Status of House Bill 354 in the Virginia General Assembly for regulation of public pools
February 28, 2024
HB 354 passed in the House of Delegates on February 7 with a 55-45 vote. It also passed the Senate on February 26 with a 21-18 vote.
The bill was proposed by Delegate Patrick Hope, D- Arlington. He told the House Health Subcommittee last month the bill is needed because the Virginia Department of Health only has regulatory oversight over swimming areas at campgrounds, summer camps, and hotels
Virginia's Legislative Bills Reshape Public Welfare, Individual Empowerment Enriched
February 25, 2024
In the heart of Virginia's bustling legislative session, a series of compelling bills are making waves, promising to reshape the landscape of public safety, health, and personal rights. Among them, House Bill 354 spearheaded by Del Patrick Hope, seeks to implement comprehensive regulations on public pool safety.
In Virginia, Hope Grows on Trees
February 21, 2024
HB 529, introduced by Del. Patrick Hope, would give localities broader authority to replace trees lost during construction. If passed into law, localities would have the authority to establish tree replacement requirements and establish a tree fund if trees can’t be replaced on site.
Virginia considers mandatory health insurance for PANS/PANDAS
February 20, 2024
A bill in Virginia is being studied by the state Health Insurance Reform Commission for the coverage of treatment for PANS/PANDAS, a mainly childhood neuropsychiatric disorder.
The examination of the bill follows a unanimous tabling in a House subcommittee earlier this month.
The legislation was proposed by House Delegate Patrick Hope (D-Arlington) and would require private health insurance and Medicaid to provide coverage for PANS/PANDAS treatment in order to lower the cost families must face upon diagnosis.
February’s Big Buzz About Bees
February 20, 2024
In case you didn’t know, since 2020, February has been designated Winter Honey month in Virginia, a fact perhaps not well advertised outside of the beekeeper community. In this session of the Virginia General Assembly, Delegate Patrick Hope (D-1) introduced HB 517 to designate the European Honey bee (Apis mellifera) the official state pollinator.
House of Delegates Considering SB 280, Medical Aid in Dying
February 20, 2024
Virginia is a battleground state within itself. State legislators are fiercely divided concerning proposed legislation, SB 280. If passed, it would allow an eligible adult diagnosed with a terminal disease to request an attending health care provider to prescribe a fatal dose of a controlled substance to be self-administered for the purpose of ending the patient's life.
Senate Bill 280, one of the two Virginia bills concerning Death with Dignity, passed the Senate. Its companion, House Bill 858, which was originally "put on hold for the day," failed in committee.
Virginia Democrats seek changes to state courts, including class action suits
February 16, 2024
Under a bill the House approved, House Bill 73, sponsored by Del. Patrick Hope, D-Arlington, expunging and sealing courts’ records of eviction cases would be automatic when landlords fail to win their cases. Records of dismissed cases, or even cases where the tenant won, can often affect a person’s credit record or ability to rent another place.
Arlington-originated vaping, reproductive health and tenants rights bills gain traction in state legislature
February 15, 2024
Dels. Patrick Hope and Alfonso Lopez (D) received support for their bills regulating the sale of electronic tobacco products.
Hope’s bill taxes the sale of these products, which include vape pens, requires retailers to check the IDs of anyone under the age of 30 and requires businesses that sell electronic tobacco products to have a permit. The permit, he previously told ARLnow, allows the state to track sellers and enforce sales to minors through the imposition of fines and by suspending or ultimately revoking the permit.
Bills to ease strain on state mental hospitals advance without ‘bed of last resort’ changes
February 14, 2024
identical bills from Del. Patrick Hope, D-Arlington, and Favola would direct the Office of the State Inspector General to develop and submit a plan to fully investigate complaints that contain serious allegations of abuse, neglect or inadequate care at any state psychiatric hospital.
Preservation bill may require Youngkin's help to become law
February 13, 2024
A Democratic local legislator may need to play nice with Gov. Youngkin and his staff to secure enactment into law of an historic-preservation measure.
The House of Delegates approved the measure by Del. Patrick Hope (D-Arlington), and prospects look reasonable in the state Senate. But since the proposed legislation has picked up significant Republican opposition, its future should it make it to the governor’s desk is a study in uncertainty.
Virginia legislators plow through bills as session reaches midpoint
February 13, 2024
Right to die. The Senate passed a bill to allow an adult diagnosed with a terminal illness to seek a prescription from a health-care provider to end his or her life. Passage, on a party-line 21-19 vote, came after Boysko tearfully read a letter in support from U.S. Rep. Jennifer Wexton, The House put off voting on its own version, sponsored by Del. Patrick A. Hope (D-Arlington)
Bar associations weigh Court of Appeals candidates
February 12, 2024
Last December, Senate Judiciary Chair Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax, and House Courts of Justice Chair Del. Patrick Hope, D-Arlington, invited eight bar associations to take part in candidate evaluations.
“Our caucuses value a transparent selection process and a diverse set of perspectives,” the chairs said in their letter to the bar associations.
Three interesting bills: claiming roadkill, food-to-beverage ratio and honey bees
February 9, 2024
House Bill 517:Designating the European honey bee as the official state pollinator
This legislation from Del. Patrick Hope, D-Arlington, would designate the European honey bee as the official pollinator of Virginia.
Virginia Commission to Review Mandatory Insurance Coverage for “Devastating” Childhood Disease
February 8, 2024
A bill that would require insurers in Virginia to cover treatment for a neuropsychiatric disorder that primarily affects children will be studied by the state Health Insurance Reform Commission after being unanimously tabled in a House subcommittee this week.
The legislation from Del. Patrick Hope, D-Arlington, would have applied to both Medicaid and private insurance as a way to lower the treatment costs for PANS/PANDAS, a disease scientists believe is caused by a child’s immune system attacking their brain.
Gun-control bills sailing through Virginia General Assembly
February 8, 2024
The House deferred a bill sponsored by Del. Patrick A. Hope (D-Arlington) that would have required a license for any firearm purchase, one of the most sweeping proposals of the session. A committee rolled that measure over to next year for further study.
