Patten, Wornom, Hatten & Diamonstein, LC

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News Updates

August 17, 2020:

Patten, Wornom, Hatten & Diamonstein (PWHD) attorneys are closely following legislation currently introduced by Virginia lawmakers, as Virginia’s General Assembly prepares to meet for a special session convened by Governor Northam on August 18th to address COVID-19 related issues as well as law-enforcement related reform. To date, bills have been proposed which: prohibit the use of neck restraints which would restrict blood flow or breathing by law enforcement officers; potentially establish a Commission on Civil Rights and Policing to review civil justice, civil liberties, and policing further in the Commonwealth; a provision for school boards to provide appropriate technology and in some circumstances, internet services for districts with mandatory virtual public school learning and other proposed bills that deal with COVID-19 related issues. 

 

Each of these proposed bills must be passed by vote in the House of Delegates and Senate and signed into law by Governor Northam before becoming law, but the current text of proposed bills being offered can be read here: LIS > Bill Tracking > Bills and Resolutions > 2020 session.  PWHD will be monitoring this special session for changes to existing Virginia laws and any new laws passed which will impact our clients and our community.