Please allow home grown outdoor in this bill. The lobbyist are trying to ruin for all the little mom and pop shops in Virginia. It’s so greedy and needs less regulation and less restrictions.

I am the Chair of the Commonwealth’s Common Interest Community (CIC) Board and write in support of HB105, which provides a simple technical fix to a law passed last year. In that law, the terms “Common Interest Community” and “Home Owners Associations” were used but “Condominium Associations” and “Real Estate Cooperative Associations” were mistakenly omitted. HB105 rectifies that oversight. I appreciate Del Reaser’s patronage of this Bill. Respectfully, Matt Durham

I am writing on behalf of the VSC NAACP Housing Committee to express our strong support for the bills highlighted below that aim to enhance tenant protections and rights within our community. These proposed measures are crucial steps toward addressing the existing power imbalance between renters and landlords, which places renters at an elevated risk of housing instability, harassment, and homelessness. As you are aware, the disparity in power between renters and landlords is a significant concern that has far-reaching implications, particularly for marginalized communities. This power imbalance not only jeopardizes housing stability but also perpetuates racial inequity. Numerous studies have shown that communities of color are disproportionately affected by eviction and housing instability, exacerbating existing disparities. Tenant protections, when enacted into law, serve as a fundamental tool in preventing evictions and ensuring that renters can maintain stable housing. We firmly believe that these proposed bills, with their emphasis on enhancing tenant rights, will contribute significantly to rectifying the current imbalances and fostering a more equitable housing landscape. By supporting and advancing these bills, we collectively acknowledge the importance of safeguarding vulnerable renters, promoting housing stability, and working towards a more just and inclusive society. We urge you to consider the broader impact that these legislative measures can have on our community and to cast your support in favor of their passage. Thank you for your attention to this matter. We appreciate your dedication to serving the interests of our community and trust that you will carefully consider the positive impact that these bills can have on the lives of countless individuals and pass them accordingly. Sincerely, Tracey Hardney Scott Housing Committee Chair VSC NAACP Housing Committee

HB196 is a very important piece of legislation that MUST be passed by the General Assembly. Currently, the age demographic most at risk of losing housing are our senior Virginia citizens. The work done by the NAEH and the NLIHC and VHA demonstrate this most graphically. This extra protection for those 65+ allows this to pay rent without incurring late charges. Many of our seniors DO NOT receive their monthly income on the first of the month and with most rental agreements requiring payment on the first this places them squarely in the cross hairs of losing housing. As someone who administered prevention funding for 8 years, I cannot tell you how often I had to address these types of situations. The stories would make you heart hurt. Many times, having a conversation with the landlord would result in them not taking any action as long as the payment was received. The mental health relief that this bill can give to our senior citizens is immense. To have this one thing, SHELTER, not be compromised would go a long way to keeping seniors from presenting to the Continuums of Care.

Comments Document

Industry Sponsor Testimony

Comments Document

Attached is a written testimony in support of the HB322.

Virginia Legislature, HB 322 (Glass) Hearing: February 1, 2024 As a business owner and your constituent, I urge you to support HB 322. This Compact legislation would remove significant barriers for licensed cosmetologists and allow them to work consistently, during temporary relocations or as they wait for their license in a new state. I have been a Virginia resident for more than 40 years and have owned a salon business for almost 35 years. I have grown my Great Clips business to 13 salons with over 100 licensed stylists. I pride myself on providing great jobs and career growth. I am committed to helping stylists in any way I can. I care deeply about my stylists, and I understand their hopes and dreams. I also know life can be bumpy and may disrupt their careers. This compact will help them when relocations occur. I support this legislation because I have had stylists who relocated with military spouses and struggled to get their license. I am hopeful that all states will join the Compact to reduce these licensing barriers. It should be easier for stylists to earn a living easily across state lines. The State of Virginia works hard to process reciprocity, but the current lag is 45 days. That's 45 days that a stylist cannot legally work in their chosen profession. The administrative burden is high, as other states are slow in providing information that is necessary to complete the process. With the Compact, the Department of Defense will provide a comprehensive, fully transparent database of licensees. This would provide increased protection of public health and safety. I am part of a strong franchise system that provides opportunities in all 50 states. I support my stylists' career growth and would love for them to easily move for promotions and unique opportunities. There are positions that may cover multiple states or provide short-term support in a different state. They should be able to take advantage of these great career opportunities. I also know stylists who work for Great Clips in another state may be interested in working for me in the short term, as they care for elderly parents or visit military families. There are many things that may force licensed stylists to relocate temporarily or permanently. Let's help them continue to earn a living. The Compact provides bi-directional mobility so Virginia residents may easily work in other states. I want to make it easier for licensed professionals to move in and out of Virginia. Patti Robertson

Virginia Legislature, HB 322 (Glass) Hearing: February 1, 2024 My name is Sean Carroll and I urge you to support HB 322. I am retired from the U.S. Coast Guard after 26 years of active duty. I now own a salon business, Meliorist, Inc. with plans to expand in the tri-region area of Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC. My existing salon is in Reston, Virginia and all my stylists are licensed in Virginia. As I build my business, I look forward to providing them with growth opportunities that may cross state lines. That is one reason I support HB 322. I also believe HB 322 would address concerns I see: - This would support military families that are relocated throughout their careers. This is funded by the Department of Defense to provide flexibility to family members as they relocate. - Bi-directional mobility supports Virginia residents that may need to temporarily work in another state due to family health issues or other family emergencies. - This would allow me to hire across state lines more easily. The reciprocity process can take months, and this would allow stylists to work as they work through the process. - I have stylists that apply from other states and want to work in my business. I had a stylist from Arizona that became so discouraged and overwhelmed by the process that she just walked away. I wonder if she may simply choose to work without a license, which is a public health and safety risk. - The Compact creates a comprehensive shared database that will provide full transparency of the licensee’s history. - I could accept applicants from other member states, and they could go to work immediately to earn a living and I would help them through the reciprocity process. - The density on the east coast makes it very likely that stylists may simply want to work across state lines from time to time. We should make it easier to take on temporary assignments, special projects, or short-term positions. Let’s reduce barriers to mobility for stylists so they can consistently earn a living. Please support HB 322. Thank you for your consideration. Sean Carroll

Comments Document

Support for HB322 as it protects our military families. My letter provides testimony to the challenges our family faced as a result of not having a Compact protecting my training in other States while moving in support of my spouse on Active Duty. Ours is not an isolated story, but representative of the many military families who struggle to make ends meet and the employment challenges faced by their spouses. This Compact is a significant step in easing the transition of our young military families as they transition to their new homes in support of our nation.

Comments Document

Virginia Legislature, HB 322 (Glass) Hearing: February 1, 2024 The importance of passing the Compact as it protects the careers of our military families as they move in support of our nation's calling. Gives testimony as to the challenges faced by those same families with regards to Licensure, Testing, Reciprocity, and planning/preparing during a stressful period which can be significantly reduced through the passage of this Compact.

I am a licensed clinical social worker and resident of Richmond, Virginia. I am writing to you to encourage caution, care and curiosity when considering HB 326 (Glass) which seeks to authorize Virginia to become a signatory to the Social Work Licensure Compact. The Social Work Licensure Compact is shortsided legislation that appears sound on the surface however it is deeply flawed. The Social Work Compact as it is written infringes on states’ rights, does not account for fiscal implications, and fails to provide guidance on the oversight, maintenance or regulation of compact licensure. Yes, it is critical that we find ways to address the behavioral health workforce crisis however the Compact has the potential to impact insurance reimbursement, social work wages, and push Virginias out of the job market market. Two helpful scenarios to examine the holes in the Compact are: If a social worker resides in a state outside of Virginia that is a signatory of the Compact providing services to a resident of Virginia that are in violation of the state laws and regulations where does jurisdiction fall? Which state and regulatory board is responsible for handling this violation and sanctioning the social worker that resides out of state who violated Virginia state laws and regulations? As written, the Compact does not provide guidance. State regulatory boards, like the Virginia Board of Social Work, are already understaffed and under-resourced. With an increase in licensed practitioners that reside outside of the state providing services in Virginia, what budgetary implications are not considered in terms of staffing and time that will become necessary in order to monitor, maintain, and provide oversight for compact licensure? As written, the Compact does not provide guidance. There is a reason that 26 states have not introduced legislation to sign on to the Compact there are more questions than the Compact has answered. Other states are proceeding with caution and calling on the Compact to undergo revisions that reflect these and other deeply valid concerns. I urge you to proceed with great caution in considering support for HB 326. We do not have enough information and do not trust that this Compact will not harm Virginians across the Commonwealth.

Please vote yes to support HB326 for Virginia to become a signatory to the Social Work Compact. As a LCSW, this Compact will allow me to practice with clients outside of Virginia. Especially with the enormous growth in virtual therapy, this will significantly increase access to mental health care to residents of all of the states in the compact.

Comments Document

Pyramid Healthcare, Inc. urges you to adopt HB 326 to have Virginia join the Interstate Social Work Licensure Compact. We are an integrated behavioral healthcare system serving Medicaid and commercial clients in 9 states across a continuum of residential and outpatient substance abuse, mental health, autism, and eating disorder treatment services. We employ 3,100 team members across our 80+ active facilities. Our Newport News facility has operated since July 2021 and offers 150 withdrawal management/detox and residential treatment beds for adults. We also offer structured outpatient treatment for adults with substance use and co-occurring disorders. Our New River Valley facility opened in August 2023 and offers residential and partial hospitalization programming for adults throughout the New River Valley. We will soon begin the construction of a 100 bed residential detoxification and rehabilitation treatment facility in King George County. Virginia has already recognized the value of interstate licensure compacts, having previously adopted compacts for audiology and speech-language pathologists, counselors, EMS personnel, nurses, occupational therapists, psychologists, and physical therapists. Missouri has already adopted the Social Work Compact and legislation is currently pending in 23 other states. The Compact is supported by the Council of State Governments, the Department of Defense, and the Association of Social Work Boards, as well as numerous other organizations who helped develop the SW Compact. The Compact is an interstate occupational licensure compact that allows social workers with bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and clinical licenses to provide services to clients in all other Compact states instead of having to file duplicate license applications in each state in which they practice. Each Compact state extends licensure reciprocity to the other states in the Compact. In order to be eligible, a social worker must first already be eligible for or hold a social work license in their primary state of residence and meet other criteria. After the social worker’s eligibility is determined, they receive a multistate license and may begin working in any Compact member state. There are over 500,000 licensed social workers across the country and we employ many social workers across our counseling, operations, clinical, quality, compliance, and utilization review teams, among other functions. The Compact will streamline the licensing process while reducing administrative burden and allowing social workers to quickly resume providing care. It does so while protecting patient and public safety. Joining the Compact will facilitate multistate practice and reduce the barriers to license portability for our current and potential employees by easing mobility across state lines, expanding employment opportunities to address crucial workforce shortages, allowing continuity of care for our patients that move across state lines, allows the use of telehealth to be leveraged, and supports the relocation of military spouses and their families. Given Virginia’s unique geographic location, bordering NC, TN, KY, WV, MD, and DC –as well as the presence of major military installations where members of the military and their families are frequently relocated into and out of the region, the Compact will positively impact the state’s ability to attract and retain qualified and desperately needed social workers.

Good afternoon Chairperson Bulova and thank you for this opportunity to testify today. My name is Sosseh Prom, and I am the Housing Justice Director at African Communities Together (ACT). ACT is a national nonprofit dedicated to fighting for civil rights, opportunity, and a better life for immigrants in the U.S., and does so by empowering African immigrants to integrate socially, advance economically, and engage civically. In this effort, we advocate for equity, dignity and respect for all, which is why we support House Bill 442. Families are often evicted for relatively small amounts of unpaid rent. Court data shows that in 2018 and 2019 (pre-pandemic), roughly 45% of the eviction judgments entered in Virginia were for amounts less than the statewide average monthly rent. Evictions for such small amounts are burdensome for both tenants and landlords, as they create costs for both parties that can, and should be, easily be avoided. For tenants, the consequences of these evictions are dire. If a tenant is evicted, they not only have to deal with the financial burdens that come with searching for, and moving into, a new home, but they also face the difficulty of finding an apartment with an eviction on their record; instability; and in worst cases, experience homelessness. For landlords filing evictions for such small amounts, the financial cost of court fees, attorneys, etc. often surpass the amount of rent they are seeking to collect; not to mention the extra work and resources it takes for landlords to find new tenants to take over vacant apartment units. This issue of evictions and associated costs will only worsen, as pandemic protections have lapsed and we are in the midst of a housing affordability crisis in Virginia. House Bill 442 addresses these problems by giving tenants more time and flexibility to catch up on rent through a payment plan, thereby avoiding eviction. A payment plan shall allow families the flexibility needed to maintain housing stability, keep debts for all parties low by avoiding court costs, and make it more likely for landlords to collect their rent and maintain a steady stream of income from residents. While some opponents of the bill argue that having payment plans only financially burdens landlords, it is important to recognize the safeguards in the bill that provide adequate protection for landlords. The bill only applies if the rent being sought is equivalent to one month’s rent or less. It does not apply to tenants who owe an exorbitant amount. Furthermore, if a payment plan is created and a tenant fails to make a payment, the landlord has the option to immediately terminate the payment plan and initiate eviction proceedings. HB442 seeks to provide flexibility and housing stability for tenants, while simultaneously providing safeguards for landlords’ business interests, which is why I hope you will join us in supporting the passage of HB442. Thank you for your consideration.

I am writing in support of tenants like myself for the above bills that would level the power dynamic in the landlord-tenant relationship. Rent is too high, conditions are poor, and we want to keep our community housed. Please support tenants, especially bills that allow us for our own experience without retaliation or feeling scared. We are in a housing crisis and we must escape it with a justice frame at the forefront.

I am writing on behalf of the VSC NAACP Housing Committee to express our strong support for the bills highlighted below that aim to enhance tenant protections and rights within our community. These proposed measures are crucial steps toward addressing the existing power imbalance between renters and landlords, which places renters at an elevated risk of housing instability, harassment, and homelessness. As you are aware, the disparity in power between renters and landlords is a significant concern that has far-reaching implications, particularly for marginalized communities. This power imbalance not only jeopardizes housing stability but also perpetuates racial inequity. Numerous studies have shown that communities of color are disproportionately affected by eviction and housing instability, exacerbating existing disparities. Tenant protections, when enacted into law, serve as a fundamental tool in preventing evictions and ensuring that renters can maintain stable housing. We firmly believe that these proposed bills, with their emphasis on enhancing tenant rights, will contribute significantly to rectifying the current imbalances and fostering a more equitable housing landscape. By supporting and advancing these bills, we collectively acknowledge the importance of safeguarding vulnerable renters, promoting housing stability, and working towards a more just and inclusive society. We urge you to consider the broader impact that these legislative measures can have on our community and to cast your support in favor of their passage. Thank you for your attention to this matter. We appreciate your dedication to serving the interests of our community and trust that you will carefully consider the positive impact that these bills can have on the lives of countless individuals and pass them accordingly. Sincerely, Tracey Hardney Scott Housing Committee Chair VSC NAACP Housing Committee

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Hi I am writing to you on behalf of The Well Connection UK, a media and publishing company. We could easily get virginia.gov featured in various publications such as magazines, online blogs and news sites. This would undoubtedly help virginia.gov with publicity, reputation, domain authority and organic search engine rankings. We have a wide range of options including completely free collaborations, sponsored posts, guest posts and banner ads. If this sounds of interest, please reach out to the senior business development manager, Anita at info@thewellconnection.co.uk and whatsapp +447395206515 (GMT) Kind regards Clifton Junior Outreach Assistant

Alexandria is a vibrant city based on history, culture, a waterfront and lots of tourism. If Virginia has money and space to build an arena then you have money and space to build new schools. Our school system is deplorable. It’s overcrowded. Think of your citizens before thinking about your quick money grab that eventually leads to an inevitable loss. We don’t want or need an arena. This is pure greed.

State documents should reflect one's true gender. I support trans men and women.