Loudoun parent is hopeful that new legislation will bring insurance coverage for PANS/PANDAS
February 7, 2024
Virginia parents of children diagnosed with PANS/PANDAS, a neurological disorder, remain hopeful that new legislation introduced by Virginia Del. Patrick Hope (D-Arlington) will require insurance carriers and Medicaid to cover the expensive treatments needed to treat the disease.
Va. commission to review mandatory insurance coverage for devastating childhood disease
February 7, 2024
A bill that would require insurers in Virginia to cover treatment for a neuropsychiatric disorder that primarily affects children will be studied by the state Health Insurance Reform Commission after being unanimously tabled in a House subcommittee this week. The legislation from Del. Patrick Hope, D-Arlington, would have applied to both Medicaid and private insurance as a way to lower the treatment costs for PANS/PANDAS, a disease scientists believe is caused by a child’s immune system attacking their brain.
House bills seek to address concerns at state psychiatric hospitals
February 7, 2024
Del. Patrick Hope (D–Alexandria) sponsored a separate bill that would authorize the commissioner of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services to discharge patients. Some patients remain at state hospitals for more than 30 days after they’ve been deemed clinically ready to be discharged. Concerns over lack of housing, services or support in their home communities have been cited as potential reasons for the delays.
Hope also sponsored a bill that would require the Office of the State Inspector General to develop a plan by Nov. 1 to investigate complaints of abuse or neglect at state psychiatric hospitals in a timely manner.
What are Virginia’s official state animals?
February 6, 2024
This year, a bill was submitted by Del. Patrick Hope (D-1) and Del. Hyland “Buddy” Fowler Jr. (R-59), proposing the European honey bee should be designated as the official state pollinator. On Monday, Feb. 5, 98 members of the Virginia House of Delegates voted unanimously to have the bill passed.
Virginia lawmakers grapple with tree canopy declines
February 6, 2024
Lawmakers are also considering a bill from Del. Patrick Hope (D–Arlington) that would require the state Department of Forestry to develop a Forest Conservation Plan with a stakeholder group. The plan would include the current status of Virginia forests and tree canopies, select priority forests for conservation, identify funding mechanisms and more. Hope’s bill received unanimous support in the House Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources Committee and is waiting to be heard in House Appropriations
General Assembly salutes lives of Arlingtonians Hines, Hannigan
February 4, 2024
Hannigan, who died in May 2022, was “a champion for young people – going above and beyond to ensure that children had opportunities to participate in local programs,” noted the measure, patroned by Del. Patrick Hope (D-Arlington).
Hope's preservation proposal half-way to success in legislature
February 2, 2024
A measure aimed at giving the public more ability to delay and perhaps prevent demolition of properties that are being considered for historic designation has cleared the House of Delegates, but may still have a challenging road to travel before being enacted into law
Advocates push Chesapeake Bay cleanup legislation
January 29, 2024
"Bay advocates are pushing the General Assembly to enact bills filed by Dels. Patrick Hope, D-Arlington; Betsy Carr, D-Richmond, Rip Sullivan, D-Fairfax; Karen Keys-Gamara, D-Fairfax; and state Sen. Suhas Subramanyam, D-Loudoun, that aim to protect and plant trees"
In dying, be empowered, informed and strong, like a doctor
January 28, 2024
Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) is now legal in 10 states, but still not in Virginia. I support Senator Ghazala Hashmi, who is trying again to get it legalized in Virginia, bringing Bill 280 to the senate, while Delegate Patrick Hope is bringing Bill 858 to the house.
Enhance background checks for firearms
January 27, 2024
Our lawmakers are already introducing commonsense gun safety bills, such as House Bill 1424, sponsored by Del. Patrick Hope. This bill would require enhanced background checks for firearm purchases, allowing law enforcement to prevent people who pose serious risk to themselves or others from purchasing guns.
A major push for Virginia's renters is under way in General Assembly
January 26, 2024
House Bill 73, from Del Patrick Hope, D-Arlington, would make it easier for tenants to expunge records of eviction cases that are dismissed or where the landlord lost. These records, even when the tenant is able to eventually pay the rent, can make it difficult when seeking a new place to live.
Hope files bill allowing form of government changes but County Board says more discussion is needed
January 25, 2024
Del. Patrick Hope’s HB 1225 would allow the Board to decide if it should retain its 5-member, at-large form of government or consider altering the size, to between three and 11 members, and changing to a district-based representation model. It would also allow the County Board Chair to be elected by popular vote for a 4-year term where currently, the practice is to rotate the chairship among members yearly.
Arlington governance bill merits action in Richmond
January 24, 2024
The Hope bill would not, if passed, change Arlington’s form of government, and it is hard to have much fear of downstaters when the bill only enables changes if agreed to by either the County Board or, in one case, a community referendum.
Virginia legislators seek to become 12th jurisdiction to legalize medical aid in dying
January 22, 2024
State Senator Ghazala Hashmi, Boysko and Delegate Patrick Hope, introduced legislation that would allow terminally ill patients to receive a self-administered controlled substance to end the their life. Virginia would become the 12th jurisdiction to allow medically assisted death, joining the likes of New Mexico and California along with the District of Columbia.
Editorial: Change-of-governance bill for Arlington premature?
January 18, 2024
Legislation introduced for the 2024 General Assembly session by Del. Patrick Hope, aimed at paving the way for amending the form of governance that has been in place in Arlington since 1932, has some rational points but in our estimation probably is not ready for consideration this session.
A New Course for Corrections
January 15, 2024
HB 555, introduced by Del. Patrick Hope, D-1st, would create the Office of the Department of Corrections Ombudsman, which would conduct inspections of state facilities “at least once every three years and more often when warranted” and “establish confidential telephone hotlines and online forms for concerns, complaints, and inquiries.”
