also provide more electricity than is used, creating a net financial gain for schools. A study conducted for Fairfax County Public Schools showed that new schools built to net-zero standards recover the added construction cost in just 10 years, while schools renovated to that standard recover the cost in 15 years. Sincerely, Carolyn Hindle, District 35, 9661 Masterworks Drive, Vienna, VA, 22181 (Rep. Mark Keam) Myla Gao, District 67, 12133 Vale Road, Oakton VA, 22124 (Rep. Karrie Delaney) Beatriz P.M., District 35, 2907 Langholm Pl, Vienna VA , 22181 Zewen Liu, District 34 (Rep. Kathleen Murphy) Sofia Harwood, District 67, 3102 Hannah’s Pond Ln, Herndon VA, 20271 (Rep. Karrie Delaney) Sarah Bigley, District 67, 3116 Hannah’s Pond Lane, Oak Hill, VA, 20171 (Rep. Karrie Delaney) Amy Thiam, District 67, 3009 Gatepost Ln, Herndon, VA, 20171 (Rep. Karrie Delaney) Naafay Ghazi, District 67, (Rep. Karrie K. Delaney) Juyeon Lee, District 37, 3111 Buccaneer Ct, Fairfax, VA, 22031 (Rep. David Bulova)

HB474 - Automatic fire sprinkler inspectors; certification, exempts building officials and fire officials.
Last Name: Nies Locality: Bamboo Creek

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Last Name: Ascher Organization: United Association of Plumbers and Steamfitters and Sprinkler fitters Local 669 Locality: Arlington

On behalf of the United Association of Plumbers and Steamfitters and Sprinkler Fitter Local 669, I ask that you oppose HB 474. Fire Sprinklers are essential things installed in residential or commercial construction. Fire Sprinklers protect not only the owner or renter of the property, but they protect the first responders. The problem is, what happens when they do not work? Inspections are required to avoid this problem and make sure they work. The people who inspect them are required to be certified to inspect them. Why would we exempt someone from that certification requirement? In the name of public safety, ALL people allowed to inspect fire sprinklers officially should be certified regardless of their other job and job title. That is why I ask you to oppose HB 474.

HB610 - Cemeteries; interment rights, proof of kinship.
Last Name: Nies Locality: Bamboo Creek

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HB615 - Sale of cemeteries owned by a locality; notice to descendants.
Last Name: Nies Locality: Bamboo Creek

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Last Name: Nicholls Locality: Chesapeake

I support HB381 very much. I support HB615. I don't support HB914 as a state holiday, but as a day of recognition. I do not support HB1049, states are already overloaded with not that many workers.

HB644 - General Services, Department of; adjustment of boundary lines of surplus property.
Last Name: Nies Locality: Bamboo Creek

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HB772 - Administrative Process Act; powers and duties of executive branch agencies.
Last Name: Nies Locality: Bamboo Creek

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Last Name: Nicholls Locality: Chesapeake

I hope you will move to report worthy bills HB329, HB772, HB952, HB 1300. Thank you.

HB814 - Small Business and Supplier Diversity, Department of; agency procurement enhancement plans.
Last Name: Nies Locality: Bamboo Creek

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HB815 - Small Business and Supplier Diversity, Department of; mentorship program.
Last Name: Nies Locality: Bamboo Creek

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HB819 - Small Business and Supplier Diversity, Department of; collecting and reporting local tax data.
Last Name: Nies Locality: Bamboo Creek

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HB820 - Small Business and Supplier Diversity, Department of; disparity study.
Last Name: Nies Locality: Bamboo Creek

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HB1019 - Telecommunications companies; conveyance of easement and appurtenances.
Last Name: Nies Locality: Bamboo Creek

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HB1020 - State agencies; telecommuting and alternative work schedules policy.
Last Name: Nies Locality: Bamboo Creek

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Last Name: Shapiro Organization: Virginia Association for People Supporting Employment First Locality: Glen Allen

My name is Matthew Shapiro with The Virginia Association of People Supporting Employment First. We support HB1020. We believe that the creation of telework and alternative work schedule policies will help people with disabilities have more opportunities to employment in the commonwealth. The COVID-19 pandemic showed us that people could adapt to working from home. People with disabilities are the perfect group to encourage them to work from home. These policies would help make that a reality—Virginians, including those with disabilities, Home should have all the opportunities to work in Virginia both in the office and through telework. Please support HB1020.