I am honestly tired of looking at ugly green grass. It has no benefits for the insects and contributes very little to the environment. Virginia lacks biodiversity and needs more flowers and plants. People should be allowed to turn their front yard into a beautiful plant display that not only benefits the environment, but also makes the neighborhood and state look beautiful. Grass is whack, let’s give back to nature. We have already taken so much , it is time to give back to nature. I demand you to give your strongest support to HB528, In the face of the harmful effects of climate change, it is extremely important and urgent that we act now in Virginia to do everything we can to improve and sustain habitat for pollinators and birds--both of which are essential to local food chains and biodiversity. Native plant conservation landscaping improves air, water and soil quality, manages stormwater runoff, and supports healthy communities

Please vote in favor of HB528. We are facing a biodiversity crisis and every converted lawn helps. This bill simply allows homeowners to plant beneficial plants on their property without fear of legal action and fees. The amount of legal fees spent by HOAs in the U.S. on preventing beneficial plantings is a staggering waste of money and time for the homeowner fighting the allegations and the homeowners who are part of the HOAs and disagree with its rules. Those funds could go to much better use. From the perspective of the environment and individual property rights it should be a no brainer to pass this bill.

I'm a little dismayed this is even a question. Preventing this from passing not only restricts homeowner freedoms, but actively hurts the planet, which in turn hurts it's people. Homeowners should be allowed to grow anything that won't hurt their neighbors.

I urge you to give your strongest support to HB528, Property Owners' Assoc. Act; managed conservation landscaping, unreasonable restrictions prohibited. In the face of the harmful effects of climate change, it is extremely important and urgent that we act now in Virginia to do everything we can to improve and sustain habitat for pollinators and birds--both of which are essential to local food chains and biodiversity. Native plant conservation landscaping improves air, water and soil quality, manages stormwater runoff, and supports healthy communities. As a volunteer ambassador for the Audubon Society of Northern Virginia's Audubon at Home Program, and a volunteer Fairfax Tree Steward, I personally have encountered many homeowners who are prohibited from installing conservation landscaping with native plants because their HOA forbids it. A managed conservation landscape is not only more beautiful than expanses of turf, it provides critical ecosystem services that benefit the health of the community around it. Buying a home outside of an HOA is harder than ever: With more than 8,810 HOAs in Virginia, nearly one in four Virginians live in homes controlled by HOAs. It is increasingly difficult to buy a new home outside of an HOA: According to the U.S. Census, 82% of newly built homes sold in 2021 were a part of an HOA. That figure has more than doubled since 1990 when it was just 40%. Turf (or lawn) is not ecologically sustainable: Turf-only landscapes provide little to no food or habitat for wildlife. They demand large amounts of energy, fertilizer, and water to thrive. In Virginia, homeowners manage approximately 700,000 acres of turf. That is more than the combined acres of corn and soybeans across all of Virginia. Conservation landscaping is sustainable and right for our times: - Conservation landscaping incorporates native vegetation including no-mow ground covers, reducing the needs for fertilizer, herbicides, and pesticides. - Conservation landscaping purifies our air, sequesters carbon, reduces water use, and reduces polluted runoff that comes from turf and degrades our local rivers and streams, as well as the Chesapeake Bay. - Managed conservation landscapes are designed to be attractive to the human eye while also providing habitat for birds, bees, and other pollinators. Property rights are important: As the current climate crisis increases the intensity and durations of rainstorms, homeowners should have the flexibility to manage their private property in sustainable ways that help mitigate the impacts of climate change. I appreciate your consideration and support of this important legislation. Rear Admiral Elizabeth Train, USN (Ret)

There is grave concern over the decline of populations of birds, bees, pollinators, and other animals in Virginia. Managing declining populations and endangered species is very expensive for the government. The costs include studies, monitoring the species, and creating or preserving habitat. Habitat preservation often conflicts with development, making citizens unhappy. Conservation landscaping provides food and habitat for many species of animals. This bill would allow homeowners to create and manage habitat, all with funding provided by the homeowners themselves. It would increase the amount of wildlife habitat in Virginia, with zero cost for the government. I have personally converted my non HOA yard to conservation landscaping. I have reduced water runoff, sediment and other contaminants leaving my property. This helps keep storm sewer management costs down. and helps keep the Chesapeake Bay clean, both of which save even more taxpayer dollars. I have received nothing but positive feedback from my neighbors in suburban Henrico. This bill gives homeowners more freedom, saves taxpayer dollars, helps save species such as pollinators, and helps clean the Chesapeake Bay.

The Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (VASWCD) is a private nonprofit association of 47 soil and water conservation districts in Virginia. The Association provides and promotes leadership in the conservation of natural resources through stewardship and education programs. It coordinates conservation efforts statewide to focus effectively on issues identified by local member districts. Our mission is to serve and strengthen soil and water conservation districts in the stewardship of natural resources. In December 2021 the VASWCD at its annual meeting unanimously adopted a policy to support adoption of natural landscaping in the Commonwealth of Virginia. HB528 provides property owners in homeowner associations (HOAs) the right to choose to install managed conservation landscaping, which is essentially the same thing as natural landscaping addressed in VASWCD policy, on their private property, unless regulated via their HOA’s declarations. This legislation still allows for an HOA to enforce reasonable restrictions concerning management, design, and aesthetic guidelines for managed conservation landscaping features. Conservation landscaping incorporates native vegetation including no-mow ground covers, reducing the needs for fertilizer, herbicides, and pesticides. Conservation landscaping reduces water use and reduces polluted runoff from over-fertilized turf that degrades our local rivers and streams, and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay. Managed conservation landscapes are designed to be attractive while also providing habitat for birds, bees, and other pollinators. The Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts strongly supports HB 528 patroned by Delegate Krizek. We urge its prompt passage.

Hello. Please vote in support of HB528. I am fortunately part of a community whose HOA has very generally restrictive guidelines and I have been able to install rain collection barrels, a rain garden, and pollinator- and bird-friendly landscaping. That being said, I have friends in other HOA communities whose guidelines are highly restrictive. I understand wanting beautiful landscaping, and "beauty" is a subjective term. We cannot deny that traditional landscaping with turf lawns harm our ecosystems in a variety of ways, from the use of fertilizers to chase after a "green," manicured lawn which then corrupt the health of our streams. We cannot deny that we are seeing steep declines in pollinators due to the use of pesticides and gardening practices that reduce or eliminate habitat for our native insects. We cannot deny the need to be responsive to our changing climate and plant native species which, once established, are drought- and fire-resistant, thus requiring less water and chemicals to maintain. We CAN deny HOAs the power to restrict Commonwealth residents from planting sustainable, conservation landscaping. Please support this bill and continue to move it forward. Thank you.

I am a resident of Northumberland County, Virginia in a Homeowners Association community of 13 homes and over the past 6 years I have been repeatedly denied permission to install aesthetically pleasing and ecologically functional conservation landscaping. I have even been denied the right to plant several oak trees on my empty turf-grass 2-acre property. Because of overly strict Homeowner Association rules, I essentially have no property rights to landscape my own property . All requests have been denied because planting conservation landscaping of any sort is not “compatible with a first-class residential waterfront community”. Ironically, our community and Homeowners Association derives much of its value “as a first-class residential community” from being located on a beautiful and relatively clean tributary to the Chesapeake Bay. Our HOA is denying the very type of landscaping that will help protect the water quality, beauty and property values of our community! I spent my professional career as a professor and professional landscape designer at George Washington University’s School of Landscape Design teaching future landscape designers how to protect the Chesapeake Bay watershed and to create beautiful but functional Conservation Landscapes and yet all of my landscape plans have been rejected as unsuitable for this Homeowners Association. It is time Virginians receive the support they need from a bill like HB528 for protection from overzealous Homeowner Associations that over-step their authority by denying homeowners the right to plant conservation landscapes. Extensive turf lawns are not ecologically sustainable, demand huge inputs of time and energy, fertilizer, pesticides and water and contribute to pollution of our waterways. This reverence for sterile turf lawns is especially disturbing since turf is now the largest “crop” in Virginia encompassing over 700,000 acres – more than the combined total of acreage devoted to corn and soybeans. Recent studies have shown homeowners and the companies they hire to maintain their lawns use far more fertilizer and pesticides than necessary, often applying it at the wrong time of year to be taken up and much of this merely runs off into our watersheds. Virginians deserve the right to landscape their own properties so that they are not only beautiful but sustainable – designed to prevent stormwater runoff and sedimentation, to support our pollinators, songbirds and other wildlife, many of which are showing truly alarming declines, in short to reap the many ecological benefits from conservation landscaping and bring life to our gardens.

Hello Delegates and Committee Members, I care a lot about our natural world of Virginia and I think that Homeowners should have a say in providing alternatives to mowing/turf grass to help provide healthy habitats for plants and animals. I urge you to consider supporting HB528. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Reasons to support: ● Buying a home outside of an HOA is harder than ever: With more than 8,810 HOAs in Virginia, nearly one in four Virginians live in homes controlled by HOAs. It is increasingly difficult to buy a new home outside of an HOA: According to the U.S. Census, 82% of newly built homes sold in 2021 were a part of an HOA. That figure has more than doubled since 1990 when it was just 40%. ● Turf (or lawn) is not ecologically sustainable: Turf-only landscapes provide little to no food or habitat for wildlife. They demand large amounts of energy, fertilizer, and water to thrive. In Virginia, homeowners manage approximately 700,000 acres of turf. That is more than the combined acres of corn and soybeans across all of Virginia. ● Conservation landscaping is sustainable and right for our times: ○ Conservation landscaping incorporates native vegetation including no-mow ground covers, reducing the needs for fertilizer, herbicides, and pesticides. ○ Conservation landscaping purifies our air, sequesters carbon, reduces water use, and reduces polluted runoff that comes from turf and degrades our local rivers and streams, as well as the Chesapeake Bay. ○ Managed conservation landscapes are designed to be attractive to the human eye while also providing habitat for birds, bees, and other pollinators. ● Property rights are important: As the current climate crisis increases the intensity and durations of rainstorms, homeowners should have the flexibility to manage their private property in sustainable ways that help mitigate the impacts of climate change. Thank you for your consideration. Kind Regards, Anna Finch, in Staunton, Virginia

I am writing in support of HB528 becoming law in Virginia. We have way too much acreage in endless lawnscapes, which require a huge amount of water, chemicals and maintenance to keep up. The use of more native plants, and of leaving native areas intact, would improve the environmental status, and sustainability of the acreage in the Commonwealth. Please provide homeowners the option of sustainable, natural landscaping! thank you.

HB 528 is the perfect opportunity to diversify the native plants and insects in Virginia while reducing maintenance each costs to HOA,s… Please support HB 528

I support HB528 because it is egregious that vigilante HOAs can stop homeowners from engaging in environmentally sound land use landscaping that doesn't involve the unfortunate standard pesticide ridden sterile lawnscapes with manicured ornamentals which provide no benefits for capturing run off and no benefits to our struggling wild life, not to mention how these chemicals pose a hazard for human health with many having been demonstrated to be significant carcinogens. HOAs are led by volunteers who are in many cases generally uninformed and in too many cases vigilante conformists who have been culturally conditioned to want everything to be the same and have a narrow view of what is aesthetically pleasing largely constructed by chemical industry marketing post WW2. These standard manicured green desolation landscapes also provide no benefits toward carbon capture. We can not allow HOAs to bully homeowners into conformity with the ongoing climate crisis & biodiversity crisis.

Please support HB 528 which supports the ability of property owners in Home Owner Associations to install conservation landscapes. Homeowners should have the flexibility to manage their private property in sustainable ways that reduces the need for herbicides and pesticides, and provides habitat for birds and other wildlife.

HB 528 Property Owners' Assoc. Act; managed conservation landscaping, unreasonable restrictions prohibited - HOA's exercise enough tyrannical conformist power over the affairs of homeowners. They don't need absolute power over every flower and blade of grass as well.

Friends of Accotink Creek supports Paul Krizek's HB 528. With more and more natural habitat being lost to development all over the state, especially in NOVA, all the more reason to encourage homeowners to create natural habitat in their own yards. The current fashion for highly groomed, leaf-litter free properties is much to be regretted. People will have to disabuse themselves of the notion that a yard is an ornamental space that must look neat and pretty. Neat and pretty is no use to our falling populations of birds, pollinators and the wide range of arthropods that form the base of the food chain. Lawns are fine to play on, but provide zero storm water control and of course poor value to our birds and pollinators. Many HOA Boards are deplorably ignorant about natural science. One set of worthies took it upon themselves to define a weed as "an unsightly plant". Some HOAs have limits on plant height and order that this or that shrub or small tree needs pruning. Some object to what they consider "excess leaf litter" without knowing that a thick layer of leaves provides excellent foraging grounds for birds and habitat for box turtles, and countless arthropods including firefly larvae. It's time homeowners fight back. Let us welcome nature into our yards, not banish it.

With more than 8,810 HOAs in Virginia, nearly one in four Virginians live in homes controlled by HOAs. It is increasingly difficult to buy a new home outside of an HOA: According to the U.S. Census, 82% of newly built homes sold in 2021 were a part of an HOA. That figure has more than doubled since 1990 when it was just 40%. As we face the current climate crisis, HOA residents should have the flexibility to more sustainably manage their private land, including reduced reliance on fertilizers and pesticides. Conservation landscaping purifies our air, sequesters carbon, reduces water use, and reduces polluted runoff that comes from turf and degrades our local rivers and streams, as well as the Chesapeake Bay. Managed conservation landscapes are designed to be attractive to the human eye while also providing habitat for birds, bees, and other pollinators. With stronger, longer, and more intense storms, managed conservation landscaping can address stormwater challenges and mitigate the effects of climate change and flooding, while improving water quality through more improved filtration. As we also face a biodiversity crisis, managed conservation landscaping can improve the health and biodiversity of Virginia’s ecosystem, including support for native pollinators, soil health and air quality, while helping to raise awareness about the benefits of native species, which in turn can drive broader demand for ecologically-beneficial sustainable landscape methods and the sale of native plant species.

Support HB528. Virginia code does not protect homeowners wanting to install eco-friendly landscaping, such as using practices that incorporate environmentally sensitive design to address stormwater runoff, reduce pollution, protect clean air and water & support wildlife through the use of native plants. Conservation landscaping purifies our air, sequesters carbon, reduces water use, eliminates need for chemical herbicides, and reduces polluted runoff that comes from turf and degrades our local rivers and streams

There is substantial research supporting the need for habitat for birds, bees, and other pollinators in our suburbs. More than 85% of land east of the Mississippi is privately owned, and almost 25% of Virginians live in HOAs. It's clear that residents of HOA communities can be part of the solution to the climate and insect crisis. Virginians ought to have the right to garden in an ecologically sustainable, wildlife-friendly, climate-friendly, Potomac friendly manner without persecution by HOAs. Most people do not have the wherewithal to fight their HOA even at their local, neighborhood, level, let alone in a legal battle which will cost thousands of dollars. This bill is an easy win for the climate, wildlife, and Virginia.

Please support HB 528. Homeowners should be allowed to create a conservation landscape in their own yard versus HOA restrictions that a turf lawn is their only option. Our world is changing and we all must take steps to change along with it to ensure our health, quality of life and the health of our planet. Conservation landscapes promote biodiversity with native plants, trees and shrubs to attract pollinators and wildlife. By reducing lawn size and sustaining our native flora and fauna, we are taking steps to ensure more biodiverse landscapes and habitat. The resources required to maintain turf lawns is literally water going down the drain and the runoff takes all the chemicals required for that lawn into our streams and rivers. Does that sound like a common-sense kind of practice? Conservation landscapes need to be managed by the homeowner, just as it would for a turf lawn, however, homeowners should have that choice.

I urge support of HB528 allowing homeowners to engage in conservation oriented landscaping which protects our precious Chesapeake Bay and wildlife. HOA policies are typically dead-end approaches to managing landscapes, placing onerous demands on homeowners, demands which sterilize landscapes and are destructive to habitats. Contrary to alarmist claims, a healthy landscape can actually be more attractive and increase home values.