New VA General Assembly Legislation Targets Devastating Illness Hitting Young People
January 12, 2024
Two new bills introduced on Jan 9, 2024, in the VA General Assembly by Delegate Patrick Hope (D-1) take aim at the debilitating post-infectious neuroimmune disorders, known as PANS and PANDAS, that are ravaging young people across the Commonwealth.
Legislator proposes no changes to Fairfax, Arlington judgeships
January 8, 2024
Del. Patrick Hope (D-Arlington) is patroning a bill that would add four new Circuit Court judgeships and two more for Juvenile and Domestic Relations District courts across the commonwealth, as proposed by the Committee on District Courts and the Judicial Council of Virginia. But none of those additions would impact Arlington or Fairfax.
Nonprofit Serving People With Disabilities Benefits From Vienna Event
June 9, 2023
The Honorary Host Pancake Breakfast Committee includes Howell, Plum, Alcorn, Del. Patrick Hope, Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust, Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchik, and Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw.
Stakeholders’ Input Welcome: Virginia ABC to Assess Options for Regulating Liquid Nicotine in the Commonwealth
May 19, 2023
In 2021, Delegate Patrick A. Hope (D-Arlington County) patroned a bill that would have required tobacco and liquid nicotine retailers to obtain licenses from ABC and would have provided for related sales restrictions.
Civil rights icon Joan Mulholland honored at the Black Heritage Museum of Arlington
May 2, 2023
Her activism was recognized this year in the state legislature, too. During the event, Del. Patrick Hope (D-Arlington) read a resolution commending her “inimitable role in the civil rights movement of the 1960s and her ongoing commitment to educating others about equality and advocating for social justice.”
Virginia relying more heavily on provisional licenses to fill teacher shortages
April 4, 2023
Del. Patrick Hope, D-Arlington, had backed a similar proposal aimed at helping Arlington Public Schools’ Montessori Program — the only Montessori program in Virginia’s public schools — address teacher shortages.
Column: Solitary confinement bill isn't perfect, but it's a start
March 18, 2023
We must thank courageous legislators, such as Dels. Glenn Davis, Amanda Batten, Tony Wilt, Don Scott and Patrick Hope, along with Sens. Joe Morrissey, Barbara Favola and others, who have demonstrated their concern and their willingness to move reforms forward.
Three interesting bills: selling children, ‘swatting’ penalties and regulating vape products
February 24, 2023
HB 2296 from Del. Patrick Hope, D-Arlington, would direct the Secretary of Finance to study and report on methods to regulate the sale of nicotine liquid vapor products and reduce underage sales of nicotine.
Courthouse News
Virginia lawmakers move to lower insurance costs for tobacco users
February 17, 2023
Delegates Karen Greenhalgh, a Virginia Beach Republican, and Patrick Hope, a Democrat from Arlington, introduced House Bill 1375 in the Virginia House of Delegates, while an identical bill, Senate Bill 1011, was introduced in the Virginia Senate by Senator John S. Edwards, a Roanoke Democrat.
The Roanoke Times
Commentary: Time for Virginia to address wage inequality for the disabled
February 16, 2023
Virginia can eradicate this cruel practice for good with the introduction of Del. Patrick Hope’s HB 1924. This bill greatly improves the way Virginia treats employees by requiring employers to pay at least minimum wage to all citizens of the state, regardless of disability.
The Roanoke Times
Va. senators agonize over what's a fair wage for people with disabilities
February 14, 2023
Hope's bill would gradually raise wages for people now paid subminimum wages, to $9.50 an hour as of July 1; $10.50 an hour as of July 1 2024; $11.50 an hour as of July 1 2025, and at the state minimum wage as of July 1 2026.
Henrico Citizen
House advances bill on notifications for teen antidepressants
February 7, 2023
The bill returned to the subcommittee Thursday with amendments altering the bill to limit teenagers’ access to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. This bill continued to receive pushback from some delegates, including Del. Patrick Hope, D-Arlington.
“If a child believes that their parents will find out, even through this backdoor way, then they’re less likely to get that treatment,” Hope said. “I just have a feeling this will have a chilling effect.”
ARL NOW
Two bills to even playing field for online local news publications fail in Richmond
February 7, 2023
Introduced by Del. Patrick Hope (D-Arlington), the bill garnered support from other Virginia online-only local news publishers but Arlington County officials expressed concern about a loss of tax revenue. Several other online publications, including Axios, are also based in Arlington.
HB 1920 was ultimately “laid on the table” by a House finance subcommittee, with committee members expressing both interest in studying the bill’s financial impact and surprise that legacy media outlets are excluded from BPOL.
WVTF
Legislation to limit solitary confinement hits a snag
February 6, 2023
Delegate Patrick Hope is a Democrat from Arlington who says he's disappointed the bill to ban solitary confinement no longer bans solitary confinement. But he said he is pleased the bill requires that all incarcerated people have some time out of cell each day plus it requires prisons document why they put people in solitary. "Maybe they smarted off or maybe they didn't stand up in time in morning when they are doing the check ins. We don't want people to be thrown into solitary confinement for no reason," Hope said.
Cardinal News
Public notices are increasingly less public. Two legislators want to change that.
January 27, 2023
I couldn’t help them with that, but maybe state Sen. Mark Obenshain, R-Rockingham County, and Del. Patrick Hope, D-Arlington, can.
They’ve introduced a bill that would allow local governments to do just that – to advertise their legal notices on local online news sites that meet certain criteria. This bill (SB 1237) may not be the most important bill in Richmond this year, but it is one that illustrates one of the biggest trends of the past three decades: the rise of the internet, and, with it, the decline of almost anything that doesn’t fit into a digital format.
ARL NOW
Del. Hope files legislation to exempt scouting troops from personal property taxes
January 27, 2023
Inspired by the testimony of one Arlington Boy Scout, Del. Patrick Hope (D-Arlington) has introduced legislation that would exempt property owned and used by the organization “solely for the purpose of supporting” troops from personal property taxes.
