Virginia 2023 Regular Session

Virginia House Bill HB1798

Introduced
1/10/23  

Caption

Comprehensive plan; healthy communities strategy.

Impact

The bill outlines several key areas for localities to consider in creating their healthy communities strategies. These include initiatives to reduce health risks associated with pollution, enhance air and water quality, and promote access to essential services. Furthermore, it encourages local governments to engage residents actively in decision-making processes, ensuring that community members have a voice in the initiatives that affect their lives. The overall aim is to create healthier living environments while fostering community resilience to environmental challenges such as flooding and extreme heat.

Summary

House Bill 1798 aims to establish a comprehensive approach to improving community health within Virginia by mandating that certain cities and counties develop a 'healthy communities strategy.' This requirement applies to urban areas with populations exceeding 20,000 and counties with populations exceeding 100,000, encouraging them to take specific actions during the review of their comprehensive plans. The bill emphasizes the importance of addressing health disparities by focusing on neighborhoods significantly affected by pollution and hazardous waste sites.

Conclusion

Overall, HB1798 represents a significant step toward integrating public health considerations into urban planning and community development in Virginia. By requiring a structured strategy focused on health and community wellbeing, the bill underscores the connection between environmental conditions and public health, setting a foundation for subsequent legislation aimed at improving living standards across the state.

Contention

While proponents of the bill argue that it could lead to substantial improvements in public health outcomes and environmental resilience, there may be contention regarding the resources and effort required to implement such strategies at the local level. Critics might express concerns over the feasibility of mandatory compliance, especially for smaller or less-resourced localities, fearing that they might struggle to meet these new expectations amidst existing budget constraints. Additionally, ensuring that all neighborhoods are equitably served by these strategies could present further challenges according to different community needs.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

VA SB1322

Comprehensive plan; healthy communities strategy.

VA HB1276

Comprehensive plan; healthy communities strategy.

VA HB208

Comprehensive plan; locality may consider adopting a healthy communities strategy.

VA SB595

Comprehensive plan; locality may consider adopting a healthy communities strategy.

VA SB1254

Comprehensive plan; environmental justice strategy.

VA HB969

Comprehensive plan; adoption of an environmental justice strategy.

VA SB475

Transportation planning: sustainable communities strategies.

VA AB148

Regional transportation plans: sustainable communities strategies.

VA SB261

Regional transportation plans: sustainable communities strategies.

VA AB2237

Transportation planning: regional transportation improvement plan: sustainable communities strategies: alternative planning strategy: state transportation funding.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.