HB1049 - Administration of government; language access equity, report.
Last Name: Nies Locality: Bamboo Creek

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Last Name: Aquino Organization: Hamkae Center Locality: Annandale

Comments Document

I was very disappointed when I found out from the ODEI report that none of VA's state agencies were providing proper language support to its community members and don't have standardized rules to follow for language access. A Virginian's access to state agencies shouldn't be limited because they need help communicating their needs --- all Virginians should be able to access their state resources regardless of disability or other language barriers. With defined standards and dedicated resources, states can better serve our communities regardless of their English proficiency or disability. This bill is an opportunity to make this right. Attached are a list of over 60 entities (organizations, institutions, and residents) across Virginia who support this issue and would like to see quality communication support provided for our neighbors across the Commonwealth.

Last Name: Edwards Organization: Voices for Virginia's Children Locality: Henrico

Hello, My name is Chlo’e Edwards Voices for Virginia’s Children. I have a testimony I will read on behalf of a youth, Naomi, a Richmond Resident. My name is Naomi, I am 17 years old, and I am sharing my story today in support of bill HB1049. I immigrated here from Nicaragua when I was 10 with my dad and stepmom. It was a very stressful time and a culture shock after moving to a new country. I continued 4th grade In the US and had to learn English; while I was on top of everything in Nicaragua and always participating, I felt at the bottom of my class. I have had my dad’s social security number memorized since I was 11. I have paid my family’s bills since I was 13. When my dad got divorced, I had to translate important papers for him from court, and I had to know and understand things at a time when I was also going through the stress and difficulty of separation and divorce. The expectation that immigrants or children of immigrants provide their own translation is not a burden that should be on them. This bill is important because all services should be accessible to everyone, no matter what language. Please support this bill. Thank you.

Last Name: Patwardhan Locality: Fairfax County

As a second generation immigrant myself and as an employee of a non-profit, Edu-Futuro, that serves immigrants from more than 61 countries around the world, I support Delegate Tran's HB 1049.

Last Name: Berge Jones Organization: ReEstablish Richmond Locality: Chesterfield

Comments Document

As a proud Virginian and leader of a local nonprofit that connects refugee and new immigrant communities to resources needed to integrate and thrive, I’m writing to support Virginia HB1049, the language access equity bill that establishes the Interagency Language Access Working Group as part of the Governor’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. I have seen firsthand the tremendous impact that language access has on the lives of people who have been forced from their home countries and are working hard to rebuild their lives here. Removing unnecessary language barriers provides newcomers with the opportunity to learn information, navigate public systems, and communicate clearly, enabling these families to integrate sooner and more smoothly, which in turn contributes to the economic well-being, overall safety, and strength of their new communities. One public agency with especially broad impact is the Department of Motor Vehicles. Without meaningful language access in the driver’s license process, refugee and immigrant newcomers are currently denied DMV resources that are readily available to most long-term, English-speaking residents. Virginia HB1049 would provide future drivers with a clearer sense of traffic rules and regulations and ensure a better understanding of road safety before newcomers get behind the wheel. By producing safer drivers, language access makes Virginia roads safer for everyone. This is just one example of how language access equity is a critical issue affecting all Virginians. An Interagency Language Access Working Group is needed to ensure that our public agencies provide meaningful access for all.

Last Name: Sarmiento Organization: Virginia Coalition for Immigrant Rights Locality: Alexandria

Virginia is home the the ninth largest immigrant population in the United States. This also means that our workforce is multilingual and requires additional support to have Virginia be a welcoming space for immigrant/refugee workers their families. Many states such as Texas and Florida have made similar initiatives to make sure the needs of these families acclimate and are able to use that added support until they are fully fluent in English. The Virginia Coalition for Immigrant Rights fully urges the passage of HB1049.

Last Name: Varky Organization: Virginia Poverty Law Center Locality: Richmond

Virginia Poverty Law Center supports Delegate Tran's HB 1049. The bill requires state agencies to facilitate access to their services and programs by ALL Virginians, including those with language barriers or disabilities that affect their communications.