Blue Virginia
Blue Virginia Interview: Arlington/Falls Church Commonwealth’s Attorney Says She’s Running for Reelection Because “it took centuries to get to where we are now…I’m not done after three years”
January 26, 2023
Parisa: I mean, I have gotten an incredible list of endorsements: Don Beyer, Jennifer McClellan, Jennifer Carol Foy, Patrick Hope, Matt de Ferranti, Takis, Monique O’Grady, School Board folks; Paul Ferguson who is the Clerk of the Court, who’s seen my work close up; the legislators I worked with; more endorsements coming soon.
Sun Gazette
Effort to give online publishers tax break fails in Richmond
January 25, 2023
Legislation patroned by Del. Patrick Hope (D-Arlington) to extend exemptions from business, professional and occupational license (BPOL) fees to online-only news sites died in a subcommittee of the House Committee on Finance.
Virginia Mercury
Push to limit prison and jail fees hits early obstacle in Virginia House
January 19, 2023
Del. Patrick Hope, D-Arlington, said for-profit theaters aren’t the same as government agencies that have been given a unique power to raise their own revenue from fees charged to inmates and their families.
“No other agency in the Virginia government has that ability to do that without coming to us first,” Hope said.
Cardinal News
Fight over gun rights continues
January 16, 2023
Del. Patrick Hope, D-Arlington, said in a news conference by House Democratic leadership Monday that in 2020, there were 1,174 firearm-related deaths in Virginia – which is more than three people dying every day due to a firearm-related injury.
“About 65 percent of those deaths are suicides, and about four out of 10 are homicides,” Hope said. “We talk about the mass shootings, but this is happening every single day in our homes and communities. Families in Virginia are suffering and we have to do something about it.”
Hope also cited a study by the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions showing that in 2019, Petersburg with 42 per 100,000 had the highest rate of gun-related deaths of all localities in Virginia, followed by Dickenson County (30 per 100,000) and Danville (28 per 100,000).
“This is happening in urban areas and rural areas all over the commonwealth,” Hope said. “We are killing our children, our neighbors, our family members, and they are dying in our streets and our homes.”
The Daily Wire
Virginia Dems Introduce Bill Allowing Minors To Consent To Gender Transition, Hide Records From Parents
January 16, 2023
The sponsors were Candi Mundon King of Prince William and Stafford; Nadarius Clark of Chesapeake, Norfolk, and Portsmouth; Patrick Hope of Arlington; Michelle Lopes Maldonado of Prince William and Manassas; Sam Rasoul of Roanoke; and Marcus Simon of Fairfax. Mundon King, the lead sponsor, did not return a request for comment.
InsideNoVa
Delegate: Legislation on Arlington governance unlikely to be taken up in 2023
January 12, 2023
Del. Patrick Hope (D-Arlington) told the Sun Gazette he has prepared legislation that would give Arlington the power to implement changes to its governance structure, but does not plan to introduce it this session. The Civic Federation’s proposals have not been vetted by county leaders or other organizations, including the dominant Arlington County Democratic Committee.
InsideNoVa
Selection of Circuit Court judge may open up slot on General District Court in Arlington
January 11, 2023
The court has jurisdiction over Arlington and the city of Falls Church. “On behalf of the delegation, I’m pleased to bring forward the nomination of Judge Daniel Lopez for the Circuit Court,” Del. Patrick Hope (D-Arlington) told the Sun Gazette.
“Over the last three years as a judge in the District Court, Judge Lopez has established a strong record of judicial temperament, fairness and knowledge of the law,” Hope said. “We look forward to his continued service to the people of Arlington and Falls Church.”
The Daily Progress
Lock up guns, says mom of 4-year-old killed in 2017
January 11, 2023
With the help of Democratic Del. Patrick Hope, Falcetti testified on behalf of a measure that became part of Virginia code. “Cole’s Law,” as it’s been called, tightens the state’s social services code with a ban on unlocked weaponry in home day cares.
Sun Gazette
Delegate honored for work on LGBT, domestic-violence issues
December 29, 2022
Del. Patrick Hope (D-Arlington) on Dec. 17 was the recipient of the 2022 Equality Award from the Arlington-Alexandria Gay and Lesbian Alliance (AGLA).
Hope received the award for patroning legislation, passed in 2020, banning “conversion therapy” for minors.
The Equality Award has been presented annually for more than two decades to individuals and organizations for supporting the goals of AGLA.
And on Dec. 9, Hope received the 2022 Hope Award from the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance.
The Appeal
SOME GOOD NEWS AND WAYS TO GIVE BACK
December 21, 2022
In July, Elizabeth Weill-Greenberg reported on the moldy and spoiled food served at a women’s prison in Virginia, which caught the attention of Delegate Patrick Hope, who demanded action. Just last week, an incarcerated advocate wrote to Elizabeth and shared that the women have been told that improvements will finally be made.
“While this is just promises at this point, I have hope, as it is the closest thing to change I have seen since I have been here,” she wrote to Elizabeth. “I attribute this to your work and the work of Delegate Hope. I cannot thank you and him enough for what you have done.”
dcist
Arlington Adopts Ranked Choice Voting For June County Board Primary
December 19, 2022
In 2020, the Virginia General Assembly passed legislation — patroned by Del. Patrick Hope (D-Arlington) — that allowed Arlington to run elections using ranked choice voting (a similar measure from Del. Sally Hudson [D-Charlottesville] allowed the method for other localities in Virginia). The bill took effect in 2021, which kickstarted Arlington officials’ serious consideration of the method. In August 2021, the Arlington Office of Elections ran a demo of ranked choice voting, inviting residents to vote on their favorite Arlington farmers market in a mock-up ranked-choice election and then participate in an informational session with county elections staff. An online feedback form this fall drew 780 responses and found strong support among residents for the idea, with 75% of respondents in favor.
Sun Gazette
Delegate: Don’t expect any pro-tree legislation from Richmond
December 12, 2022
One member of the Arlington delegation to the General Assembly says environmental activists shouldn’t expect any major legislation on tree issues coming out of Richmond in 2023.