Almost one quarter of Virginia households are in HOAs these days. Owners need to have the flexibility to sustainably manage their private land, including using less fertilizers and pesticides. Conservation landscaping purifies the air, sequesters carbon, and decreases water use. Also it reduces pollution runoff that comes from less permeable surfaces like grass lawns, which is huge for our streams, rivers and the Chesapeake Bay. Please support this bill.

I support HB 528. HOAs should not be able to prohibit homeowners from creating a managed conservation landscaping. As long as the property is managed well and tended to nobody should be able to have a say in what plants are put in and how much grass needs to stay.

With respect to HB517, why would VIRGINIA want a EUROPEAN honeybee as its State Pollinator?! Supporting European honeybees means less support for our hardworking NATIVE bees. Please change your focus to a native bee like the Eastern Bumblebee (Bombus impatiens), which are excellent pollinators for produce as well as native plants. Mr. Hope, bumblebees love your zinnias, too! Thanks for the annual seeds! They beautify many gardens and landscapes.

We need to be able to plant all sorts of native plants to provide forage for pollinators and vanishing animals in an increasingly difficult climate. My eldest Sister is an entomologist, so perhaps my feeling of connection with "the little things that run the world" is what I grew up with. People are feeling increasingly isolated and turning more to dangerous means of expressing discontent (witness January 6 in Washington just a couple years ago!) What anchors us, grounds us, is nature. We cannot afford to limit the very provisions our environment feeds life from-- HOA's here are often run by volunteers with little real knowledge about biology, botany, pesticides and time to care. Please support HB528, so those of us who are witnessing need for conservation landscaping may practice such support of all (including human) species. (I have spent most of the last four years planting to mitigate flooding, loss of pollinators, erosion, habitat loss for birds, and to create beauty.) In Springfield, indeed in Fairfax County, one can walk for miles on a summer evening and not hear the comforting songs of crickets or katydids. In Spring, no peepers call. The HOA where I live has been using a "landscaper" whose heavy equipment runs over wet soils, compacting & cutting tree roots, spraying pesticides without regard to children, pets or birds, fertilizing without regard to runoff, then taking all leaves which would otherwise nourish soils and birds through the winter. As a professional Nurse and gardener, I consider the line between public health and personal health invisible. We have come to a time when if we fail to consider climate we will loose vital working parts of what makes our world literally work. Ecosystem services depend on working pieces- and so do we, as humans. We literally cannot afford to pretend Conservation landscaping is optional. While my neighbors spray pesticides I plant natives that feed the insects that feed the birds-- and we are loosing both at an astounding rate. Storms are becoming more intense. The dead zones in the Chesapeake and the Gulf are bigger from runoff. It is time, Now, to turn the tide to healing our land and recognizing we are not the only, lonely, animal on this planet we call Mother Earth. Yet for the sake of appearance will we pretend turf matters more per HOA rules, or just lazy failing to recognize what is happening around us? Can you remember your windshield being covered by insects when younger? Do you recall the amazing amount of life in a lake or creek as a child? Will your younger family even have a chance to see a Firefly or a Luna Moth? When a great Green Ash was cut two years ago on the corner where I live, the Fairfax Forrester told me 55,000 gallons of water will no longer be absorbed, and will run downhill. I planted as much as I could on that dangerous hill, to take up what would otherwise ruin the lower level of the townhome downhill. If the HOA decided arbitrarily my ground covers, shrubs, and flowers didn't match shallow-rooted turf, me and my pollinators, birds, and butterflys could be banned. That would break my bank, my back, and my heart. Please don't let arbitrary rules from uneducated HOA boards ban conservation landscaping. Virginia has a proud history of wise gardeners and we recognize the need for adaptation, change, and learning. Yes, industry will tell you selling more chemicals matters more. Please listen to the people more than the peddlers. We can't afford to loose our health!

Nature Forward asks you to support HB528. This legislation provides protection for the personal property rights of residents in HOAs to allow them to choose to install managed conservation landscaping on their private property, while allowing their HOA the flexibility to have guidelines regarding the landscapes management, design, and aesthetics (which should be no different than HOAs can do today with any type of landscaping). This would be an important win for the state of Virginia, residents, *and* HOAs to help address stormwater runoff, reduce pollution, protect clean air and water and support wildlife through the use of native plants. It's getting harder to buy outside of an HOA: 82% of newly built homes sold in 2021 were a part of an HOA. Currently in Virginia, nearly 25% of the population lives in an HOA. As we face the current climate crisis, we need every tool in the toolbox to improve the health of our local streams and the Chesapeake Bay. With stronger, longer, and more intense storms, managed conservation landscaping can address stormwater challenges and mitigate the effects of climate change and flooding, while improving water quality through more improved filtration. As we also face a biodiversity crisis, managed conservation landscaping can improve the health and biodiversity of Virginia’s ecosystem, including support for native pollinators, soil health and air quality, while helping to raise awareness about the benefits of native species, which in turn can drive broader demand for ecologically-beneficial sustainable landscape methods and the sale of native plant species. This legislation is a great chance to help our waterways *and* our local ecology by infusing native plants back into our developed communities. Nature Forward supports, and asks you to please support, HB528.

I am a research scientist who lives and works in Loudoun county. I study plant-insect interactions and have a deep appreciation for the importance of planting native plants and curbing the hostile take-over of invasive species in our area. Based upon that expertise, I ask that you support HB528 in the current GA session, which will protect the right of private homeowners' managed conservation landscaping from unreasonable limitations by HOAs. Many of your constituents, including myself, would like to plant more native perennials, trees, and shrubs and less water-intensive lawn, which protects the Potomac and Chesapeake Bay from lawn-chemical pollution. In my own HOA, I am not able to do this due to bylaws mandating that I may not remove more than 10% of my lawn grass, and even to do that, I must submit a plan for approval. I tried to change my HOA by joining it and leading a pollinator garden project (https://www.loudounnow.com/news/education/students-community-create-pollinator-gardens-at-horsepen-preserve/article_9e4c680e-f40b-11ed-a294-435a7c28b160.html ), but they ultimately removed me from my committee because I threatened their status quo. I can't count on my HOA to allow me to garden for environmental conservation, as my research and scientific training have convinced me that I must do. Reducing turf lawn area and increasing native plant use is important because popular foreign landscaping plants do not feed Virginia native insects. This is because most insect species are only adapted to processing the defensive chemicals of one or a few favorite types of food, and they are not able to overcome the defenses of foreign plants. This is a problem because insects serve as a critical point in food chains, and herbivorous caterpillars grow up to be critical pollinators. Pollinating insects are critical to global food security as the majority of food crops require external pollination to generate fruits and vegetables. While most residents may care little for the life of an insect, they likely care very much about the price and availability of food. Birds in particular are harmed by loss of insect food sources, as their young feed almost exclusively on soft, protein-rich caterpillars. That is, caterpillars are essentially bird baby formula. Access to quality natural areas is known to improve health and well-being . In particular, listening to birdsong has been shown to reduce anxiety and paranoia . Birds require landscapes full of trees, native flora, and insects to thrive. All of these benefits are endangered by HOA bylaws that mandate majority turf grass landscaping and restrict the use of keystone species deemed to be too tall or "weedy". HB528 is an important step towards protecting the rights of private citizens and our delicate local ecosystems. Please vote in favor.

Blue Ridge PRISM is a public charity dedicated to reducing the impact of invasive plants on the ecosystems of the northern Blue Ridge Mountains and surrounding areas through regional and statewide advocacy, landowner support, implementing control measures, and public education. Currently, Virginia code does not protect homeowners wanting to install conservation landscaping practices. Nearly one in four Virginians live in homes controlled by HOAs. Managed conservation landscaping has many benefits including stormwater management, habitat for native pollinators, supports water, soil and air quality, and is aesthetically pleasing. Landscaping with native plants also reduces the potential for new invasive plants to escape into Virginia farms, fields, forests, and communities. HOA residents should have the flexibility and right to more sustainably manage their private land. Blue Ridge PRISM supports HB 528.

Dear Representatives: I'm excited and encouraged to see that HB 528 is under consideration. As a Virginia resident who lives in a community with an HOA, I have coaxed and gently urged my neighbors to embrace the emerging aesthetic of native plant corridors and reduced lawns. Many of them are somewhat receptive, but they need information and leadership. I'm thrilled that someone in the Virginia House is thinking about providing that leadership. Various global agencies are reporting on species die-offs on a regular basis. I believe that a re-thinking of how we live as Americans/Virginians is needed. If people could learn to appreciate the beauty of a native meadow, and all the butterflies and other creatures in it, maybe they wouldn't mind converting part of their lawn into a landscape that actually supports the food web and thus the ecosystem and our fellow wild creatures. Please support HB 528. It will help educate the public about the need to tweak our human habitat in a way that supports other creatures. Thank you. Margaret Moore Charlottesville

First of all c store is convenient store and not the mini casino where you can gamble. Save Virginians from loosing money in gambling which is available next door,you can find out conveniently in convenient store. Only few people's bedrock who operate this business and c store owner. Why they working hard to pass this law cause it is easy money. Save Virginians and save virginia No religion allowed gambling

Don't pass this bill A person who was sick and needs diapers and she spend all her money on so called skill game , then she begging the money for diapers. I have seen with my eyes , so many Virginians spending their money on so called skill game as it was available nearby store.

Comments Document

The attached letter was sent to the Virginia General Assembly from the President & CEO of the American Gaming Association, which represents the legal, regulated gaming industry in the United States. It states the organization's strong opposition to legislative effort such as HB 590 that would legalize so-called "skill" game machines, which the legislature has correctly determined in the past are illegal gambling devices and which are currently banned. That ban should not be overturned.

I am Rev. Sandra Wright, a Pastor on Medical Leave at Calvary UMC in Stuarts Draft VA and I oppose this bill.

My name is Pam Anderson a Pastor at the Richmond District of the Virginia United Methodist Church in Glen Allen and I oppose this Bill. Any positive comments raised by the Patron do not come close to off-setting the far reaching negative impacts of this Bill would have. I have seen many lives destroyed and the devastating effects of gambling first hand.

Members of the Subcommittee on Housing and Consumer Protection, I’m Alice Tousignant, resident of the City of Richmond, housing advocate and member of the League of Women Voters of Virginia. On behalf of the LWV-VA, I want to express our support of HB 598 because extending the “pay or quit” time period from five to fourteen days • Will give tenants more time to catch up their rent before facing eviction. • With more time, tenants are more likely to have received a paycheck or other assistance, allowing them to catch up on rent before they end up in costly eviction proceedings. • Slowing down evictions will save landlords work and money. Thank you.

I am writing in support of tenants like myself for the above bills that would level the power dynamic in the landlord-tenant relationship. Rent is too high, conditions are poor, and we want to keep our community housed. Please support tenants, especially bills that allow us for our own experience without retaliation or feeling scared. We are in a housing crisis and we must escape it with a justice frame at the forefront.

I am writing on behalf of the VSC NAACP Housing Committee to express our strong support for the bills highlighted below that aim to enhance tenant protections and rights within our community. These proposed measures are crucial steps toward addressing the existing power imbalance between renters and landlords, which places renters at an elevated risk of housing instability, harassment, and homelessness. As you are aware, the disparity in power between renters and landlords is a significant concern that has far-reaching implications, particularly for marginalized communities. This power imbalance not only jeopardizes housing stability but also perpetuates racial inequity. Numerous studies have shown that communities of color are disproportionately affected by eviction and housing instability, exacerbating existing disparities. Tenant protections, when enacted into law, serve as a fundamental tool in preventing evictions and ensuring that renters can maintain stable housing. We firmly believe that these proposed bills, with their emphasis on enhancing tenant rights, will contribute significantly to rectifying the current imbalances and fostering a more equitable housing landscape. By supporting and advancing these bills, we collectively acknowledge the importance of safeguarding vulnerable renters, promoting housing stability, and working towards a more just and inclusive society. We urge you to consider the broader impact that these legislative measures can have on our community and to cast your support in favor of their passage. Thank you for your attention to this matter. We appreciate your dedication to serving the interests of our community and trust that you will carefully consider the positive impact that these bills can have on the lives of countless individuals and pass them accordingly. Sincerely, Tracey Hardney Scott Housing Committee Chair VSC NAACP Housing Committee

I SUPPORT HB208, 281, 634, and 644. Gas-powered leaf blowers are an environmental scourge and I'm thankful that a bill has been written to allow localities to restrict them. I wish the Commonwealth of Virginia could just ban them outright. I wholeheartedly support repurposing office buildings to serve as childcare centers.

Opposed any Bill that allows citizens to smoke weed, cannabis, marijuana. Shameful policies by government officials who don’t care about people. https://www.foxnews.com/health/daily-weed-smokers-higher-risk-heart-attack-stroke-american-heart-association-study

OPPOSE: PLEASE GO TO PAGE 9 AND READ THE LAST COMMENT. PLEASE GO TO PAGE 27 AND READ THE THIRD COMMENT. LINK: Please go to https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/henrico/Board.nsf/Public https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/henrico/Board.nsf/files/D3CJHX4D404E/$file/Written%20Comments%203-14-24.pdf

OPPOSE THE BILLS THAT HAVE TO DO WITH MARIJUANA USE-RECREATIONAL USE. WHY ARE DEMOCRATS PROGRESSIVES AND SOME REPUBLICANS WANTING TO DESTROY VIRGINIA? Oregon switches up on drug leniency amid overdose surge: The ‘experiment’ is over: https://youtu.be/FN1DSR4vRgI?si=xeuBM_MpxmyDbCJx

OPPOSE IT: Why are being disrespectful to law abiding Virginians who do not want to have drugs around our neighborhoods, communities, parks, grocery stores, shops, schools, and institutions. It will create problems because you just need to look at Illinois, Cali, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, New York, and others. Many people do not want to have a toxic and drug induce society where crime and gangs can occur. Would you like this next door to your home? I bet not. I truly believe you do not care about our young children and mental health. You want to make money. Video link:https://www.foxnews.com/video/6319888847112

Strongly Oppose this Bill and SB448 ! Both Representatives of these Bills should be ashamed of themselves and whoever votes for it. If you think this will curb crime, violence, car accidents, theft, you are wrong! This bill will be a disaster for Virginians. Just look at California, Oregon, Colorado, Illinois and others. Encourage recreational drug use is pathetic as leaders. Why would anyone with decent values, integrity vote for this bill?

How is outdoor sungrown bad ? I just won 1st place in an outdoor grow competition and all I used was water to feed . Zero pesticides, zero chemicals with jadam and knf farming practices. Research a couple videos on the soil food web or regenerative farming especially when it comes to permaculture. The outdoor sun is what keeps us thriving and we need as much of it as we can get here in Virginia . Please look out for the small home growers that down want to waste hard earned money on corporate mid grade material.

I DO NOT support this bill. This bill would monopolize the Virginia Cannabis market and only put money into big business. This bill fails to include Virginia Farmers and home growers. This bill takes away everything farmers having been fighting for. This bill keeps farmers from benefiting from the free cannabis market. Big corporations with money should not have any advantage over the every day farmer. There should be no barriers to entry. We are talking about a dam PLANT. This bill would put no money back into economy of Virginia. Virginia farmers can grow some of the best cannabis in America , we just have to give them an opportunity to use the sun and their land, The sun is not evil , big corporations are.

