Initiative

Recommendation

Bill/Resolution

JLC 2021-01 Income Tax Subtraction for Certain Low-Income Disabled Veterans

That the Governor and General Assembly approve an individual income tax subtraction for 100% service-connected disabled veterans with a federal adjusted gross income, not exceeding 150% of the federal poverty level for a four-person household, who have not already claimed another exemption.

Senator Bell – Possibility of a bill

JLC 2021-02 Promote Hiring of Virginia National Guard and Reserve Members

That the Governor and General Assembly approve $50,000 to create a grant program to incentivize small to medium-sized Virginia employers to hire members of the Virginia National Guard and Armed Forces Reserves.

Delegate Freitas – HB 1771

JLC 2021-03 Expand Tax Relief for Surviving Spouses of Military Members

That the Governor and General Assembly amend the Code of Virginia to provide real estate property tax exemption to both the surviving spouses of service members who were “Killed in Action” and those who “died while serving or from a service connected injury or illness.”

Delegate King – No bill yet

JLC 2021-04 Disabled Veteran State Park Passport

That the Governor and General Assembly expand the Virginia Disabled Veteran’s Passport to any Virginia veteran who has been found to have a service-connected compensable or non-compensable disability.

Delegate Cox – HB 1766

JLC 2021-05 Reduced Price Annual Passes to Virginia State Parks for Guard Members

That the Governor and General Assembly grant a 50% reduced price annual passes to Virginia State Parks to members of the Virginia National Guard.

Delegate Wyatt – HB 2261

JLC 2021-06 No Cost License Plates for Guard Members

That the Governor and General Assembly further reduce the cost of license plates to recognize the service and commitment of our National Guard members, by changing the current 50% reduced price for a maximum of two licenses per household and registrations to 100% reduction for a single (1) license plate and registration.

Delegate Fowler – HB 2261

JLC 2021-07 Partial State Tax Exemption for Military Income

That the Governor and General Assembly support changes to the Virginia tax laws for a partial exemption of military retirement pay to reduce state tax on military retirement income.

Senator Kiggins – SB 1151

JLC 2021-08 Support for the Department of Veterans Services’ Programs and Services.

That the Governor and General Assembly take action to restore the funding for critical DVS programs and services.

Delegate Torian – HB 1800

Revision to the Code of Virginia Ensuring VSP Honor Guards, Color Guards and Rifle Teams are Exempted from Inadvertent Impacts of State Statutes

The 2020 General Assembly amended §18.2-433.2 of the Code of Virginia to make a person guilty of unlawful paramilitary activity punishable as a Class 5 felony, if he: “1. Teaches or demonstrates to any other person the use, application, or Making of any firearm… 2. Assembles with one or more persons for the purpose of training with practicing with, or being instructed in the use of any firearm… 3. Violates subsection A of § 18.2-282 while assembled with one or more persons for the purpose of and with the intent to intimidate any person or group of persons.” The JLC’s concern is that a VSO honor guard, color guard, or rifle team member may be inadvertently be identified as a member of a paramilitary organization and held liable. The JLC requests that the Code be amended to provide a specific exemption for these activities.

Support for Annual State Sponsored Life Insurance (SSLI) program briefings for National Guard Members

The JLC supports efforts to ensure Virginia National Guard qmembers receive an annual briefing on the SSLI program, facilitated and coordinated through the Adjutant General.