“We’ll have a difficult time,” said Del. Patrick Hope (D-Arlington), speaking at the Dec. 6 work session between legislators and the County Board.
He blamed “the dynamics in the House” – presumably meaning the Republican majority in the House of Delegates – for the hold-up.
“I’m not confident . . . that we’ll get anything through” on the issue, Hope said, replying to an inquiry from County Board member Takis Karantonis during the work session.
Sun Gazette
Arlington legislators again to be playing defense in Richmond
December 9, 2022
There might be some areas of bipartisan agreement: Del. Patrick Hope (D-Arlington) said Gov. Youngkin has made positive comments on the need for additional mental-health support.
“I am hopeful he will put some significant revenue into the budget,” Hope said.
The Connection
Nickel and Dimed Behind Bars
Lawmakers take a look at fines and fees charged to inmates at jails across Virginia.
December 6, 2022
"Complimentary Caribbean cruises are not complementary. These so-called 'training summit cruises' are paid for through a mark-up in the jail contract," Del. Patrick Hope (D-47) told The Appeal. "It may be legal, but it's a loophole in the law that should be closed."
WRIC
There’s a mental health crisis in Virginia emergency rooms — Will anything be done?
October 6, 2022
That leaves many with the emergency room as the only option readily available. That’s because federal law requires that emergency departments provide care to everyone who comes in their doors, regardless of their ability to pay.
“I don’t think anyone enjoys going to the emergency room,” said Delegate Patrick Hope (D-Arlington). “So they go there because they don’t have another option.”
That sentiment was backed up by the report, which suggested that in many places, people go the emergency room for non-emergencies because the proper care facilities either do not exist in their area or are not accessible for another reason, such as cost.
WVTF Radio
State officials have so far denied a request to ban conversion therapy among Virginia adults
August 18, 2022
Delegate Patrick Hope is a Democrat from Arlington who introduced a bill that outlawed conversion therapy for minors, which is now the law. He says state officials should consider banning it for adults, too.
Inside NOVA Sun Gazette
Former commander of USS Arlington wins plaudits
July 25, 2022
Alexandria Living
Quieter Cars? Police Can Stop Vehicles for Noise Violations Starting Friday
June 30, 2022
“A disproportionate number of people pulled over for minor traffic offenses tend to be people of color, this is a contributor to the higher incarceration rate among minorities,” Del. Patrick Hope, D-Arlington, told the Virginia Mercury when the law was passed in 2020.
WVFT News
One state lawmaker hopes to create his own juvenile justice work group after governor's veto
May 3, 2022
Should Virginia's juvenile justice system be centered around law enforcement or social services? That’s a question at the heart of the debate that prompted a bill from Delegate Patrick Hope, a Democrat from Arlington.
Inside NOVA
All of Youngkin’s vetoes stand, but some amendments rejected
April 29, 2022
Del. Patrick Hope, D-Arlington, said the Joint Commission on Healthcare found that it would lower everyone’s premiums because it would increase the number of insured tobacco users, some of whom forgo medical insurance because of the higher costs.
Washington Post
Youngkin prevails on vetoes but draws Democrats’ fire in heated session
April 27, 2022
Del. Patrick A. Hope (D-Arlington) argued that a bill he had sponsored to stop allowing health insurance companies to levy a surcharge on people who use tobacco was the unanimous recommendation of a bipartisan study commission and followed national studies that showed it would lower costs for consumers.
Washington Post
Lawmakers return to Richmond to take up vetoes and Democrats’ drama
April 26, 2022
All of Youngkin’s vetoes targeted bills sponsored by Democrats, and four of them were against bills filed by Del. Patrick A. Hope (Arlington), including one to lift tobacco use penalties on health insurance premiums that was widely supported in both chambers.
Richmond News Channel 6
Governor vetoes bill to study public health approach to juvenile justice: 'My heart dropped'
April 18, 2022
"Let's bring the right stakeholders together," Hope said. "Let's bring the right agencies together. Are we funding this appropriately? Do we have the right resources in the right places? It's just a conversation."
Washington Post
Youngkin vetoes bipartisan bills while stoking political rancor
April 12, 2022
All of Youngkin’s vetoes targeted bills sponsored by Democrats, and four of them were against bills filed by Arlington Del. Patrick A. Hope (D), including one to lift tobacco use penalties on health insurance premiums that was widely supported in both chambers.
Inside NOVA Sun Gazette
Arlington Democratic leaders wants rank-and-file to contact Youngkin over veto
March 22, 2022
Youngkin earlier this session turned thumbs down on a measure from Del. Patrick Hope (D-Arlington) to permit the Arlington County Board, rather than the county manager, to employ what is described as an independent police auditor.
Inside NOVA
Babe Ruth coach, volunteer recognized
March 15, 2022
“During his time as a police officer, John Karinshak encountered many young people in need of mentorship and positive influences, and he strove to make a difference in the community by volunteering with youth organizations and serving as a coach for youth athletics teams,” noted the legislative resolution, patroned by Del. Patrick Hope (D-Arlington) and passed unanimously by both houses of the General Assembly.
Sun Gazette
Legacy of barbershop owner lauded by General Assembly
February 25, 2022
The General Assembly has memorialized the life of the late James Moore Sr., a community leader and owner of Moore’s Barbershop. “He believed that every interaction had meaning and even small gestures could change someone’s life for the better,” noted the resolution, patroned by Del. Patrick Hope (D-Arlington).
Richmond Times-Dispatch
Legislature again punts on bill to scale back solitary confinement in prisons
February 25, 2022
legislation that would have restricted the use of solitary confinement in state prisons was again stopped in the General Assembly. Del. Patrick Hope, D–Arlington said he wanted DOC to take the study seriously and find ways to bring the estimated 300 people in solitary confinement on any given day out of solitary confinement.
InsideNOVA
Measure on Arlington independent police auditor is headed to governor
February 25, 2022
Legislation to give the Arlington County Board authority to employ an independent police auditor is headed to Gov. Youngkin. The state Senate on a party-line 21-19 vote on Feb. 23 approved a measure from Del. Patrick Hope (D-Arlington) that earlier had won support in the House of Delegates.