HB698 is a bill that would be detrimental to small businesses hoping to enter the Recreational Cannabis Market. The ban on outdoor cultivation poses a major barrier to entry for small business that don’t have deep pockets or access to large sums of capital. The early access program seems great until you start running the numbers and realize that even with a $400,000 grant most businesses will not be able to afford the buildout of an indoor facility and a dispensary. For instance to purchase enough grow lights for a 10,000 sqft ft canopy would cost over $150,000 and that does not include the electrical infrastructure that needs to be in place to operate the lights. To operate a grow space that large the energy cost for the lights alone (not including any environmental controls) would run around $18,750 per month. On top of lights, environmental controls will be needed such as sufficient dehumidification, heat, A/C, air purifier, humidifiers, freezer, dry room, and fans. For cultivation, soil, fertilizer, containers, etc. These are just some of the things required for an indoor facility and that total is already well about $250,000 not including the monthly costs to operate and labor costs associated with cultivation and the buildout. On top of all of this, a Lincesee will need to either own a very large indoor space or will need to lease warehouse space which can easily add over $10,000 per month. As you can see the $400,000 is quickly diminished before operations at that facility even begin which leaves businesses with minimal capital to sustain operations from July 2024-Jan 1 2025. On top of the cultivation facility early access participants will also need to open a dispensary. My wife is in commercial real estate and it is not uncommon for a 2,000 sq ft unit to cost well over $3,000 per month (on the low end) in lease and buildout costs are at an all time high, regularly costing over $100,000 dollars. I used to be the General Manager for a big box retailer and based on the minimal staffing requirements to operate a shop 7 days a week would cost well over $350,000 per year while also having 1-2 owners working for free. Although the $400,000 is set up to help small businesses it is really just setting them up to fail and handing the industry over to the large Medical Operators who are currently charging medical patients the highest prices for cannabis in the entire nation and are still operating at a loss. The CCA reported that the average cost of medical cannabis is over $19/ gram. Additionally, allowing the medical corporations to operate 20x the square footage will give them the ability to flood the market with cannabis and force businesses to operate at a loss. They will do this because they know that they can sustain losses much longer than any small business can. Once the micro businesses are flushed out of the market they will continue their monopoly of the cannabis market and will begin robbing our citizens with outrageously high prices. This has happened and been proven in multiple states before us. PLEASE DO NOT SELL OUT TO THE MULTISTATE CANNABIS CORPORATIONS. THE VIRGINIA CANNABIS INDUSTRY SHOULD HE RUN BY VIRGINIANS FOR VIRGINIANS AND SHOULD PRIORITIZE KEEPING THE WEALTH MADE IN THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY IN VIRGINIA, NOT LINING THE POCKETS OF OUT OF STATE CORPORATIONS. If anyone would like to discuss this bill or SB448 please contact me at 757-272-3407

I have been waiting years for this. I 100% am happy to see this dream coming true. Please do the right thing by us Virginians and approve this bill

I would like to extend my apologies for misinterpreting the bill HB698 I am not nor will I ever be associated with a bill that will back the farmers of virginia into a black market and destroy what the community has worked so hard to preserve. I do not wish to support this bill for the betterment of virginia. Please do not continue to allow this bill to gain any momentum. This will not create a positive image or movement and will not give the people what is right and fair

Yes I would like to extend my support and acceptance bill HB698 as I do believe a recreational market is better suited for the betterment and convenience of the people. Such a bill would bring a tremendous positive shift to the community as I see no harm in the cannabis laws changing to allow those who would like to embrace and pursue the medicinal properties that one can benefit from its use.

I urge you to table HB698. This bill creates an unfair advantage against Virginia farmers and small businesses. Allowing only a select few an early start is unfair. It is criminal and hypocritical to all agriculture to lock out Virginia farmers by not allowing outdoor cultivation. This bill puts all the control and money in the hands of out of state operators that do not have Virginias best intentions in mind. We urge you to table HB698 and support SB448!

This bill in a large part steals the traditional market that Virginians built and gives it to big multi state corporations that will vacuum hundreds of millions of dollars out of Virginia's economy and into the bank accounts of Jushi(Florida), Green Thumb(Illinois), Columbia Care(New York).

We do need an adult use cannabis market, but there are some parts of this bill that will stifle competition and hurt small businesses. Mainly the absence of outdoor cultivation for licensed cultivators. - Outdoor grow is a great way for small farmers to enter the cannabis market. - Outdoor grow has a significantly lower carbon footprint than burning fossil fuels to power grow lights. - A number of studies have shown consumers prefer sun-grown cannabis over cannabis grown under lights. - Currently, as written this bill would give the pharmaceutical processors unlimited plant count so they can completely dictate the state market price and control the entire state supply. For these reasons I hope you either vote no or amend the bill to allow outdoor grow and not give the Pharmaceutical processors total control of the upcoming market.

To speak out against MSOs taking away from small local cultivators

VOTE THIS BILL OUT! Support local farmers & small businesses. We want cannabis for Virginians by Virginians.. we have enough MSO’s, open the market up for small local business. Don’t make the mistakes of past states and cut out your Virginia states men and women.

We are asking you to vote this bill down as it will have severe negative impacts on local business, farmers, and our communities. We want cannabis for Virginians by Virginians in Virginia soil by Virginia sun..

Outdoor cultivation of cannabis in the state of Virginia is currently legal, but this bill would outlaw outdoor cultivation of cannabis. I can think of no good reason why it would be necessary to remove a right we were given only a few years ago. There is no good reason why an adult in the state of Virginia should be prohibited from growing this plant for their own personal use. I understand that the intent of this bill is to provide a legal pathway, and to further decriminalize and provide access to this important agricultural product. If you really are trying to legalize cannabis, you cannot add new crimes and penalties. Only greed can motivate multi-state operators to remove current rights and freedoms from Virginia taxpayers. Please vote no to this bill OR remove the PROHIBITION on outdoor cultivation of cannabis for personal use. During World War II, Virginia farmers grew hemp for the war effort. The agricultural nature of Virginia impels us to create no crimes for outdoor cultivation and to all work together now, to end the failed “war on drugs” and allow for peaceful outdoor cultivation of cannabis.

Virginia has long been an agricultural state with outdoor growing for everything from peanuts, to tobacco due to our rich soil, temperate climate, and long legacy of dedicated farmers. We know tobacco has been a cash cow for years but it causes cancer and many farmers are excited about the possibility of growing hemp and cannabis as an alternative. This Bill restricting out-door grow is bad for Virginia farmers and bad for Virginia small businesses, but it’s absolutely wonderful for a very small group of out of state organizations that are trying to dominate the Canbabis market before it even begins. As the Chair of the Veterans Affairs committee for the VA Cannabis Association, representing 67,000 cannabis veterans across the state, we strongly Appose HB698.

HB698 is the wrong way to legalize cannabis sales in Virginia. This bill provides an unfair advantage to large multi-state corporations who already have a head start from being in the medical cannabis industry. If passed, this bill would allow a few out-of-state companies to monopolize Virginia’s cannabis industry. The bill attempts to cover up this fact by allowing “microbusinesses” to be funded by the large corporations. However, the term microbusiness as used in this bill is a misnomer. A microbusiness is supposed to be a small business that can vertically integrate subject to narrowly tailored regulations. For example, a microbusiness should be a mom-and-pop shop that can grow, manufacture, and sell cannabis products. HB698 uses “microbusiness” as a cover for “social equity business.” While I fully support social equity being included in the bill, just using “microbusiness” as a catch-all term for social equity is disingenuous. Further, if passed, this bill would limit the amount of sales microbusinesses can make, meaning that it would be limiting the earning power of minority-owned businesses in favor of more sales for large corporations. Not only are the limits on sales seemingly arbitrary, but they are entirely unequitable, and make for a poor policy decision. I recommend HB698 include an expedited licensing process for hemp growers and processors who have been in the industry since before January 1, 2021. Hemp growers and processors know the plant, the products, and the market. Virginia has an interest in ensuring its legal cannabis industry is successful so that it can collect tax revenue, and those who have spent years working with hemp are cannabis experts who are most likely to succeed. While HB448 currently has an expedited process for licensed hemp retailers, VDACS has not yet established the process to become a licensed hemp retailer. As a result, there are currently zero licensed hemp retailers in Virginia. This is another example of HB698 being disingenuous and choosing large out-of-state corporations over Virginian farmers and entrepreneurs. There are numerous other issues with this bill, but for the sake of brevity I ask this committee to strongly consider adopting the language and policy decisions found in SB448. SB448 supports small Virginia businesses and allows for all players to have an equal shot at succeeding in the legal cannabis market. Thank you for your time and effort in reading my comment and for your service to Virginia.

Please include a provision that prohibits ID scanning at retail dispensaries. I could not visit one in Maryland because I refused to let them enter my personal data into their computer. I have a security clearance and so I need to be anonymous. The ABC store just looks at it.

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Alexandria is a vibrant city based on history, culture, a waterfront and lots of tourism. If Virginia has money and space to build an arena then you have money and space to build new schools. Our school system is deplorable. It’s overcrowded. Think of your citizens before thinking about your quick money grab that eventually leads to an inevitable loss. We don’t want or need an arena. This is pure greed.

The Preventing Tobacco Addiction Foundation/Tobacco 21 strongly supports HB 790.

Delta 8 is NOT a nicotine product. It is illegal as of July 1, 2023. Punish those who do not card. Use the intellicheck system to card identification.

Don’t bane our vapes

Being in the military I started to rape so the I wouldn't use chewing tobacco or smoke cigarettes. It helps relieve the stress from work. Parents should be held accountable for their children. On top of the ban, you would be putting hundreds of people out of jobs, and businesses will have to shut down. I am against the ban of the sale of vape products.

This actually makes sense, I support and think this is a viable solution.

Comments Document

Tobacco 21 organization supports H. 790 to license sellers of nicotine products.

The ability of the under age children to obtain vaping materials is disturbing. We all think it’s happening just in High School, let me just say for sure and as a witness it is happening as early as 6th grade in Middle School. There needs to be stronger fines for stores that sell these products to underage individuals just like ABC laws.

Please pass this bill to help prevent kids from vaping.

I object!

N/A

After reading through both of these bills, they are truly one sided, In favor of banishing vaping as a whole. 1069 is much like most bill enacted politically, where you have to weed through the nonsense in order to get to the actual reasoning. Working for a well established vape shop in the Hampton roads area this bill does nothing but eliminate those finding a safer alternative to smoking. The PMTA when enacted federally was a large was of time for vape juice manufactures since those that submitted there paid out millions all for their product to sit in the FDA waiting status with no movement since 2016. Nearly 10 years later those same manufacturers are still waiting for a denial or an approval from the Fda. 1509 is a joke as to the wording, out right banni.g the sale of nicotine product if it is a vapor related product not smoking, vapor or hemp related. Never mind the fact that your fine with personal choice as long as it's benefits you pockets with financial gain (big tobacco) since for both of these bills so far the only ones allowed in virginia are owned and backed by Philip Morris and R.J Reynolds respectively. Hb 790 literally, tax the people more. My lord let's get one thing straight among the taxes the the virginians are already supposed to pay let's add one more to the Tab. Since that sounds alot like double/triple taxation, which doubled taxation is already frowned upon sound like greedy politician wanting more money to fund project that are unnecessary and unwanted. My lord, all of these bill go against the rights of the free people of the commonwealth, hindering the right to choose how the people work and live, taking their hard earned money to give to your pockets to find you campaign/s. In short good luck running for office the fall and years to come we vape we vote. Take the rights of freedom to do as we please we make sure your not in office much longer by voting you out and voting in better people that only look at the small picture of the harm (which is less than %1) instead of the larger picture the people that have used vaping to get of cigarettes and leading healthier live thank to vaping. I oppose all bill against vaping thank you.

Taking away the ability for people who have tried to quit smoking and have a safer alternative is terrible.

I oppose. Blame the parents.

I am against this

Ok

Not bad

Shouldn’t be banned

We don’t want vapes to be band

Please do not ban vapes and juices

Don’t ban vaping

Keep vaping

Please don’t Ban Vaping!

Don’t ban vapes help military with stress

Please don’t ban vaping

Adults of age should be allowed to make their choices on whatever if it effects their bodies.

I stand against any ban on vaping. I work at a vape shop and any bill restricting vaping more or completely banning it based on arbitrary FDA rulings would cause me a loss of my job, as well as hundreds maybe even thousands of others across Virginia.

Hey I’m against banning vaping

Don't do it

I believe it would be very detrimental to the United States military personnel to limit the sale of nicotine products in the state of Virginia For a lot it’s a relief from work and a lot of the traumatic stuff we have done on deployments. To expand on that point a lot of people are using caping to stop chain smoking cigarettes which are worse for us military members , a lot of us are known to be soo stressed that military members will smoke a whole carton of cigarettes a Day which is very bad long term then just inhaling nicotine. The VA offices already don’t do very well with the mental health of most veterans like me and others that I’ve served with and I think it would be a bad idea all around.

Vaping has improved my quality of life. I refuse to give up capimg to support the big tobacco and caner industries

Don’t do it.

Hope we stand

Do not ban

The vape industry helps everyone espicha the military be able to work without any complications

I wish to vote against. Everyone uses these for relaxation and would be a huge disappointment to have this happen to us

I am writing in support of tenants like myself for the above bills that would level the power dynamic in the landlord-tenant relationship. Rent is too high, conditions are poor, and we want to keep our community housed. Please support tenants, especially bills that allow us for our own experience without retaliation or feeling scared. We are in a housing crisis and we must escape it with a justice frame at the forefront.

I am writing on behalf of the VSC NAACP Housing Committee to express our strong support for the bills highlighted below that aim to enhance tenant protections and rights within our community. These proposed measures are crucial steps toward addressing the existing power imbalance between renters and landlords, which places renters at an elevated risk of housing instability, harassment, and homelessness. As you are aware, the disparity in power between renters and landlords is a significant concern that has far-reaching implications, particularly for marginalized communities. This power imbalance not only jeopardizes housing stability but also perpetuates racial inequity. Numerous studies have shown that communities of color are disproportionately affected by eviction and housing instability, exacerbating existing disparities. Tenant protections, when enacted into law, serve as a fundamental tool in preventing evictions and ensuring that renters can maintain stable housing. We firmly believe that these proposed bills, with their emphasis on enhancing tenant rights, will contribute significantly to rectifying the current imbalances and fostering a more equitable housing landscape. By supporting and advancing these bills, we collectively acknowledge the importance of safeguarding vulnerable renters, promoting housing stability, and working towards a more just and inclusive society. We urge you to consider the broader impact that these legislative measures can have on our community and to cast your support in favor of their passage. Thank you for your attention to this matter. We appreciate your dedication to serving the interests of our community and trust that you will carefully consider the positive impact that these bills can have on the lives of countless individuals and pass them accordingly. Sincerely, Tracey Hardney Scott Housing Committee Chair VSC NAACP Housing Committee

On behalf of the Virginia Floodplain Management Association (VFMA) members, we wish to submit written testimony in support of HB 863. VFMA serves as the state chapter of the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM), and VFMA’s membership represents local and state officials, as well as academia and private sector professionals engaged in floodplain management across the Commonwealth. This includes but is not limited to managing local floodplain ordinances and permitting development, engineering and land surveying, flood risk modeling and mapping, emergency management, planning, and community development. VFMA members continuously hear from Virginia residents who are unaware of their flood risk, oftentimes finding out when they are forced to purchase a flood insurance policy when purchasing a home, when development permits are denied due to local floodplain ordinance requirements, or after experiencing flood damages. Flood disclosure requirements are essential for communicating flood risk. This change in law would allow homebuyers and renters alike to be provided with all relevant flood risk information needed to reduce their flood risk and to make an informed decision when buying or leasing property.

