Hampton Roads, News

Virginia Establishes LGBTQ+ Advisory Board

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Dominic Castillo
8:23 pm

March 28, 2021

The state of Virginia has made a lot of headlines lately, often with measures that ensure a more equitable society for its citizens in the future.

Now focus turns to the state’s LGBTQ+ community, as the governor signs HB 2130.

The bill is sponsored by representative Alfonso H. Lopez, and establishes the Virginia LGBTQ+ Advisory Board as part of the executive branch of the state government.

The board will consist of 26 members, at least 15 of whom identify as LGBTQ+. The other five members will be Virginia’s Secretaries of the Commonwealth, Commerce and Trade, Education, Health and Human Resources, and Public Safety and Homeland Security, or individuals appointed by them.

Powers & Duties

Advise the Governor regarding the development of economic, professional, cultural, educational, and governmental links between the commonwealth and the LGBTQ+ community in Virginia.
Undertake studies, sponsor symposiums, conduct research, and prepare factual reports in order to gather information to formulate and present recommendations to the Governor relating to issues of concern and importance to the LGBTQ+ community in the Commonwealth.
Advise the governor as needed regarding any statutory, regulatory, or other issues of importance to the LGBTQ+ community in the Commonwealth.
Apply for, accept, and expend gifts, grants, or donations from the public, quasi-public, or private sources, including any matching funds as may be designated in an appropriation act, to enable it to better carry out its objectives.
Submit an annual report to the governor and the General Assembly for publication as a report document as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents and reports.