Sun Gazette
Tree-canopy initiative dies in legislature
February 24, 2022
The measure, patroned by Del. Patrick Hope (D-Arlington), would have directed the Virginia Department of Forestry to develop, in conjunction with Virginia Cooperative Extension, a 10-year urban- and community-forest management plan, and set goals for tree-canopy levels in urban areas.
Virginia Mercury
Legislation aims to protect residents evicted from assisted living facilities
February 21, 2022
Earlier this month, a House finance panel killed a bill from Del. Hope on a 5-3 party-line vote aimed to protect residents evicted from assisted living facilities. While speaking on the nearly identical Senate bill Hope said, “This is a civil rights issue, to make sure people in assisted living facilities have this due process. There are residents who really are at risk, if they’re kicked out, of being homeless, of not having anywhere else to go.”
Virginia Mercury
Delegate responds with poop emoji after prison officials complain about news coverage
February 16, 2022
The Virginia Department of Corrections issued an unusual news release Wednesday complaining about a news story published nearly two weeks ago by the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Del. Hope tweeted a link to the press release Wednesday afternoon alongside the word chutzpah and its dictionary definition.
“VADOC has a lot of ‘chutzpah’ to put something out with this level,” he wrote.
Sun Gazette
Update: Preservation bills dead for 2022
February 16, 2022
Advocates of historic-preservation legislation patroned by two Northern Virginia lawmakers will have to wait until 2023 to try and win enactment. The House of Delegates Committee on Counties, Cities and Towns voted Feb. 11 to delay final consideration of legislation patroned by Del. Hope (D-Arlington) to next year.
InsideNOVA
Arlington seems poised for a win on police-auditor bill
February 16, 2022
Bills acceding to a request by the Arlington County Board to employ a police auditor have won approval in each house of the General Assembly, suggesting the measure likely will make it the desk of Gov. Youngkin. Del. Hope patroned the House of Delegates version of the Bill and Sen. Favola is carrying the companion bill in the Senate.
ARLnow
Typo causes hassle for county, prompts critique of public notice law’s limits
February 16, 2022
Del. Patrick Hope tells ARLnow he wants jurisdictions to be able to place public notices with digital media groups, if they choose, so that they reach a broader swath residents. Hope’s bill to allow for this failed in 2020 and the issue, for now, is on the back burner — until he can get more votes.
Sun Gazette
Local delegates oppose education bill, but it is headed to Youngkin
February 14, 2022
The bill in question –SB 739 – is patroned by Sen. Siobhan Dunnavant (R-Henrico), and was amended by Democratic Sen. Chap Petersen (D-Fairfax-Vienna) to incorporate language ending mask mandates. The four members of the Arlington delegation to the House of Delegates – Patrick Hope, Rip Sullivan, Alfonso Lopez and Elizabeth Bennett-Parker – joined the 44 other Democrats in voting against the measure.
ARLnow
Morning Notes
February 11, 2022
“After a subcommittee approved a measure being sought to give preservation advocates an additional voice in decisions made at the local level, but simultaneously stripped out some key provisions of the bill, its sponsor made a request. Would the House Committee on Counties, Cities, and Towns, where the measure was being considered, agree to move the bill to the Committee on Courts of Justice, Del. Patrick Hope asked.”
Sun Gazette
Preservation bills wending way through legislature
February 10, 2022
Del. Hope’s bill proposes several changes to the state’s historic-preservation laws, most notably prohibiting a local government from permitting the razing of a proposed historic property until 30 days after a final decision on the matter has been made.
Falls Church News-Gazette
Our Man in Arlington
February 4, 2022
Legislation patroned by Del. Patrick Hope (with a Senate counterpart by Chap Petersen) would give preservation activists standing in court to challenge demolition plans and give the county board more time to weigh whether to approve local historic designation status that protects selected homes.
Legal Reader
Virginia Gov. Youngkin Wants to Join Loudon Parents’ Anti-Mask Lawsuit
February 3, 2022
Virginia Democrats have pushed back against the Youngkin administration’s recission of mask mandates. Virginia state Del. Patrick Hope (D-Arlington County), for instance, told WTOP News that the governor has “no authority at all” to dictate district-by-district mandates and orders. “We are governed by the Virginia Code,” Hope said. “The Virginia Code states very clearly that school districts should adhere by the CDC’s recommendations.”
WTOP News
Lawsuit against Youngkin’s mask order set to be heard in Northern Virginia
February 2, 2022
The school boards that filed the suit represent more than 350,000 students. They include the boards in Fairfax County, Alexandria, Arlington County, Falls Church, Prince William County, Richmond, and Hampton. After Youngkin signed the order, Virginia Del. Patrick Hope of Arlington County argued that the governor had “no authority at all” to determine how mandates operate at individual school systems.
Blue Virginia
Delegate Patrick A. Hope Joins Prison Reform Advocates on Need for Independent Oversight of Virginia’s Prisons
February 2, 2022
Delegate Patrick A. Hope (D-47) held a press conference today regarding HB 655 which would create the Office of the Department of Corrections Ombudsman and a Corrections Oversight Committee. Delegate Hope joined Molly Gill of FAMM, Vishal Agraharkar of the ACLU of Virginia, and Kimberly Jenkins-Snodgrass of the Interfaith Action for Human Rights in support for this bill.
InsideNOVA
Proposal for deposit on cans, bottles will get a look ... just not right now
January 29, 2022
Del. Patrick Hope's proposal to impose deposits on cans and bottles in the commonwealth died a predictable death in a legislative subcommittee but will be considered as part of a later, broader discussion on recycling issues. The measure by Del. Patrick Hope (D-Arlington) would have imposed deposit charges of up to 15 cents on beverage containers, to be returned to consumers when items were turned in for recycling.