Comments Document

On behalf of the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM’s) members in Virginia and nationally, we wish to submit written testimony in support of HB 863. The ASFPM and its 38 state chapters represent more than 20,000 local and state officials as well as private sector and other professionals engaged in all aspects of floodplain management and flood hazard mitigation, including management of local floodplain ordinances, flood risk mapping, engineering, planning, community development, hydrology, forecasting, emergency response, water resources development and flood insurance. ASFPM has long supported flood disclosure requirements, which are an essential tool for communicating flood risk. People in the United States generally lack awareness about their home’s risk of flooding and there is no federal requirement for home sellers to disclose information about a property’s flood risk or previous flood damage to prospective buyers or renters. At the same time, flood losses nationwide are dramatically increasing. In 2021 and 2022 alone, the nation incurred over $200 billion in flood losses. Looking on a decadal basis, annual flood losses have roughly been doubling every decade since the 1990s. Flood disclosure requirements should be specific, required and actionable; older disclosure laws that are not specific to particular hazards that a state faces, or that are merely suggestive, simply do not work. By denying home buyers information about past flooding, people cannot make informed decisions about one of their biggest financial investments—their home. A good source of actionable flood risk information for particular property is the current property owner. Increasingly, concerns have been raised about the lack of flood risk information for renters. While it can be difficult to find out about a home’s flood risk and history as a homeowner, most renters get no information about flooding at all. Since 2020, five states have improved their disclosure laws related to flooding. New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Hawaii have all enacted or started the process on disclosure reforms that would give home buyers a right to know a home’s flood risk. New York and New Jersey have new laws that give similar rights to renters. Still there is more to be done. Twenty-three states still do not require a seller to disclose whether a home has previously flooded. States like Florida, Georgia, and Missouri, lack mandatory disclosure of flood risk and these states do not require a seller to provide a real estate disclosure form regarding flooding. When it comes disclosure for renters, only nine states affirmatively require landlords to disclose an apartment’s flood history or risk to prospective tenants. On balance, we find that HB 863 would result in a meaningful and practical change in state law improving Virginian’s overall flood risk awareness. In particular extending the disclosure requirements to renters is critically important. Given Virginia’s flood risk, this change in law is particularly relevant to ensure that future homebuyers and renters have a fully informed picture of flood risk in order to take action to reduce that risk.

I am writing on behalf of the VSC NAACP Housing Committee to express our strong support for the bills highlighted below that aim to enhance tenant protections and rights within our community. These proposed measures are crucial steps toward addressing the existing power imbalance between renters and landlords, which places renters at an elevated risk of housing instability, harassment, and homelessness. As you are aware, the disparity in power between renters and landlords is a significant concern that has far-reaching implications, particularly for marginalized communities. This power imbalance not only jeopardizes housing stability but also perpetuates racial inequity. Numerous studies have shown that communities of color are disproportionately affected by eviction and housing instability, exacerbating existing disparities. Tenant protections, when enacted into law, serve as a fundamental tool in preventing evictions and ensuring that renters can maintain stable housing. We firmly believe that these proposed bills, with their emphasis on enhancing tenant rights, will contribute significantly to rectifying the current imbalances and fostering a more equitable housing landscape. By supporting and advancing these bills, we collectively acknowledge the importance of safeguarding vulnerable renters, promoting housing stability, and working towards a more just and inclusive society. We urge you to consider the broader impact that these legislative measures can have on our community and to cast your support in favor of their passage. Thank you for your attention to this matter. We appreciate your dedication to serving the interests of our community and trust that you will carefully consider the positive impact that these bills can have on the lives of countless individuals and pass them accordingly. Sincerely, Tracey Hardney Scott Housing Committee Chair VSC NAACP Housing Committee

Unnecessary fees on rent payments are a cumbersome burden on everyday Virginians. I very much support this piece of legislation!

I am writing in support of tenants like myself for the above bills that would level the power dynamic in the landlord-tenant relationship. Rent is too high, conditions are poor, and we want to keep our community housed. Please support tenants, especially bills that allow us for our own experience without retaliation or feeling scared. We are in a housing crisis and we must escape it with a justice frame at the forefront.

I am writing on behalf of the VSC NAACP Housing Committee to express our strong support for the bills highlighted below that aim to enhance tenant protections and rights within our community. These proposed measures are crucial steps toward addressing the existing power imbalance between renters and landlords, which places renters at an elevated risk of housing instability, harassment, and homelessness. As you are aware, the disparity in power between renters and landlords is a significant concern that has far-reaching implications, particularly for marginalized communities. This power imbalance not only jeopardizes housing stability but also perpetuates racial inequity. Numerous studies have shown that communities of color are disproportionately affected by eviction and housing instability, exacerbating existing disparities. Tenant protections, when enacted into law, serve as a fundamental tool in preventing evictions and ensuring that renters can maintain stable housing. We firmly believe that these proposed bills, with their emphasis on enhancing tenant rights, will contribute significantly to rectifying the current imbalances and fostering a more equitable housing landscape. By supporting and advancing these bills, we collectively acknowledge the importance of safeguarding vulnerable renters, promoting housing stability, and working towards a more just and inclusive society. We urge you to consider the broader impact that these legislative measures can have on our community and to cast your support in favor of their passage. Thank you for your attention to this matter. We appreciate your dedication to serving the interests of our community and trust that you will carefully consider the positive impact that these bills can have on the lives of countless individuals and pass them accordingly. Sincerely, Tracey Hardney Scott Housing Committee Chair VSC NAACP Housing Committee

I am writing on behalf of the VSC NAACP Housing Committee to express our strong support for the bills highlighted below that aim to enhance tenant protections and rights within our community. These proposed measures are crucial steps toward addressing the existing power imbalance between renters and landlords, which places renters at an elevated risk of housing instability, harassment, and homelessness. As you are aware, the disparity in power between renters and landlords is a significant concern that has far-reaching implications, particularly for marginalized communities. This power imbalance not only jeopardizes housing stability but also perpetuates racial inequity. Numerous studies have shown that communities of color are disproportionately affected by eviction and housing instability, exacerbating existing disparities. Tenant protections, when enacted into law, serve as a fundamental tool in preventing evictions and ensuring that renters can maintain stable housing. We firmly believe that these proposed bills, with their emphasis on enhancing tenant rights, will contribute significantly to rectifying the current imbalances and fostering a more equitable housing landscape. By supporting and advancing these bills, we collectively acknowledge the importance of safeguarding vulnerable renters, promoting housing stability, and working towards a more just and inclusive society. We urge you to consider the broader impact that these legislative measures can have on our community and to cast your support in favor of their passage. Thank you for your attention to this matter. We appreciate your dedication to serving the interests of our community and trust that you will carefully consider the positive impact that these bills can have on the lives of countless individuals and pass them accordingly. Sincerely, Tracey Hardney Scott Housing Committee Chair VSC NAACP Housing Committee

Please allow home grown outdoor in this bill. The lobbyist are trying to ruin for all the little mom and pop shops in Virginia. It’s so greedy and needs less regulation and less restrictions.

Opposed any Bill that allows citizens to smoke weed, cannabis, marijuana. Shameful policies by government officials who don’t care about people. https://www.foxnews.com/health/daily-weed-smokers-higher-risk-heart-attack-stroke-american-heart-association-study

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Hi I am writing to you on behalf of The Well Connection UK, a media and publishing company. We could easily get virginia.gov featured in various publications such as magazines, online blogs and news sites. This would undoubtedly help virginia.gov with publicity, reputation, domain authority and organic search engine rankings. We have a wide range of options including completely free collaborations, sponsored posts, guest posts and banner ads. If this sounds of interest, please reach out to the senior business development manager, Anita at info@thewellconnection.co.uk and whatsapp +447395206515 (GMT) Kind regards Clifton Junior Outreach Assistant

Alexandria is a vibrant city based on history, culture, a waterfront and lots of tourism. If Virginia has money and space to build an arena then you have money and space to build new schools. Our school system is deplorable. It’s overcrowded. Think of your citizens before thinking about your quick money grab that eventually leads to an inevitable loss. We don’t want or need an arena. This is pure greed.

I’m against

I oppose

I’m against it

I'm against

I oppose these bills.

Delta 8 is NOT a nicotine product. It is illegal as of July 1, 2023. Punish those who do not card. Use the intellicheck system to card identification.

I oppose

Smoked for short time 2018. Move to vape as it is was affecting my ability to breath while doing outdoor laborous job during that time period. Because of vaping, I can still run, sprint, exercise without feeling unable to breathe. Don't punish retailers doing a very good deed to the community. Kids getting their hands on the product should be the fault of their Gardians. Kids that are mature and disciplined know the consequences of underage smoking and will refrain until they are of age. These bills if passed will just create a black market, which in turn make it way more accessable to minors and products will also be more unsafe as there will be no one to be held responsible in selling unsafe products.

Jdjdjfjf

Everyone should have the right to vape regardless of it’s effects

As a resident please don’t proceed with the act of banning vapes

Don’t ban vape

I'm against the vape ban

Don’t bane our vapes

America is a free country!

People will be addicted to cigarettes rather than vapes, which are 10x worse.

Military survives off of vapes

I’m against this bill. Vaping helped me get off of cigarettes and was a great alternative.

Don’t ban vape sales

CIGARETTES ARE CANCER NO ONE NEEDS TO SMOKE NOR BUY THEM

Vape products are a fantastic alternative to smoking harmful cigarettes. This option has helped me quit smoking cigarettes all together and I don’t even vape very much now too!

I'm against this.

We need these!

Being in the military I started to rape so the I wouldn't use chewing tobacco or smoke cigarettes. It helps relieve the stress from work. Parents should be held accountable for their children. On top of the ban, you would be putting hundreds of people out of jobs, and businesses will have to shut down. I am against the ban of the sale of vape products.

This bill would effectively kill the one thing that gives me and 1000's no millions of people a fighting chance against smoking cigarettes which is proven to be worse than vaping. I quit smoking cigarettes in 2012 and haven't looked back. This will kill any option or free agency that I have to decide and determine what i choose to use because it will drive me back to cigarettes. Myself and many others will reopen ourselves back to increased risk of cancer and other dreadful death causing ailments that smoking tobacco has been proven unequivocally to cause, and yet no one is proposing banning any cigarettes. People will lose jobs and businesses because of this. Please stop this. Cancer runs in my family (caused by cigarettes) and i can honestly say that vaping has and continues to save my life from the horrors of smoking tobacco and the effects that i have watched it have on people that I love and cherish. Respectfully please dont take away my choice, my right, and the only hope that i have to continue to keep from smoking cigarettes. People who are against vaping dont have to vape. And parents who are worried about their kids vaping need to parent their kids better. The state should not be their personal babysitter nor should my freedom of choice be infringed upon due to someone else. I fought for this country honorably. I am a 100% disabled veteran but to see bills that restrict and revoke the freedom of one group over another is not what I fought for.

Banning vaping and or implementing the PMTA will make businesses go out of business and that is not good at all. Keep in mind i quit smoking and started vaping because it was a healthier option. For someone who has heart problems I am not willing to go back to smoking cigarettes and supporting (big tobacco) we as grown adults have a say what we put into our bodies. If you are worried about children then you should hold the parents responsible and watch the numbers decrease while letting us adults control what we can/are allowed too. Implementing these bills will also put people who work at vape shops that have a passion for providing customers (21 and over) a healthier option out of a job . Working for a vape company has been the best decision of my life and knowing we are helping people become healthier is one of those big satisfaction moments we get to have. If you take that away from us because you are scared of big tobacco and big pharma then you need to reset your priorities. Thank you for your time and have a good day

I am opposed to the ban of vapes !

Vaping has helped me quit smoking s packs of cigarettes a day and definitely has improved my lugs over the time I’ve been vaping

Being a free individual of the state it is sad to feel oppressed by the governed body. Please take into consideration of our amendments and due process. Free individual should have the right to participate in legal activities if choosing to do so.

I'm against these bills because if they shut down vaping I will wind up moving back to cigarettes which have been proven as a higher risk of developing cancer, heart disease. Vaping offers a cleaner, and more efficient way of allowing others have a source of stress relief if vaping is banned, you will have completely destroyed a source of stress relief for so many people.

Vapes are almost essential in military towns like this

Please don’t ban something I can make my own health decisions on.

If bill goes through… I would have to have to go back to smoking cigarettes that I have tried to quit for years. Disposables and vape juice have been my go to for nicotine. It has been better for me as far as the taste, the smell, its discreet, there are definitely more health benefits to me than there are cigarettes. Being in the military & the stress of our day to day I would go through the worst withdrawals if taken away. Oppose. Not for bill.

Comments Document

Tobacco 21 opposes HB 1069 - Please do not advance.

Comments Document

Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments. The American Lung Association in Virginia opposes House Bill 1069 and Senate Bill 550 which would develop a liquid nicotine and nicotine vapor products certification and directory. While we appreciate the desire to address the youth e-cigarette crisis, we do not believe that this type of legislation is an effective way to address the high youth use of e-cigarettes. These type of registry bills do not address the fundamental problem of manufacturers that make flavored tobacco that are attractive to youth. These types of bills are also distracting focus on proven public health policies to address tobacco use, such as: increasing tobacco taxes, funding for tobacco control and prevention and removing flavored products from the market. Registry bills that are tied to the Premarket Tobacco Product Application (PMTA) process have very little public health impact. The American Lung Association supports proven tobacco control policies that provide public health benefits for youth. Tobacco industry registry bills like House Bill 1069 and Senate Bill 550 are unnecessary and will have minimal public health benefit. We encourage the committee to oppose these bills.

It’s my freedom to choose what I want

Please vote against this bill. It doesn't protect kids. Stop letting the government take away people's choices

I oppose.

I object!

I feel so much better since switching to vape products. This is a fraud to protect big tobacco companies.

N/A

Oppose ban.

I oppose.

I haven't smoked a cigarette in nearly 10 years because I changed to vaping. My health has NOT deteriorated in the least from vaping and I haven't cougcoughed in a decade. Leave us Vapers alone.

After reading through both of these bills, they are truly one sided, In favor of banishing vaping as a whole. 1069 is much like most bill enacted politically, where you have to weed through the nonsense in order to get to the actual reasoning. Working for a well established vape shop in the Hampton roads area this bill does nothing but eliminate those finding a safer alternative to smoking. The PMTA when enacted federally was a large was of time for vape juice manufactures since those that submitted there paid out millions all for their product to sit in the FDA waiting status with no movement since 2016. Nearly 10 years later those same manufacturers are still waiting for a denial or an approval from the Fda. 1509 is a joke as to the wording, out right banni.g the sale of nicotine product if it is a vapor related product not smoking, vapor or hemp related. Never mind the fact that your fine with personal choice as long as it's benefits you pockets with financial gain (big tobacco) since for both of these bills so far the only ones allowed in virginia are owned and backed by Philip Morris and R.J Reynolds respectively. Hb 790 literally, tax the people more. My lord let's get one thing straight among the taxes the the virginians are already supposed to pay let's add one more to the Tab. Since that sounds alot like double/triple taxation, which doubled taxation is already frowned upon sound like greedy politician wanting more money to fund project that are unnecessary and unwanted. My lord, all of these bill go against the rights of the free people of the commonwealth, hindering the right to choose how the people work and live, taking their hard earned money to give to your pockets to find you campaign/s. In short good luck running for office the fall and years to come we vape we vote. Take the rights of freedom to do as we please we make sure your not in office much longer by voting you out and voting in better people that only look at the small picture of the harm (which is less than %1) instead of the larger picture the people that have used vaping to get of cigarettes and leading healthier live thank to vaping. I oppose all bill against vaping thank you.

Marlboro only wants to ban vapes because it cuts into their profits

I appose

The fact that the state is choosing tobacco companies over the people is absurd. Instead of trying to temporary not tank the tobacco economy, invest into something else. It's been proven tobacco has been dying off over generations. Don't punish the people for other's mistakes.

Don’t take my vapes, it’s a form of free will

i’m against

Vaping has helped me quit smoking cigarettes and I feel way healthier ever since I started vaping. I oppose these laws. Cigarettes are terrible.

I oppose. Blame the parents.

Keep my vapes

I oppose the banning of flavored vapes

Vaping has actually improved my health. Making this illegal will only tempt black marketers to move in and fill a void that is missing. Keep vaping legal.

I am opposed to any vape ban

I oppose this

Vaping has allowed me to avoid smoking and it’s far better for the environment as it does not require people to feel the need to leave cigarette butts everywhere. There is zero chance that vaping is more harmful to one’s health than cigarettes. Do not ban vaping.

Vaping has allowed me to avoid smoking and it’s far better for the environment as it does not require people to feel the need to leave cigarette butts everywhere. There is zero chance that vaping is more harmful to one’s health than cigarettes. Do not ban vaping.

I’m against, this is against my freedom to choose as an adult.

Against banning vapes see no harm

This keeps people from smoking tabacco that kills

Against

i’m against

Don’t ban vapes cigarettes are worst

These products may not be healthy but they are a lot healthier than going back to cigarettes.

I have not smoked a single cigarette in 7 years thanks to vaping. And taking away an alternative is just not right

I oppose.