Last Name: Nicholls Locality: Chesapeake

I support HB381 very much. I support HB615. I don't support HB914 as a state holiday, but as a day of recognition. I do not support HB1049, states are already overloaded with not that many workers.

Last Name: Malady Locality: Richmond

I am writing in support of HB 1049. As part of a Deaf-led grassroots advocacy organization here in Virginia, that has been advocating at the General Assembly since 2016 - I can attest that this legislation is sorely needed. Our group continues to face barriers to meaningful language access when engaging with state government, even here at the General Assembly. And repeatedly the language access provided is not accurate, timely, nor effective for our members. The Americans with Disabilities Act passed more that 30 years ago - there is no excuse for state agencies to not be prepared and adept at providing language access for persons with disabilities. HB 1049 is needed to ensure all persons with disabilities and limited English proficiency have meaningful language access to state agencies, as is their right.

Last Name: Wood Organization: National Multiple Sclerosis Society Locality: Richmond

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society supports HB 1049 to maximize policies, resources, technical assistance, and procurement practices to enhance language access and equity in the Commonwealth and its agencies for people with limited English proficiency and/or disabilities. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and often disabling disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. Symptoms vary from person to person and can range from numbness and tingling, to walking difficulties, fatigue, dizziness, pain, depression, blindness and paralysis. People living with MS deserve accurate, timely, and effective communication, and programs, services, and activities ought to be accessible to and available for participation by people with disabilities. Adopting a language access policy across the Commonwealth is a step in the right direction, and an annual language access policy report could help to identify challenges people with visual impairments experience in accessing state agency resources. Further, though historically thought to be a white woman’s disease, research has shown a rising incidence rate of MS in Hispanic/Latinx populations. However, language barriers create roadblocks that can make obtaining resources difficult or even unattainable. HB 1049, to develop and implement language access policies and reports, would help to ensure that all Virginians impacted by MS, including those with limited English proficiency, have full access to the resources they need to live their best lives.

Last Name: Witteborg Organization: Virginia Association of the Deaf Locality: Rixeyville

HB 1049 My name is Jenny Witteborg and I support this bill. I started advocating for LEADK Bill and was often denied access to legislators, to committee meetings, or to walk the halls like any one else. This bill will make it easier for the agencies themselves, as well as easier for Deaf people, Disabled people and People who do not speak English to get equal access to our lawmakers and policy makers. PLEASE DO SUPPORT and PASS HB 1049

Last Name: Chloe Edwards Organization: Voices for Virginia's Children Locality: Henrico

My name is Naomi, I am 17 years old, and I am sharing my story today in support of bill HB 1049. I immigrated here from Nicaragua when I was 10 with my dad and stepmom. I have had my dad’s social security number memorized since I was 11. I have paid my family’s bills since I was 13. When my dad got divorced, I had to translate important papers for him from court or leasing offices, and I had to know and understand things at a time when I was also going through the stress and difficulty of separation and divorce. The expectation that immigrants or children of immigrants provide their own translation is not a burden that should be on them. All services should be accessible to everyone, no matter what language. - Naomi , Voices for Virginia's Children, 2022 Youth Advocacy Cohort

Last Name: Tang Organization: - Select - Locality: Sterling

My name is Ha Tang and I live in Sterling, VA. I ask that you vote to support HB 1049 because I am a 1.5 generation Vietnamese immigrant that has been the go-to translator/interpreter for my family members since I was young. My parents, aunts, and uncle are now all over the age of 65. I wish that they feel more empowered to directly communicate with those in state agencies such as the Department of Medical Assistance Services to raise questions or get clarification on what they need to those who can directly walk them through. I know people will ask "why didn't they learn English?" My answer to that, is they can communicate, read, and write in English to an extent, but when you're working a laborious job where you have to leave the house by 4 or 5am, then come home to take care of the family, maybe even run some errands before the day is over to repeat your day over again, will you have the time? If you're trying to decipher terms that aren't used in the daily language, but more on government paperwork while having your English/Vietnamese dictionary by your side, are you not doing your best? When you study and pass your citizenship exam because you memorized all 100 civic exam test questions by staying up and rewriting and repeating answers... are you not doing enough or can your governing body do better to help you?

End of Comments