Richmond Times-Dispatch
Lawmakers may order study of secretive commission that investigates judges
January 28, 2022
Del. Patrick Hope, D-Arlington, and Sen. Jennifer Boysko, D-Fairfax, are sponsoring legislation that would prompt an examination of the Judicial Inquiry and Review Commission, known by its acronym JIRC.
ARLnow
Morning Notes
January 27, 2022
Del. Patrick Hope (D-Arlington) has introduced legislation that, if enacted, could give preservationists more of a fighting chance to retain properties they deem worth saving. Hope’s bill makes several changes to the state’s historic-preservation laws, most notably prohibiting a local government from permitting the razing of a proposed historic property until 30 days after a final decision on the matter has been made.”
Johnson City Press
Preservationists have hopes for success with General Assembly measure
January 26, 2022
Del. Patrick Hope's Hope’s bill - 1210 HB makes several changes to the state’s historic-preservation laws, most notably prohibiting a local government from permitting the razing of a proposed historic property until 30 days after a final decision on the matter has been made.
Richmond Times-Dispatch
Letters to the Editor for Jan. 26, 2022: The need for oversight
January 25, 2022
Recent reporting of a 2018 incident at Keen Mountain Correctional Center in Buchanan County, which showed a supervisor's hands on a restrained inmate's neck has led a push to encourage the General Assembly to move forward on the proposed legislation from Del. Patrick Hope, D-Arlington, which calls for the establishment of an Office of the Department of Corrections and corresponding ombudsman, as well as a Corrections Oversight Committee.
ARLnow
Virginia lawmakers are considering a slate of bills from Arlington legislators
January 21, 2022
Del. Hope has proposed HB 826 which would establish a beverage container deposit, refund, and redemption program involving distributors, retailers, and consumers. He has also introduced HB 670 which would allow Arlington County to appoint an independent policing auditor who will support the law enforcement Community Oversight Board that was created out of the Police Practices Group recommendations.
ARLnow
Morning Poll: Should APS continue to require masks in schools?
January 18, 2022
“No authority at all", said Del. Patrick Hope of Arlington County in his response to Governor Youngkin who said he may use state resources to try to force the county’s school system to comply with his order - which effectively removes school mask mandates.
The Epoch Times
Two Counties Signal Defiance of New Virginia Governor’s Ban on School Mask Mandates
January 17, 2022
“We are governed by the Virginia code,” State Del. Patrick Hope, a Democrat who represents part of the Arlington County, said on WTOP radio. “And the Virginia code states very clearly that school districts should adhere by the CDC’s recommendations, said Hope in response to Youngkin's executive order on school mask mandates.
Raw Story
Virginians smackdown Republican Youngkin's ban on masks in schools despite parents demanding them
January 16, 2022
Del. Patrick Hope of Arlington County spoke to WTOP, explaining that the Virginia laws say that schools must follow the CDC. So, Youngkin's anti-mask order is in violation of existing Virginia laws.
WTOP News
Youngkin, Psaki respond to Northern Va. school systems’ announcements on mask requirements
January 16, 2022
Del. Hope responded to Governor Youngkin's anti-mask executive order for K-12 schools. “We are governed by the Virginia code, ... And the Virginia code states very clearly that school districts should adhere by the CDC’s recommendations.” said, Hope in a chat with WTOP.
The Hill
Psaki claps back at Youngkin over school mask mandates
January 16, 2022
Del. Patrick Hope questioned the legality of Youngkin’s anti-mask executive order for K-12 schools in an interview with WTOP over the weekend. “The governor has no authority to exercise any control over Arlington Public School systems, or any other school system, on this matter, ... The governor's executive order has no authority at all,” said Hope to WTOP.
VA Scope
Guest Op-Ed on ending prison profiteering in Virginia
January 10, 2022
Del. Hope, Sen. Boysko, The Humanization Project, and Social Action Linking Together penned an op-ed about legislation that will be introduced in both chambers of the General Assembly to increase funding to ensure we don’t have to compensate budget shortfalls by overcharging families trying to stay connected to their loved ones.
Falls Church News-Press
Our Man in Arlington
December 24, 2021
On Dec. 17 at the retirement ceremony for Judge George Varoutsos Del. Patrick Hope said, The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court is a “difficult court,” as he read the General Assembly proclamation honoring Varoutsos. His career often consisted, the judge has noted, of dealing with people on their worst days.
Sun Gazette
Sun Gazette endorsements: Arlington legislative races
October 21, 2021
Hope is sober-minded on key issues – like health care and courts/public safety – that deserve seriousness. And as he moves up the rungs of the ladder in the House of Delegates, he might be a voice of moderation if, as we seriously hope, Virginia voters decide that divided government in Richmond is needed to push out the extremes and return to governance that at least feigns putting the interests of the public first.
ArlNOW
Ranked-Choice Voting, Redistricting Could Change Next Year’s Ballots
October 7, 2021
n 2020, the General Assembly gave municipalities the go-ahead to use ranked-choice voting locally, effective July 1, 2022. At the request of Del. Patrick Hope (D-47), it granted Arlington the ability to test out the system one year in advance.
Virginia Mercury
Black and low-income Virginians are disproportionately affected by nursing home understaffing
October 7, 2021
Legislators, though, say the urgency has increased over the past year and a half. “I think the dynamics have changed largely because of COVID,” said Del. Patrick Hope, D-Arlington, the chair of the commission.
Virginia Joint Commission on Health Care requests public input on 2022 study topics
October 7, 2021
Commission Chair Del. Patrick Hope (D – Arlington) first discussed conducting a long-term care study, which would focus on assessing the continuum of care that patients receive when moving between different facilities.
WRIC Channel 8 Richmond
Virginia Department of Corrections staff shortage is getting worse and causing safety concerns
August 25, 2021
“I think it is something that has gotten worse and something that the General Assembly needs to commit to taking action to resolve,” Hope said. “I think people like to let them operate with as little money as possible but I don’t think that is the right thing to do.”