Don’t start a vape prohibition, waste of time, people will get it still

I strongly oppose these bills

Been smoke free for 20 years. Still want vape products available for purchase

Better then cigarettes

I oppose this as this is one of my stress relievers

I vape on a daily basis and oppose these bills

I’m against

I oppose this bill.

I'm against

Vaping helps quit smoking and other worse substance abuse. In my opinion it would lead to a worse society if vaping were banned.

Please don't ban Vapes in Virginia

I’m against.

I just want to say please don't change anything vape related. I was an avid smoker for 30 years and have been smoke free since 2012. Thank you for your time

Vaping has been a much preferred option vice smoking cigarettes for myself and my family.

Please don't ban vaping.

I oppose

Recommend vaping not be banned

I would prefer to continue to have a healthier alternative to smoking instead of going back to cigarettes.

Don’t ban vaping

Don’t do this!

I don’t support this ban, it’s pointless and less harmful than actual cigarettes

Please don’t ban vaping .

Please don’t ban vapes.

Vaping saved my life.

Please don’t band vapes it’s a stress reliever.

Don’t ban vapes!

Shouldn’t be banned

I oppose the Willett & Seibold bills.

Don’t ban vaping

I’m sorry, I thought this was America. Don’t ban a safer alternative to smoking you morons.

Do not support a ban on vaping

Don’t ban vaping helps with anxiety

Granite smoking is bad but vaping is more convenient and last longer than cigarettes. Banning vape sales will not make anyone just want to buy cigarettes. All Cigarettes mainly taste the same but vapes you have different flavors which makes it less boring to smoke.

I oppose

If we're gunna ban vapes we might as well ban cigarettes. Ban all or none

I want to choose what I want to do with my time and my money without government intervention

How dare you? This is a clear violation of our rights. We can do what we please.

Vaping is a great relaxent for me in times of stress. It’s also a perfect alternative for people who smoke cigarettes. There’s also been many accounts of people who turned to vaping to stop smoking completely.

I oppose

We don’t want vapes to be band

As a member of the Armed Forces, I do not want this bill to be passed. I rely on stores like these everyday, and I know plenty of others that are in the same situation.

I oppose

Vaping is more than a hobby or something people do for fun. Vaping got me off of 5 years of cigarette smoking. My lung health dramatically improved as has my overall health. Vaping is a valid need in the community.

Please do not ban vapes and juices

Don’t ban vaping

Keep vaping

Please don’t Ban Vaping!

Vape helps with my anxiety

Yes, I support as this is not a vape ban. This will remove illegal product from the market.

Don’t ban vapes help military with stress

Dont ban vaping

Please don’t ban vaping

Adults of age should be allowed to make their choices on whatever if it effects their bodies.

I stand against any ban on vaping. I work at a vape shop and any bill restricting vaping more or completely banning it based on arbitrary FDA rulings would cause me a loss of my job, as well as hundreds maybe even thousands of others across Virginia.

Hey I’m against banning vaping

Comments Document

Also Attached: Chairperson and Members of the Committee, thank you for the opportunity to submit written comments today on HB 1069 / SB 550. My name is Kevin K. Barney. I am Executive VP of Atlantic Dominion Distributors, Headquartered in Virginia Beach, VA. Our company has been in business since 1875, We supply over 300 retail locations in Virginia, mostly Convenience stores, Grocery stores & Tobacco Outlets in Virginia and have 108 employees. Currently most e-vapor products in the Virginia market are in violation of the FDA rules and federal law. We do not sell any vapor products that has not submitted a valid PMTA that is under review by the FDA. It is challenging for wholesalers, retailers, and consumers to discern which products are authorized to be sold and which products are not. This is due to the sheer number of PMTA applications that have been rejected or remain under review by the FDA. The adoption of an e-vapor directory in Virginia will allow responsible distributors and retailers to know what is compliant and what is not. In addition to protecting consumers, an e-vapor directory would facilitate an equal playing field for all distributors in the state and protect Virginia businesses from federal enforcement for selling or distributing noncompliant products. Right now, we have no clarity and may be enforced against at any point. This proposal is good for Virginia law abiding distributors in our state want to adhere to the rules, but we need a mechanism to understand what products are legal for sales and distribution. We are competing with some rouge “pop up” distributors and on-line sellers that are ignoring the FDA vapor product bans and selling these wantonly to C-stores & Vape/CBD Shops that have sprung up across the state. Many of these distributors and on-line sellers are not collecting and remitting the state vapor tax and they encroach on our retail customer base with these products and other goods they supply. What are the ingredients of these illegal products and where are they coming from? Many 21 and under children and young adults can purchase these products which is very concerning. This unregulated and unenforced market has also been a detriment to our sales as we are unwilling to break the law by selling products the FDA has deemed illegal. With the “Wild West” market that currently exists we are uncertain if we will be able to sustain our business to 2025 for our 150th year anniversary. An e-vapor directory will provide wholesalers with the information we need to ensure that we are distributing compliant products and avoiding penalties. The proposed e-vapor directory will also help fund equitable enforcement across the state. Registry fees and violation fines will help support the enforcement efforts needed to ensure that all distributors and customers are compliant. An organized and regulated market will facilitate the long-term sustainability of a category that has been shown to be substantially less harmful than traditional combustible cigarettes. In conclusion, I urge you to support HB - 1069, an e-vapor directory in Virginia. Thank you. Kevin K. Barney Executive VP Atlantic Dominion Distributors 5400 Virginia Beach Blvd. Virginia Beach, VA 23462 757-648-8102 Direct Kevin.barney@atlanticdominion.com

Don't do it

Getting ride of vaping will definitely bring a lot of people into more bad habits or an outlet to actually go to when they want to quit on a sustance that’s actually the same as what they’ve already been doing something that’s less harmful …I can go on and on about it but my son passed away two years ago instead of going into a hard substance I choose to vape nicotine it helped me realize that I didn’t need anything else but my vape to realize that what I went through wasn’t a dream or try to block it out

I support this bill. It is time for state to address the thousands of illegal vape products on the market in Virginia.

I support this measure to keep manufacturers accountable.

Vaping is much better than cigarettes. I smoked for 20 yrs and have been vaping now for 7+ years and do not want to have to go back to cigarettes ever

Banning vapes isn’t going to stop underage tobacco use.

Do not ban vapes. Thanks

No no and nooo!

it keeps people from smoking tobacco it's our body to do with as we wish.

It’s my right to vape. You shouldn’t have to decide for me. I know the dangers of it

Please do not close down VapeXotic. It’s a convenient location for me and the employees are amazing. It’s not fair because the FDA is dragging their feet to approve the products.

It’s a right to choose the way we gat nicotine and its consumption

VAPING saved my life please done take it way

I'm a smoker that has switched to vaping. This bill makes it harder for me to get products legally. The bill proposes that it will make it harder for children to get products however children are getting them through illegal outlets that will still be available after the bill is passed.

I oppose

Please don't take away my nicotine. All my military service has made me dependant and I'm ok with that.

Vapes help me get through my day

Don't pass this bill

Should keep Vapes for adults

Vaping helps me not smoke cigarettes and helped my mother quit smoking cigarettes after decades of not being able to quit.

Banning vaping would be a hide loss of income to the stores and the state. It would encourage individuals to spend that same money over the state line in other states. Vaping will continue just at a revenue loss for the state of Virginia.

These businesses are tax paying and there is no reason to close them down. The state will lose tremendous revenue which could go to social program funding and infrastructure. You vote yes and I will do everything in my power to campaign against everyone and support your opponents.

Alternatives to smoking should remain legal

They help release stress. Cigarettes have been out for so long, what is the problem now ?

Against

Vape really helped me with my tobacco addiction

No reason for people to not have access to nicotine, it makes no sense. We understand it’s not good for us but we know what we’re doing to ourselves. Regardless, it doesn’t make sense to restrict us based on the FDA knowing this is a toxic chemical.

I don’t think it’s right to take away our choice of vaping, no one’s bans cigarettes so why is vaping getting taken away from everyone same boat same actions should be taken

Vaping does not harm the body any more than cigarettes do. Vaping has been a proven method to help stop smoking. After 8 years in the Marines and 6 of those years smoking cigarettes, vaping helped me stop and now I'm completely off of smoking. Banning vaping would take away healthier and easier ways for people to get off of tobacco and help stop their habits.

Against bills. Detrimental to community

I highly oppose these bills. I rely on local vape stores for my products.

I oppose these bills

I’d rather vape than smoke cigarettes and risk cancer.

Opposed it

Opposed it

Stay away from our vapes. People can kill they self with tobacco what's the difference?

I love vapes. I’m a 50 plus woman that smoked cigarettes and this help me avoid the horrible smell of cigarettes.

Dont

Please allow vape stores to continue to stay in business

I’m against this bill because we had this happen to juuls along time ago

Stoping the sales of vapes, can lead to even worse things like buying them off the black market

Stoppage of Vape sales could potentially start the black marketing of Vapes and really wouldn't stop people from buying them.

Vaping helps me with my stress. Better then smoking cigarettes

Numerous small businesses, which serve as the main source of income for their respective families, would face the risk of closure and face severe financial losses as a consequence of this bill. It is my professional opinion that depriving individuals of their freedom to pursue their desired endeavors is unjust.

Please keep vaping alive, it's helping so many people quit smoking cigarettes

Vaping helps relieve steer in the military

No reason to restrict what people want to do

Vaping changed my life. I can actually breathe much better and don’t smell like cigarette smoke 24 hours a day

I think the mental health will decline drastically. Keep it legal!

Because I don’t want to smoke cigarettes

Helps me stop smoking

Against

Vaping has helped myself and people I know successfully quit smoking.

Didn’t do it right I love vaping

Didn’t do it right I love vaping

Vaping helps my anxiety

If cigarettes are not banned, than neither should vaping.

Keep vapes

I believe it would be very detrimental to the United States military personnel to limit the sale of nicotine products in the state of Virginia For a lot it’s a relief from work and a lot of the traumatic stuff we have done on deployments. To expand on that point a lot of people are using caping to stop chain smoking cigarettes which are worse for us military members , a lot of us are known to be soo stressed that military members will smoke a whole carton of cigarettes a Day which is very bad long term then just inhaling nicotine. The VA offices already don’t do very well with the mental health of most veterans like me and others that I’ve served with and I think it would be a bad idea all around.

no don’t do it please

Passing laws to increase sales for tobacco is a monopoly.

Against this big time

Screw big tobacco! I started vaping to quit smoking cigarettes, other people should also have that option.

Don’t take away my way of quitting cigarettes

What is your reasoning for getting rid of Vape products? If your are staying it is harm full why have we not gotten rid of cigarettes? Sounds and awful lot like we are just picking and choosing.

Against. Vaping helped me quit smoking cigarettes.

Stop this and let us choose to vape!

Just stop interfering in my life choices.

Adults right to make personal choice on their method of consuming nicotine needs to stay out of lawmakers hands.

I appreciate how much vaping has helped me quit smoking cigarettes and helped me feel healthier, and it would help if we do not ban vaping.

With a majority of the military vaping trying to quit smoking it would be a detriment to them and their progress. Being safer then cigarettes it wouldn't make any sense to ban something better. Why not ban cigarettes if they are so concerned.

Smoke less than ever.

Vaping has improved my quality of life. I refuse to give up capimg to support the big tobacco and caner industries

Don’t ban

Vape sales should not be banned as it’s part of what keeps businesses open and operating in order to provide for themselves or for families.

I am against banning vape sales. People over the age of 18 should be able to do as they please.

Its not th3 product buy the irrespnsible people who do noy properlu ducard

Don’t do it.

I am in complete disagreeance and I hope this will not be allowed to pass.

Freedom of consumption is a basic human right

Vaping has helped me quit smoking and I believe the sale should still be available for those who choose to participate in vaping.

This bill could put great people out of business who have worked hard to form their businesses. This will also affect employees of vape shops and their well being. They have many healthy alternatives in the stores as well and buy quality products.

Tobacco products have always been a staple of Virginia. Making people go through withdraws will just force them to go elsewhere. A small drive just to get vapes is a small price to pay a ban wont stop anything.

Keep the vapes dawg

I'm an adult over the age of 21 and I have a history of agressive behavior. I use Vaping to directly decompress in highly stressful situations and this has directly helped others to remain safe and helped me to stay out of prison.

Don’t ban you have no right to chose how I live

My life, my decision please

Vaping is a better alternative to smoking, and yet we won’t take down big tobacco? Come on.

I’m a currently stationed in virgina beach and vaping helps me cope with all the stress from the military. There is no need to ban vaping, it is a lot better than smoking cigarettes!

Internet crimes are more important than stopping vaping. Bigger issues then vaping

I wish to vote against. Everyone uses these for relaxation and would be a huge disappointment to have this happen to us

I STRONGLY OPPOSE this bill. I am writing as a voter and taxpayer in Virginia urging you to reject HB1069, which would force the state to enforce the FDA’s disastrous anti-vaping regulations. If this legislation is enacted, I and thousands of people like me in Virginia will lose access to smoke-free products that are helping us live smoke-free lives. This law would ban the sale of more than 80% of products sold in vape shops. These products would remain available in neighboring states as well as online through unscrupulous, unregulated sellers on social media sites like Snapchat and TikTok. To be blunt, support for these bills is sacrificing the lives of people who smoke in the name of protecting a tobacco company’s share of the nicotine vapor market--not protecting youth or public health. The FDA is failing to regulate smoke-free nicotine products in a way that protects public health. The federal regulator’s delay in decision making and arbitrary denial orders are also bogging the agency down with the lawsuits and reputational damage. Enforcing a de facto ban on products that FDA is supposed to be reviewing will come at the expense of Virginia taxpayers and public health. Please reject HB1069 and thank you for listening to my comments. I, and my fellow members of the Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association appreciate your time and look forward to your response.

I am writing on behalf of the VSC NAACP Housing Committee to express our strong support for the bills highlighted below that aim to enhance tenant protections and rights within our community. These proposed measures are crucial steps toward addressing the existing power imbalance between renters and landlords, which places renters at an elevated risk of housing instability, harassment, and homelessness. As you are aware, the disparity in power between renters and landlords is a significant concern that has far-reaching implications, particularly for marginalized communities. This power imbalance not only jeopardizes housing stability but also perpetuates racial inequity. Numerous studies have shown that communities of color are disproportionately affected by eviction and housing instability, exacerbating existing disparities. Tenant protections, when enacted into law, serve as a fundamental tool in preventing evictions and ensuring that renters can maintain stable housing. We firmly believe that these proposed bills, with their emphasis on enhancing tenant rights, will contribute significantly to rectifying the current imbalances and fostering a more equitable housing landscape. By supporting and advancing these bills, we collectively acknowledge the importance of safeguarding vulnerable renters, promoting housing stability, and working towards a more just and inclusive society. We urge you to consider the broader impact that these legislative measures can have on our community and to cast your support in favor of their passage. Thank you for your attention to this matter. We appreciate your dedication to serving the interests of our community and trust that you will carefully consider the positive impact that these bills can have on the lives of countless individuals and pass them accordingly. Sincerely, Tracey Hardney Scott Housing Committee Chair VSC NAACP Housing Committee

To Whom it my concern, I am writing on behalf of HB1124. In my current role, I am tasked with maintaining a pipeline of buildable parcels throughout the Richmond Metro area to ensure some of our area's most vulnerable citizens have a safe, affordable place to call home. In my short time in this position, we have been in contact with multiple faith based organizations, of various denominations, who both own buildable property and have the desire to provide affordable housing for those in need in their local community. They see it as an extension of their beliefs and mission. A major barrier to executing on their dreams of providing stable shelter, is the often 18 to 24 month process of achieving suitable zoning for their proposed projects. Re-Zoning is a complicated and time consuming process for seasoned professionals and can be an expensive investment. Removing this hurdle has the potential to open up large amounts of urban and sub-urban buildable property across the Commonwealth, easing the strain on inventory and adding valuable resources to the respective communities in which these organizations are located. When we can remove regulation without compromising the quality of the end product and clear hurdles for non-professional developers to assist in the delivery of affordable housing, we all win. I urge you to give this legislation its due consideration and to subsequently push this effort forward. Thank you for all you do, Matt Waring Interim COO, Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity

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Hi I am writing to you on behalf of The Well Connection UK, a media and publishing company. We could easily get virginia.gov featured in various publications such as magazines, online blogs and news sites. This would undoubtedly help virginia.gov with publicity, reputation, domain authority and organic search engine rankings. We have a wide range of options including completely free collaborations, sponsored posts, guest posts and banner ads. If this sounds of interest, please reach out to the senior business development manager, Anita at info@thewellconnection.co.uk and whatsapp +447395206515 (GMT) Kind regards Clifton Junior Outreach Assistant

Alexandria is a vibrant city based on history, culture, a waterfront and lots of tourism. If Virginia has money and space to build an arena then you have money and space to build new schools. Our school system is deplorable. It’s overcrowded. Think of your citizens before thinking about your quick money grab that eventually leads to an inevitable loss. We don’t want or need an arena. This is pure greed.

