Kathryn's Law
One of the measures I have introduced this session is HB 2490, also known as Kathryn's Law. This bill came about as a result of a request by a Virginia resident whose daughter was sexually assaulted while attending college in Virginia. The victim and her family are outraged at what they perceive as the lack of urgency on the part of the campus police and the college in investigating and prosecuting the complaint. The alleged offender in the case was later accused by another student of sexual assault while still in school and on campus after the initial complaint went unsettled.
HB 2490 would require the chief law enforcement officer of any college in Virginia to notify the local law enforcement agency or State Police of any death of a person at the institution if such person was medically unattended and report any alleged rape or sexual assault occurring on the property of the institution. The local law enforcement agency or State Police may, at the request of campus police or the victim, assume reasonability for leading the investigation.
The bill was heard before a subcommittee of the Committee on Militia, Police, and Public Safety this morning and the subcommittee unanimously recommended reporting the bill to the full committee. After lengthy discussion in committee, the bill was referred to the Virginia State Crime Commission.
The Commission will review the bill, its recommendations, language, jurisdictional issues, victims rights issues, and work with me to come up with comprehensive language that will make our campuses safer and ensure that victims have a strong voice in the process.
Autism Coverage for Children
A bill that has generated significant interest passed the House of Delegates yesterday by a vote of 74-24. I voted in favor of HB 2467 which requires private insurers and the state health plan to cover treatment for children ages 2 through 6 with autism spectrum disorders. The bill exempts self-insured companies, and has a $35,000 annual cap on payments. It also exempts companies with 50 or fewer employees.
Similar bills have been approved by the Virginia Senate in the past, but this is the first time it has passed the House of Delegates. The Speaker of the House, William Howell, noted that "early diagnosis and treatment of this neurological disorder is the key to effective care and treatment for children with autism and their families. I'm also pleased that these House bills include provisions that take into account the impact on the bottom line of businesses and the state budget. A balanced approach like this makes sense."