ARL Now
EXCLUSIVE: County and State Officials Look to Curb Noisy Cars in Local Neighborhoods
August 5, 2021
The law, sponsored by Del. Patrick Hope (D-Arlington), was passed to reduce racial disparities in traffic stops, as some police officers historically used pretextual reasons — such as a loud car or expired tags — to pull over residents and search their cars.
WTVR Channel 6 Richmond
Virginia mother prays more funding will help families facing mental health crisis
August 4, 2021
This special session will address the state hospital issue, but long term we have to plow more resources into the community to make sure people don’t go into crisis in the first place,”
Sun Gazette
June 9, 2021
“We honor Del. Hope for his tireless work to save lives and protect the health of all Virginians,” said Brian Donohue, Virginia ACS CAN government-relations director.
MSN News
How policing laws have changed in the year since George Floyd died
May 25, 2021
“A disproportionate number of people pulled over for minor traffic offenses tend to be people of color. This is a contributor to the higher incarceration rate among minorities,” said Patrick Hope, a Democratic state delegate who sponsored the bill.
Sun Gazette
Legislators choosing up sides in race for attorney general
May 13, 2021
“Working alongside Jay Jones for the last four years, I have seen someone who is dedicated to fighting for justice,” Hope said in a statement released by the Jones campaign in conjunction with the candidate’s rollout of what was touted as a criminal-justice-reform plan.
Sun Gazette
Del. Hope ends up with no intra-party contest
May 6, 2021
Rogers, a political consultant and former legislative aide to a state senator, had announced plans last summer to challenge Hope in the June 8 Democratic primary, but ultimately failed to qualify for the ballot. As a result, Hope moves directly to the Nov. 2 general election.
Washington Post
Opinion: Removing mature trees is shortsighted
February 26, 2021
Saving mature trees in this area should be a No. 1 priority for mitigating climate change, storm-water runoff and heat island effects. Virginia Del. Patrick A. Hope (D-Arlington) said local jurisdictions are doing the best they can with the laws they have.
WDBJ 7
Ban on guns in Capitol Square continues to advance in the General Assembly
February 19, 2021
Speaking on a bill that would ban guns in Capitol Square Delegate Patrick Hope said, “You can’t carry guns in a courthouse. You can’t carry guns on airplanes. You can’t carry guns in the U.S. Capitol and starting in July, it’s going to be the law that you can’t carry guns on Capitol Square.”
Virginia Mercury
Virginia might stop seeking child support payments from parents of incarcerated youth
February 15, 2021
Delegate Hope's bill HB 1912 cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee and is headed to the Senate Finance Committee. This bill would end the Virginia Department of Social Services from seeking child support payments from parents of juvenile offenders in custody.
The Roanoke Times
Rosenfeld: Virginia prisons need oversight
February 10, 2021
House Bill (HB) 2325, sponsored by Delegate Patrick Hope, and heard in the General Assembly this year, would have established an office of independent oversight for VDOC giving both people behind bars and VDOC staff a real avenue to voice concerns and prevent future costly lawsuits from coming out of taxpayers’ pockets. Unfortunately, this bill died in the House Appropriations Transportation and Public Safety Subcommittee
Inside NOVA
Arlington Chamber to host post-session legislative breakfast
February 3, 2021
Delegate Hope and other members of the Arlington legislative delegation will hold a post-session legislative breakfast event on March 18 at 8 a.m. in an online format. For information and registration, call (703) 525-2400 or see the Website at www.arlingtonchamber.org.
NBC 29
Amended bill to limit solitary confinement heads to Senate floor
February 3, 2021
In 2018 Delegate Hope introduced House Bill 795 to attempt banning solitary confinement in the commonwealth but it was left in a subcommittee. Yesterday Senator Joseph D. Morrissey's (D-Richmond) Senate Bill 1301, to prohibit solitary confinement in adult and juvenile correctional facilities advanced with a 12-4 vote from the Senate Appropriations and Finance Committee.
Richmond Times-Dispatch
Lung Association gives Virginia failing grades on smoking prevention, wants licensing of tobacco products
February 3, 2021
Legislation introduced during the current Virginia General Assembly session by Del. Patrick Hope, D-Arlington, would set up a licensing system for selling tobacco products and hemp products. The licensing system would be overseen by the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority.
WFXR Fox
Lawmakers approve Voting Rights Act of Va., marijuana legalization bill clears Senate committee, and a debate over death penalty repeal
February 2, 2021
"Yes, the bill was tabled but I have a firm commitment from the Appropriations Committee to include language in the budget to direct a stakeholder workgroup to prioritize the powers and functions of such an Ombudsman, the costs, and to make recommendations to the General Assembly in November 2021” said Delegate Hope in regards to his own bill, HB 2325.
Blue Virginia
Video: Del. Cia Price, Del. Patrick Hope Slam Far-Right/Extremist Del. Dave LaRock’s “Dangerous,” “False Information” COVID Vaccine Bill, Which Is Then Voted Down 18-3
January 31, 2021
“These are safe and effective vaccines that have been approved under the FDA’s emergency use authorization. So I just want to make that crystal clear, that this COVID vaccine is safe and effective” said, Delegate Patrick Hope in regards to the Covid-19 vaccines currently available in the U.S.
Alexandria Gazette Package
Upcoming Actions on Enhanced Gun Safety Legislation in Virginia
January 22, 2021
Del. Patrick Hope (D-47), who chairs the House Public Safety Committee, said after gun safety bills passed subcommittee today, that on Friday the full committee will be taking up legislation to continue to prevent gun violence.
ARLnow
Here Are a Few Notable Bills Being Introduced By Arlington’s State Lawmakers
January 21, 2021
HB 2164: Introduced by Del. Patrick Hope (47th District), the bill would reinforce the July 2019 law that no one under the age of 21 can purchase tobacco products by further defining them as nicotine vapor products or alternative nicotine products. It’s currently awaiting a vote in the General Laws Committee.
State of Reform
Commonwealth looking to fix COVID-19 vax scheduling problem
January 20, 2021