Comments Document

Please support HB1207! This bill will provide a means to address another collateral consequence of criminal arrests and convictions in Virginia for persons seeking rental housing, but are being denied solely based on a past criminal history record. Similar to the "ban-the-box" movement in Virginia that aided persons with criminal histories to have a better chance at obtaining employment. And SB 124 in 2020 when the VA General Assembly changed the law dealing with eligibilty for food stamps and TANF for drug related felonies. Removing this practice has substantially aided many citizens with these types of infractions on their record sucesfully re-enter society and not recidivate. This measure mirrors HUD's efforts dealing with their housing providers by developing a model criminal history screening process for the state's funded housing providers, so persons are not automatically denied housing ...adding to the number of unhoused/homeless persons in Virginia, and through frustrations, possible breaking parole and recidivating.

I am privileged to offer my support for HB1207, introduced by Del. Hayes. As a Portsmouth native and current resident, I have witnessed the challenges that some formerly incarcerated citizens face in my city leading many to survive unhoused. This bill could help remove some of the barriers to housing. Shelter is such a basic human need and having model policies that support fair housing will make a positive difference for so many people. Thanks for your attention and your support for HB1207.

I am writing on behalf of the VSC NAACP Housing Committee to express our strong support for the bills highlighted below that aim to enhance tenant protections and rights within our community. These proposed measures are crucial steps toward addressing the existing power imbalance between renters and landlords, which places renters at an elevated risk of housing instability, harassment, and homelessness. As you are aware, the disparity in power between renters and landlords is a significant concern that has far-reaching implications, particularly for marginalized communities. This power imbalance not only jeopardizes housing stability but also perpetuates racial inequity. Numerous studies have shown that communities of color are disproportionately affected by eviction and housing instability, exacerbating existing disparities. Tenant protections, when enacted into law, serve as a fundamental tool in preventing evictions and ensuring that renters can maintain stable housing. We firmly believe that these proposed bills, with their emphasis on enhancing tenant rights, will contribute significantly to rectifying the current imbalances and fostering a more equitable housing landscape. By supporting and advancing these bills, we collectively acknowledge the importance of safeguarding vulnerable renters, promoting housing stability, and working towards a more just and inclusive society. We urge you to consider the broader impact that these legislative measures can have on our community and to cast your support in favor of their passage. Thank you for your attention to this matter. We appreciate your dedication to serving the interests of our community and trust that you will carefully consider the positive impact that these bills can have on the lives of countless individuals and pass them accordingly. Sincerely, Tracey Hardney Scott Housing Committee Chair VSC NAACP Housing Committee

Good afternoon, I write to urge your support for the passage of House Bill 1207. It was introduced by Delegate Hayes, to ensure that individuals with previous felony convictions can obtain rental housing. Homelessness is an issue throughout our nation. The ordinary screening of rental applicants remains difficult enough providing required credit checks, deposits, and character references. For many that have prior felonies, that process is further complicated as they reenter the community after serving their sentences. It is not beneficial or just to those who have successfully paid fines and are working as tax paying citizens. The quest for adequate housing is important for multiple reasons. Unnecessary barriers for adequate shelter give the impression that changed behaviors are not enough as contributing members of society. It is important to understand that when an individual has made strides to reform their previous lives that we do not place barriers that could potentially cause them to cease moving forward. Sometimes enough of those setbacks lead to them being incarcerated again. Thank you, Delegates, for your attention to House Bill 1207 and hopeful passage of it. Best regards, Jacqueline Elliott

I am in support of HB1207 being passed by the General Assembly. A prior commenter, Izzard, provided a detailed accounting of their experience in the rental market. I have heard so many stories similar to this over the years. So many times, potential tenants never get told what was the reason for a denial based on a background check. These checks are also representative of the systemic racism that is so ingrained in so many processes and protocols. The sooner HUD and DHCD can get a model policy up and going, the sooner more folks can find housing options. With this bill in place, so many more Virginians will not have to "couch surf", put families at risk for providing housing, or have them present to the Continuums of Care as homeless. Please pass HB1207.

I strongly support HB1207 for the following reasons: As a citizen and taxpayer of the commonwealth of Virginia, who has an old criminal conviction, but had my civil rights restored and my ability to own a gun, yet I have been discriminated against "multiple times" when trying to secure housing. At the cost of approximately $30 per application, last year I spent at least $300 on 10 applications for rental housing, only to be turned down due to the criminal history check. I work everyday, have a decent credit reference, and have not had an infraction in almost 2-decades, yet I continue to be frustrated in my attempts to secure housing. This makes no sense, and I am certain I am not the only person who has had and is experiencing this problem. If this commonwealth is truly interested in reducing recidivism, then addressing this problem with this bill would go a long way to curb the number of unhoused persons, and those who become frustrated and give up trying to successfully reintergrate into society due to the constant hurdles placed in our way. Please support HB1207. Thank you

I am writing in support of tenants like myself for the above bills that would level the power dynamic in the landlord-tenant relationship. Rent is too high, conditions are poor, and we want to keep our community housed. Please support tenants, especially bills that allow us for our own experience without retaliation or feeling scared. We are in a housing crisis and we must escape it with a justice frame at the forefront.

I am writing on behalf of the VSC NAACP Housing Committee to express our strong support for the bills highlighted below that aim to enhance tenant protections and rights within our community. These proposed measures are crucial steps toward addressing the existing power imbalance between renters and landlords, which places renters at an elevated risk of housing instability, harassment, and homelessness. As you are aware, the disparity in power between renters and landlords is a significant concern that has far-reaching implications, particularly for marginalized communities. This power imbalance not only jeopardizes housing stability but also perpetuates racial inequity. Numerous studies have shown that communities of color are disproportionately affected by eviction and housing instability, exacerbating existing disparities. Tenant protections, when enacted into law, serve as a fundamental tool in preventing evictions and ensuring that renters can maintain stable housing. We firmly believe that these proposed bills, with their emphasis on enhancing tenant rights, will contribute significantly to rectifying the current imbalances and fostering a more equitable housing landscape. By supporting and advancing these bills, we collectively acknowledge the importance of safeguarding vulnerable renters, promoting housing stability, and working towards a more just and inclusive society. We urge you to consider the broader impact that these legislative measures can have on our community and to cast your support in favor of their passage. Thank you for your attention to this matter. We appreciate your dedication to serving the interests of our community and trust that you will carefully consider the positive impact that these bills can have on the lives of countless individuals and pass them accordingly. Sincerely, Tracey Hardney Scott Housing Committee Chair VSC NAACP Housing Committee

Comments Document

I have experienced the effects of living in a moldy environment 3 separate times, with the landlord each time having little to no appreciation for the severity of the health concern it presented to me as the tenant. The first time, in Charlottesville, a pipe burst in the upstairs apartment and a 2-3 foot wide hole was left to drip in our living room for weeks while black mold grew on the ceiling. Even after directly stating in my email to the landlord that my roommate and I were experiencing health concerns, it was not taken seriously. After this exposure, I developed a chronic illness called CIRS (chronic inflammatory response syndrome) which is an environmentally acquired illness from mold toxicity. This affects all systems of the body, not just the respiratory system, and the illness has disabling symptoms such as intense fatigue, brain fog, and vertigo. In Richmond I had two similar experiences, one of them leading to my roommate and I almost bringing the landlord to court after receiving no response from her for over a month regarding the two water damaged areas which were actively growing mold and continued to leak every time it rained. I have attached photos of this residence. This is a huge issue, especially for individuals with limited income who have few options when looking for a place to live. Low income renters often end up living in much older buildings that are falling apart and will have shoddy mold “remediation” if a problem does visibly present itself. I have seen first hand how mold issues will be lower on the list of priorities of the rental company who will take advantage of the fact that renters have no other option but to accept the conditions of their residence. People with fixed incomes are also more likely to lack the means to treat the incredibly complex health conditions that mold will present. Renters will continue to suffer and get swept under the table as long as no one recognizes this as a problem.

I have witnessed the extremely negative impact of mold first in the Fairfax County Public Schools where my husband was a teacher. So many schools have tried many times, unsucessfully, to "remediate" the mold, usually by painting over the mold. As a member of Virginia Organizing I have now seen the problem of mold impact the low income housing units in Waynesboro. One renter paid for her own mold inspection and the results were shocking. The epidemic of mold is threatening both the renters and the property owners, who cannot afford to remediate the problem once it has gotten past a certain point. The cost of the medical fallout will also be enormous. We cannot continue to turn a blind eye to this problem.

I am writing in support of tenants like myself for the above bills that would level the power dynamic in the landlord-tenant relationship. Rent is too high, conditions are poor, and we want to keep our community housed. Please support tenants, especially bills that allow us for our own experience without retaliation or feeling scared. We are in a housing crisis and we must escape it with a justice frame at the forefront.

Mold is well-established as a health hazard in buildings, including homes. Low income renters are currently at the mercy of their landlords if and when they find mold in their rental, since there is no easy legal protection available to them. HB 1270 would afford a clear legal path to tenants, rather than being obliged to go to court themselves to oblige their landlords to establish a healthy living environment for their families.

We go to people’s houses in the NRV and the biggest issue that comes up at door after door is mold. “Get it out of our homes!” people beg. We asked them whether their landlords do anything about it and they say no. Landlords either ignore the problem or spray a little bleach on it and claim they’ve handled it, which they haven’t. HB1270 will make it so that building inspectors can be brought in to hold landlords accountable. They’ll come and tell landlords how exactly to mitigate mold properly so that it won’t keep coming back and causing health problems in folks of all ages. My cousins had to move house back in the day because mold hurt my cousin’s lungs so badly. His breathing and asthma were affected for years after. You have the power to protect people from this kind of dangerous mold. Please support HB1270 and get the mold out of NRV homes – so many people will thank you for it.

Mold can affect the lungs, especially in older people and children who have weaker immune systems. This is why it's important to pass this bill. And no one should have to look at mold in their home. It's not pretty. And when it gets painted over, it seeps right back through.

Renters should not have to live with mold. When landlords don't properly remediate mold in rental housing, renters are faced with the decision to either break their lease, which can be a messy process and wind up in court, or to file a tenant's assertion, if they have the knowledge and means to do so. In this tight housing market, breaking a lease is not a great option. Over and over, we hear stories locally and in the media about landlords not responding to tenants' requests for repairs, particularly around mold. Regulating mold in the building code is important, because it allows local governments to step in and hold landlords accountable through building inspections.

I am writing on behalf of the VSC NAACP Housing Committee to express our strong support for the bills highlighted below that aim to enhance tenant protections and rights within our community. These proposed measures are crucial steps toward addressing the existing power imbalance between renters and landlords, which places renters at an elevated risk of housing instability, harassment, and homelessness. As you are aware, the disparity in power between renters and landlords is a significant concern that has far-reaching implications, particularly for marginalized communities. This power imbalance not only jeopardizes housing stability but also perpetuates racial inequity. Numerous studies have shown that communities of color are disproportionately affected by eviction and housing instability, exacerbating existing disparities. Tenant protections, when enacted into law, serve as a fundamental tool in preventing evictions and ensuring that renters can maintain stable housing. We firmly believe that these proposed bills, with their emphasis on enhancing tenant rights, will contribute significantly to rectifying the current imbalances and fostering a more equitable housing landscape. By supporting and advancing these bills, we collectively acknowledge the importance of safeguarding vulnerable renters, promoting housing stability, and working towards a more just and inclusive society. We urge you to consider the broader impact that these legislative measures can have on our community and to cast your support in favor of their passage. Thank you for your attention to this matter. We appreciate your dedication to serving the interests of our community and trust that you will carefully consider the positive impact that these bills can have on the lives of countless individuals and pass them accordingly. Sincerely, Tracey Hardney Scott Housing Committee Chair VSC NAACP Housing Committee

I am writing on behalf of the VSC NAACP Housing Committee to express our strong support for the bills highlighted below that aim to enhance tenant protections and rights within our community. These proposed measures are crucial steps toward addressing the existing power imbalance between renters and landlords, which places renters at an elevated risk of housing instability, harassment, and homelessness. As you are aware, the disparity in power between renters and landlords is a significant concern that has far-reaching implications, particularly for marginalized communities. This power imbalance not only jeopardizes housing stability but also perpetuates racial inequity. Numerous studies have shown that communities of color are disproportionately affected by eviction and housing instability, exacerbating existing disparities. Tenant protections, when enacted into law, serve as a fundamental tool in preventing evictions and ensuring that renters can maintain stable housing. We firmly believe that these proposed bills, with their emphasis on enhancing tenant rights, will contribute significantly to rectifying the current imbalances and fostering a more equitable housing landscape. By supporting and advancing these bills, we collectively acknowledge the importance of safeguarding vulnerable renters, promoting housing stability, and working towards a more just and inclusive society. We urge you to consider the broader impact that these legislative measures can have on our community and to cast your support in favor of their passage. Thank you for your attention to this matter. We appreciate your dedication to serving the interests of our community and trust that you will carefully consider the positive impact that these bills can have on the lives of countless individuals and pass them accordingly. Sincerely, Tracey Hardney Scott Housing Committee Chair VSC NAACP Housing Committee

I am writing on behalf of the VSC NAACP Housing Committee to express our strong support for the bills highlighted below that aim to enhance tenant protections and rights within our community. These proposed measures are crucial steps toward addressing the existing power imbalance between renters and landlords, which places renters at an elevated risk of housing instability, harassment, and homelessness. As you are aware, the disparity in power between renters and landlords is a significant concern that has far-reaching implications, particularly for marginalized communities. This power imbalance not only jeopardizes housing stability but also perpetuates racial inequity. Numerous studies have shown that communities of color are disproportionately affected by eviction and housing instability, exacerbating existing disparities. Tenant protections, when enacted into law, serve as a fundamental tool in preventing evictions and ensuring that renters can maintain stable housing. We firmly believe that these proposed bills, with their emphasis on enhancing tenant rights, will contribute significantly to rectifying the current imbalances and fostering a more equitable housing landscape. By supporting and advancing these bills, we collectively acknowledge the importance of safeguarding vulnerable renters, promoting housing stability, and working towards a more just and inclusive society. We urge you to consider the broader impact that these legislative measures can have on our community and to cast your support in favor of their passage. Thank you for your attention to this matter. We appreciate your dedication to serving the interests of our community and trust that you will carefully consider the positive impact that these bills can have on the lives of countless individuals and pass them accordingly. Sincerely, Tracey Hardney Scott Housing Committee Chair VSC NAACP Housing Committee

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Hi I am writing to you on behalf of The Well Connection UK, a media and publishing company. We could easily get virginia.gov featured in various publications such as magazines, online blogs and news sites. This would undoubtedly help virginia.gov with publicity, reputation, domain authority and organic search engine rankings. We have a wide range of options including completely free collaborations, sponsored posts, guest posts and banner ads. If this sounds of interest, please reach out to the senior business development manager, Anita at info@thewellconnection.co.uk and whatsapp +447395206515 (GMT) Kind regards Clifton Junior Outreach Assistant

Alexandria is a vibrant city based on history, culture, a waterfront and lots of tourism. If Virginia has money and space to build an arena then you have money and space to build new schools. Our school system is deplorable. It’s overcrowded. Think of your citizens before thinking about your quick money grab that eventually leads to an inevitable loss. We don’t want or need an arena. This is pure greed.

