(The Center Square) — Virginia’s General Assembly passed several measures benefitting the state’s large military population this session, many of which Gov. Glenn Youngkin ceremonially signed Wednesday.
Legislation from Dels. Marty Martinez, D-Loudoun, and Briana Sewell, D-Prince William, extended certain Virginia military benefits and privileges to the Space Force. (The Space Force is distinct from NASA, was founded in 2019, and is the military branch dedicated to protecting America’s interests and maintaining its security in space).
House Bill 194 authorizes members of the Space Force who are divorced with children to delegate visitation to other family members while on deployment. HB 738 makes them eligible for other benefits in the commonwealth, like potentially reduced higher education tuition and mandatory fees while on active duty.
Legislation from Del. Dan Helmer, D-Fairfax, and Sen. Tara Durant, R-Stafford, incorporated firefighters into state employees granted a paid leave of absence should they “[engage] in federally funded military duty.” House Bill 1401 from Nadarius Clark, D-Suffolk, added firefighters employed by the Department of Military Affairs to the Virginia Law Officers’ Retirement System.
Companion bills from Del. Carrie Coyner, R-Chesterfield, and Sen. Danica Roem, D-Western Prince William, direct the state registrar to expedite the issuance of a birth certificate to adoptive families with at least one military parent.
Companion bills from Del. Briana Sewell, D-Prince William, and Sen. Suhas Subramanyam, D-Loudoun, cuts some red tape concerning daytime, early childhood care providers in the commonwealth, making it easier for military members to have access to childcare.
“Every day our military families make incredible sacrifices, and while we can never repay them, we remain committed to ensuring Virginia is the best state for military families and for veterans to retire,” Youngkin said in a statement. “By improving access to childcare, streamlining vital resources, creating military centered community zones, and removing housing barriers, these bipartisan bills deliver for our military families, and I am grateful to the continued effort with our partners in the General Assembly to go to work for our military and veteran community.”
For the full list of bills, click here.
