New State Laws

WSLS NEWS STAFF
Published: July 1, 2008

New state laws take effect today. The Virginia General Assembly approved 884. That’s according to our Richmond newsroom, the Richmond Times Dispatch.

The General Assembly made great strides here, much of it as a result of the shooting massacre at Virginia Tech. First, starting today there are tightened criteria now for identifying, detaining and ordering treatment for mentally ill people who are a threat to themselves, and laws now streamline the process for officials to care for mentally unstable people.

Also sparked by the Tech tragedy, a new law now requires colleges and universities to develop emergency plans and threat assessments to be regularly updated. And create a system to notify students and staff during an emergency. 

The new laws on animal cruelty can be credited to the criminal antics of Michael Vick including making attendance at any organized animal fight a felony, and making it a felony to use any substance or equipment to enhance an animal’s ability to fight. Also a new law requires large dog breeders to get a license, submit to inspections, and keep strict records.

Starting today your driver’s license is good for eight years instead of five. But it will cost you 5-extra dollars to renew your license at a DMV office instead of online. Now if you fail the driver’s test three times in three months you have to take a class before taking the test again, and a new law increases the penalty for minors who drink and drive.

Finally, on sexual assaults, new laws begin today that eliminate the requirement that victims take a lie detector. Require those found guilty of a misdemeanor of french kissing a minor to register as a sex offender.