My name is Michael Gordon. I am a recovering addict. My clean date is 06/06/2008. I writing this letter because it my duty as a health professional to bring to the table how important it is that we change the barrier crime law. I have spent countless hours and days working with other addicts who trying to find their pathway into recovery. The frontlines are thin because the people whom society deemed unworthy because of some past mistakes cannot work in the field that they could do the greatest good. I did not know when I received my sentence in 1990 for distribution of crack cocaine. I would be serving a life time sentence. Luck for me I don’t have a barrier crime, yet today after getting my GED, going to college and graduating with honors. I still can live in certain areas or have certain jobs. I went from the crack house to the White House and still that not enough for Virginia to forgive me of my past mistakes. We need more people who has made a deep commitment to change to share their experiences with others who are suffering!!

Who is paying for this? Is solar panels more expensive? Where is the study for the Virginia citizens? What country are the panels coming from? Citizens need transparency from the Progressive Democrats in the Virginia General Assembly. Please stop just pushing bills through to make a statement. Please do the hard factual research and put it out there for the common person to voice their views for a while. For years, majority of Democrats do not think about his or her illogical legislative decisions, and the public ends up suffering for them. Ex: legalizing marijuana

I am writing on behalf of the VSC NAACP Housing Committee to express our strong support for the bills highlighted below that aim to enhance tenant protections and rights within our community. These proposed measures are crucial steps toward addressing the existing power imbalance between renters and landlords, which places renters at an elevated risk of housing instability, harassment, and homelessness. As you are aware, the disparity in power between renters and landlords is a significant concern that has far-reaching implications, particularly for marginalized communities. This power imbalance not only jeopardizes housing stability but also perpetuates racial inequity. Numerous studies have shown that communities of color are disproportionately affected by eviction and housing instability, exacerbating existing disparities. Tenant protections, when enacted into law, serve as a fundamental tool in preventing evictions and ensuring that renters can maintain stable housing. We firmly believe that these proposed bills, with their emphasis on enhancing tenant rights, will contribute significantly to rectifying the current imbalances and fostering a more equitable housing landscape. By supporting and advancing these bills, we collectively acknowledge the importance of safeguarding vulnerable renters, promoting housing stability, and working towards a more just and inclusive society. We urge you to consider the broader impact that these legislative measures can have on our community and to cast your support in favor of their passage. Thank you for your attention to this matter. We appreciate your dedication to serving the interests of our community and trust that you will carefully consider the positive impact that these bills can have on the lives of countless individuals and pass them accordingly. Sincerely, Tracey Hardney Scott Housing Committee Chair VSC NAACP Housing Committee

Opposed any Bill that allows citizens to smoke weed, cannabis, marijuana. Shameful policies by government officials who don’t care about people. https://www.foxnews.com/health/daily-weed-smokers-higher-risk-heart-attack-stroke-american-heart-association-study

I’m against

I oppose

I’m against it

I'm against

I oppose these bills.

Delta 8 is NOT a nicotine product. It is illegal as of July 1, 2023. Punish those who do not card. Use the intellicheck system to card identification.

I oppose

Smoked for short time 2018. Move to vape as it is was affecting my ability to breath while doing outdoor laborous job during that time period. Because of vaping, I can still run, sprint, exercise without feeling unable to breathe. Don't punish retailers doing a very good deed to the community. Kids getting their hands on the product should be the fault of their Gardians. Kids that are mature and disciplined know the consequences of underage smoking and will refrain until they are of age. These bills if passed will just create a black market, which in turn make it way more accessable to minors and products will also be more unsafe as there will be no one to be held responsible in selling unsafe products.

Jdjdjfjf

I'm against the vape ban

Don’t bane our vapes

America is a free country!

People will be addicted to cigarettes rather than vapes, which are 10x worse.

Military survives off of vapes

I’m against this bill. Vaping helped me get off of cigarettes and was a great alternative.

CIGARETTES ARE CANCER NO ONE NEEDS TO SMOKE NOR BUY THEM

I'm against this.

Being in the military I started to rape so the I wouldn't use chewing tobacco or smoke cigarettes. It helps relieve the stress from work. Parents should be held accountable for their children. On top of the ban, you would be putting hundreds of people out of jobs, and businesses will have to shut down. I am against the ban of the sale of vape products.

Banning vaping and or implementing the PMTA will make businesses go out of business and that is not good at all. Keep in mind i quit smoking and started vaping because it was a healthier option. For someone who has heart problems I am not willing to go back to smoking cigarettes and supporting (big tobacco) we as grown adults have a say what we put into our bodies. If you are worried about children then you should hold the parents responsible and watch the numbers decrease while letting us adults control what we can/are allowed too. Implementing these bills will also put people who work at vape shops that have a passion for providing customers (21 and over) a healthier option out of a job . Working for a vape company has been the best decision of my life and knowing we are helping people become healthier is one of those big satisfaction moments we get to have. If you take that away from us because you are scared of big tobacco and big pharma then you need to reset your priorities. Thank you for your time and have a good day

I am opposed to the ban of vapes !

Being a free individual of the state it is sad to feel oppressed by the governed body. Please take into consideration of our amendments and due process. Free individual should have the right to participate in legal activities if choosing to do so.

This does nothing to address youth access. Online sales and straw purchacing is the preffered method. Oppose this

I'm against these bills because if they shut down vaping I will wind up moving back to cigarettes which have been proven as a higher risk of developing cancer, heart disease. Vaping offers a cleaner, and more efficient way of allowing others have a source of stress relief if vaping is banned, you will have completely destroyed a source of stress relief for so many people.

If bill goes through… I would have to have to go back to smoking cigarettes that I have tried to quit for years. Disposables and vape juice have been my go to for nicotine. It has been better for me as far as the taste, the smell, its discreet, there are definitely more health benefits to me than there are cigarettes. Being in the military & the stress of our day to day I would go through the worst withdrawals if taken away. Oppose. Not for bill.

I support HB1509. Please pass this legislation as it will minimize the ability to target children and teens for these products.

Vape products are a public health crisis that have been unleashed on our young adults and children with very little resistance or accountability from the adults in this country. I completely support Hb1509 preventing vape shops from operating 1,000 feet of schools.

Vaping is the number 1 issue at our middle and high schools. My child will be starting middles school next year and instead of discussing academics and sports we are talking about vaping and drugs. These are not conversations we need to be having with 12 year olds. Stop targetting our youth by setting up easy access. Shut down these shops near our schools.

I oppose.

Please pass this extremely important legislation to protect our youth from unnecessary exposure to vape shops. Those shops do not belong near schools and playgrounds. We should not be making it easier for children to access these harmful products.

I object!

N/A

Oppose ban.

I oppose.

As a concerned citizen of Vienna, but more importantly as the parent of an almost 13 year old, I wholeheartedly support this HB 1509. Vape stores have no business being anywhere near schools and other youth oriented community spaces. Convincing kids about the dangers of vaping is difficult enough without the added pressure of walking or driving by the stores to and from school each day. As I drive my son to and from school, I’m often surprised by the number of kids I see walking to school who are also vaping. We have a lot of work to do to convince the current generation of kids and young adults about vaping dangers and this bill is part of the path to do that. Please provide your support. Regards, Tracy McCarty Tracy.e.mccarty@gmail.com 111 Kingsley Rd, SE Vienna, VA 22180

After reading through both of these bills, they are truly one sided, In favor of banishing vaping as a whole. 1069 is much like most bill enacted politically, where you have to weed through the nonsense in order to get to the actual reasoning. Working for a well established vape shop in the Hampton roads area this bill does nothing but eliminate those finding a safer alternative to smoking. The PMTA when enacted federally was a large was of time for vape juice manufactures since those that submitted there paid out millions all for their product to sit in the FDA waiting status with no movement since 2016. Nearly 10 years later those same manufacturers are still waiting for a denial or an approval from the Fda. 1509 is a joke as to the wording, out right banni.g the sale of nicotine product if it is a vapor related product not smoking, vapor or hemp related. Never mind the fact that your fine with personal choice as long as it's benefits you pockets with financial gain (big tobacco) since for both of these bills so far the only ones allowed in virginia are owned and backed by Philip Morris and R.J Reynolds respectively. Hb 790 literally, tax the people more. My lord let's get one thing straight among the taxes the the virginians are already supposed to pay let's add one more to the Tab. Since that sounds alot like double/triple taxation, which doubled taxation is already frowned upon sound like greedy politician wanting more money to fund project that are unnecessary and unwanted. My lord, all of these bill go against the rights of the free people of the commonwealth, hindering the right to choose how the people work and live, taking their hard earned money to give to your pockets to find you campaign/s. In short good luck running for office the fall and years to come we vape we vote. Take the rights of freedom to do as we please we make sure your not in office much longer by voting you out and voting in better people that only look at the small picture of the harm (which is less than %1) instead of the larger picture the people that have used vaping to get of cigarettes and leading healthier live thank to vaping. I oppose all bill against vaping thank you.

Marlboro only wants to ban vapes because it cuts into their profits

I appose

i’m against

Vaping has helped me quit smoking cigarettes and I feel way healthier ever since I started vaping. I oppose these laws. Cigarettes are terrible.

Dear Bills Committee - I strongly support Delegate Seibold's Bill to restrict vape/ delta 8 sales within 1000 feet of schools and other youth oriented facilities. I currently have a senior high school student at James Madison High School in Vienna and vaping is prominent in both (on grounds!) - the school bathrooms - and outdoors. Even worse (if there is such a thing) - this occurs at the Middle School level, also - at Thoreau Middle School. I sincerely believe the limiting the access to substances that support this deadly habit is in the best interest of the children in our community - those using - and those who don't but are threatened and compromised by this behavior (some children won't use a "known" bathroom in a school b/c of its reputation for vaping/getting high. Please consider my written statement. I have raised 4 children in Fairfax County - and I am proud of it and love it here. I do not, however love the predatory and inherently disgusting nature exhibited by anyone who profits from selling this material to anyone - much less our children. Thank you for your utmost attention, stalwart resolve and committed concern. Sincerely, Heather Adler

I oppose. Blame the parents.

Vape stores should not be allowed within a certain distance of high schools and middle schools. We have been fighting our way out of a paper bag with this issue. Twice has Tobacco King in Vienna sold vapes to my daughter. First time she was 12!! Second time she was 14. Never carded. Took cash. Also sold her delta 8 in July of 2023 when delta 8 was illegal. Again cash transaction. They face no penalties, no repercussions. They are located bewteeen Madison high school and the main shopping area of Vienna. Kids can walk 2/10ths of a mile from the school to Tobacco King and will have passed 2 other vape stores on the way. We have to make it harder for the kids to get it because the Vape stores are targeting youth, have no real consequences. Tobacco is a drug. Let’s make it so it can’t be sold nearby a school. No solution will be perfect or stop teen vaping. But even small changes are important.

Keep my vapes

I oppose the banning of flavored vapes

I am opposed to any vape ban

I oppose this

I’m against, this is against my freedom to choose as an adult.

Against banning vapes see no harm

Against

i’m against

These products may not be healthy but they are a lot healthier than going back to cigarettes.

I have not smoked a single cigarette in 7 years thanks to vaping. And taking away an alternative is just not right

I oppose.

Don’t start a vape prohibition, waste of time, people will get it still

I strongly oppose these bills

Been smoke free for 20 years. Still want vape products available for purchase

Better then cigarettes

I oppose this as this is one of my stress relievers

I vape on a daily basis and oppose these bills

I’m against

I oppose this bill.

I'm against

Vaping helps quit smoking and other worse substance abuse. In my opinion it would lead to a worse society if vaping were banned.

I’m against.

I just want to say please don't change anything vape related. I was an avid smoker for 30 years and have been smoke free since 2012. Thank you for your time

Vaping has been a much preferred option vice smoking cigarettes for myself and my family.

Please don't ban vaping.

I oppose

Recommend vaping not be banned

I would prefer to continue to have a healthier alternative to smoking instead of going back to cigarettes.

I don’t support this ban, it’s pointless and less harmful than actual cigarettes

Please don’t band vapes it’s a stress reliever.

Shouldn’t be banned

I oppose the Willett & Seibold bills.

Don’t ban vaping

Do not support a ban on vaping

Don’t ban vaping helps with anxiety

I’m against these

N/A

I oppose

Vaping is a great relaxent for me in times of stress. It’s also a perfect alternative for people who smoke cigarettes. There’s also been many accounts of people who turned to vaping to stop smoking completely.

I oppose

We don’t want vapes to be band

I oppose

Please do not ban vapes and juices

Don’t ban vaping

Keep vaping

Please don’t Ban Vaping!

Vape helps with my anxiety

Don’t ban vapes help military with stress

Please don’t ban vaping

Adults of age should be allowed to make their choices on whatever if it effects their bodies.

I stand against any ban on vaping. I work at a vape shop and any bill restricting vaping more or completely banning it based on arbitrary FDA rulings would cause me a loss of my job, as well as hundreds maybe even thousands of others across Virginia.

Hey I’m against banning vaping

Don't do it

Getting ride of vaping will definitely bring a lot of people into more bad habits or an outlet to actually go to when they want to quit on a sustance that’s actually the same as what they’ve already been doing something that’s less harmful …I can go on and on about it but my son passed away two years ago instead of going into a hard substance I choose to vape nicotine it helped me realize that I didn’t need anything else but my vape to realize that what I went through wasn’t a dream or try to block it out

Vaping is much better than cigarettes. I smoked for 20 yrs and have been vaping now for 7+ years and do not want to have to go back to cigarettes ever

Banning vapes isn’t going to stop underage tobacco use.

No no and nooo!

Please do not close down VapeXotic. It’s a convenient location for me and the employees are amazing. It’s not fair because the FDA is dragging their feet to approve the products.

It’s a right to choose the way we gat nicotine and its consumption

VAPING saved my life please done take it way

I'm a smoker that has switched to vaping. This bill makes it harder for me to get products legally. The bill proposes that it will make it harder for children to get products however children are getting them through illegal outlets that will still be available after the bill is passed.

I oppose

Vapes help me get through my day

Don't pass this bill

Should keep Vapes for adults

These businesses are tax paying and there is no reason to close them down. The state will lose tremendous revenue which could go to social program funding and infrastructure. You vote yes and I will do everything in my power to campaign against everyone and support your opponents.

Alternatives to smoking should remain legal

No reason for people to not have access to nicotine, it makes no sense. We understand it’s not good for us but we know what we’re doing to ourselves. Regardless, it doesn’t make sense to restrict us based on the FDA knowing this is a toxic chemical.

Against bills. Detrimental to community

I highly oppose these bills. I rely on local vape stores for my products.

I oppose these bills

I’d rather vape than smoke cigarettes and risk cancer.

Opposed it

Opposed it

I believe it would be very detrimental to the United States military personnel to limit the sale of nicotine products in the state of Virginia For a lot it’s a relief from work and a lot of the traumatic stuff we have done on deployments. To expand on that point a lot of people are using caping to stop chain smoking cigarettes which are worse for us military members , a lot of us are known to be soo stressed that military members will smoke a whole carton of cigarettes a Day which is very bad long term then just inhaling nicotine. The VA offices already don’t do very well with the mental health of most veterans like me and others that I’ve served with and I think it would be a bad idea all around.

With a majority of the military vaping trying to quit smoking it would be a detriment to them and their progress. Being safer then cigarettes it wouldn't make any sense to ban something better. Why not ban cigarettes if they are so concerned.

Vaping has improved my quality of life. I refuse to give up capimg to support the big tobacco and caner industries

Don’t do it.

This bill could put great people out of business who have worked hard to form their businesses. This will also affect employees of vape shops and their well being. They have many healthy alternatives in the stores as well and buy quality products.

I wish to vote against. Everyone uses these for relaxation and would be a huge disappointment to have this happen to us