On behalf of the Virginia Airport Operators Council (VAOC) that proudly represents the 66 public-use airports in Virginia, I am writing to express our support for HB1706. This bill seeks to amend the “buyer beware” disclosure to advise new homebuyers to exercise due diligence regarding a property’s proximity to an airport and aircraft flight operations. It further authorizes the Department of Aviation to publish on a website noise zone maps provided by Virginia’s airports or localities. Real estate disclosures are one of the aviation industry’s recommended best practices because they promote compatible land and inform citizens about airport noise and aircraft flight paths. We believe that it is in a community’s best interest to be transparent with their constituents about the proximity of their home to an airport and aircraft flight paths so they can make an informed buying decision. In turn, this practice also protects the airport – a critical transportation and economic hub for a community - from land uses that may be incompatible with airport operations. For these reasons, the VAOC supports HB1706 and encourages its favorable passage.

I support this bill as these programs have proven to be incredibly effective in deterring gun violence. Grants would be funded by the taxes on firearms and ammo proposed in HB2558 Lopez.

Feedback in response to HB 1844 I am with the Clean Label Project Baby Coalition, a non-profit trade association comprised of over 20 of the top baby food brands. The brands that participate in the Coalition have been independently testing their products for heavy metals for several years and have demonstrated significantly lower presence of these contaminants compared to other products in the category. The Coalition supports HB 1844, however, it strongly compels the State of Virginia to consider the following: There are two subtle differences that may cause industry difficulty and consumer confusion. It is our hope that you could assist in remedying those differences. Of most importance is the prescriptive language required to be on the product label per the respective legislation. As you can see in the following table; there are subtle differences in the labeling requirements (emphasis added). CA AB 899 § (b)(2)(B)(ii) - “For information about toxic element testing on this product, scan the QR code” VA HB1844 § (E)(1) - “For information about toxic heavy metal testing on this product, scan the QR Code” To be truly compliant in both jurisdictions, a label would effectively have to possess both statements despite the similarity of their intent. Were both statements to be placed on product labels, consumers may find this confusing and a distraction from the intent. The second nuance between the legislations is the duration of heavy metals test results that are to be posted on the manufacturer’s website. The AB 899 requirement is “for the duration of the product shelf life for a final baby food product plus one month…” (§(b)(2)(A)(i)). Whilst HB1844 does not define a termination point, essentially requiring the data to be available in perpetuity. In discussions within the Baby Coalition, there’s no concern on making the results publicly available, but having a termination point makes sense so that consumers can expeditiously locate the information they desire and not be deluged with an immense amount of data that has built up over several years. Therefore, since California AB 899 is one year ahead of the labeling requirements of HB1844, the Clean Label Project Baby Coalition brings this to your attention in hopes that a pursuit of an amendment to the HB1844 legislation could be made to align the language requirements with AB 899 so that product labeling compliance is more likely, effective, and lessen marketplace confusion. The Clean Label Project Baby Coalition is a leading trade group representing baby food and baby product manufacturers, which are at the forefront of transparency, providing healthy alternatives, and driving consumer awareness. We stand ready to assist in any capacity to align these critical legislations and champion the cause for cleaner and healthier foods for the most vulnerable population.

Comments Document

I am attaching a testimony of my family's experience of my son's lead poisoning by eating contaminated baby food and sharing the importance of testing and labeling baby food to allow parents to make more informed decisions and to help protect one of the most vulnerable populations -- our young children.

Wish you'd have a link that shows the bill on this site. Can't seem to find the bills anywhere! But anything involving sewage should be run past a health dept. (I used to be a health inspector for sewage systems, among other duties as an inspector). All sewage should meet guidelines as to not cause any detriment to our water supplies. Any replacement of anything should be to code.

Comments Document

I signed up yesterday to provide verbal testimony but did not receive a link to participate. Here is what I would have said: I am Bill Aramony, Virginia resident of Fairfax County, Speaking on behalf of the American Legion and as the chair of the Joint Leadership Council which has designated this bill a #1 priority. The bill was proposed by The American Legion and by the National Vet Court Alliance (its representative is Daniel Cortez). This bill is consistent with the culture of military and veteran institutions to help veterans. For example, the Department of Virginia is setting up its third American Legion Post within Virginia prisons. Nationally, a primary program of the Commander of the American Legion is BE THE ONE – Meaning the one to check in on a veteran, take suicide prevention training, other reaching out within the community to help the fellow veteran and others. That is the purpose and intent of HB 2071. To assist the veteran who’s incarcerated or arrested and get them mental health and other help. We cannot help them if they’re not identified if we don’t know who they are.

Comments Document

I signed up yesterday to provide verbal testimony but did not receive a link to participate.

Thank you all for hearing the testimony on behalf of a fellow Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA). Virginia would largely benefit from an addition of midlevel practitioners in the field of anesthesiology. I have worked with many anesthesiologists and CRNAs, I respect what everyone can bring to the table. With healthcare being short of staff, more support and quality care for patients is needed. We appreciate your openness and ability to hear about the great profession of CAAs.