Increase state health insurance fund appropriation

Adjusts the base appropriation for the State Health Insurance Program. The program's appropriation has been increased administratively to support the costs of health care claims of state employees.

Increase appropriation for the local health benefit services

Increases nongeneral fund appropriation for The Local Choice Program as a result of adding 12 new groups to the program, covering more than 1,000 new members. There are currently 316 participating entities covering more than 57,000 employees, family members and retirees of local governments, and schools.

Conduct a comprehensive review of the public employee health programs

This language amendment requires the Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM) to conduct a comprehensive review of the public employee health programs in the Commonwealth. As part of the review, DHRM shall conduct an actuarial review of the impact on the state, the school boards, and other political subdivisions, from including the employees, and their dependents, of local governments including local school divisions in the state employee health program or in one statewide pooled plan for employees of political subdivisions. Local school boards and localities shall provide information to DHRM as requested for the actuarial analysis. The review shall also include an examination of The Local Choice (TLC) program’s policies, including its pooling and rating methodology, to determine whether overall improvements may be made to the program, with a specific goal of trying to increase the TLC program’s appeal among rural school divisions and local governments. During this effort, DHRM shall hold a series of meetings with stakeholders to educate them about the TLC program and solicit their feedback. DHRM shall provide a report detailing the findings and recommendations to the Chairmen of the House Appropriations Committee and Senate Finance Committee by October 31, 2015. The Director of the Department of Planning and Budget is authorized to transfer up to $250,000 general fund from program 757 (agency 995, Central Appropriations) from unobligated balances from prior year appropriation to DHRM as needed to fund the review and outreach efforts.

Appropriate additional nongeneral funding to support the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit

Increases the second year nongeneral fund appropriation for the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU). This addition brings the agency's appropriated funding for the MFCU in line with the federally approved budget.

Legal Support for Soil and Water Conservation Districts

This amendment reaffirms the statutory requirement that the Office of the Attorney General is required to provide legal support to the soil and water conservation districts.

Adjust savings amounts identified for local governments

Lowers the appropriation reductions included in Chapter 3 for local governments to reflect their share of an Office Depot rebate.

Fund ethics reform activities

Provides funding to support ethics reform activities within the Commonwealth.

Move Chapter 3 higher education savings to agency budgets

Moves savings included in Item 471.20 of Chapter 3, 2014 Act of Assembly, Special Session I, to the budgets of the applicable higher education institutions.

Move Chapter 2 savings from Central Appropriations to agency budgets

Moves FY 2016 savings included in Item 471 of Chapter 2, 2014 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I, from Central Appropriations to applicable agency budgets. These amounts are not a part of the additional savings assumed in Chapter 3, 2014 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I (HB 5010).

Move Chapter 3 funding for judgeships to applicable agency budgets

Moves funding including in Chapter 3, 2014 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I for judgeships to applicable agency budgets from Central Appropriations.

Move Chapter 3 debt service savings to Treasury Board

Moves debt service savings assumed in Item 471.40 of Chapter 3, 2014 Acts of Assembly, Special Session 1, to the budget of the Treasury Board.

Move Chapter 3 savings related to Lottery and Literary funds to Direct Aid to Public Education

Moves the general fund savings included in Item 471.40 of Chapter 3 resulting from additional Lottery Fund and Literary Fund amounts to Direct Aid to Public Education.

Reflect agency general fund savings

Reflects general fund appropriation savings strategies and targeted savings amounts for various Executive Department agencies. In addition to these amounts, various transfers to the general fund from agency balances are included.

Adjust funding provided for employee retirement

Adjusts additional funding provided for employee retirement. This is a technical correction.

Adjust funding for other post-employment benefits for state employees and state supported local employees

Adjusts funding provided for other post-employment benefits for state employees and the retiree health insurance credit for state supported locals. This is a technical correction.

Adjust funding to agencies for information technology and telecommunications charges

Provides funding to cover the general fund share of increased costs for information technology and telecommunications usage by state agencies. The funding reflects the latest utilization estimates provided by the Virginia Information Technologies Agency, the current 2015 rates, and proposed 2016 rates.

Reflect savings from health insurance premium policy changes

Adjusts general fund support for state health insurance premiums based on a lower than expected increase in health insurance costs. The general fund savings in the first year reflect the actual health insurance premiums from 2014. The general fund savings in the second year are based on the actuary's projected increase of 2.9 percent in health insurance costs, which is lower than the projected increase of 6.9 percent funded in Chapter 2, 2014 Special Session 1. Changes to health insurance benefits in the second year include the implementation of an online enhancement to telemedicine to allow members to speak with a licensed physician, coverage for routine hearing exams, and a reduction in co-pays for physical therapy to $15. Cash balances from the Department of Human Resource Management's Special Fund and Administration of Health Insurance's reserve balance to the State Health Insurance Fund were also assumed in the general fund savings in the second year.

Move Chapter 3 savings to other sources

Distributes miscellaneous savings included in Chapter 3, 2014 Acts of Assembly, Special Session 1, among appropriate agency budgets, cash transfers and cash balances.

Maintain out-of-pocket maximum deductible

This language amendment prohibits the Department of Human Resource Management from increasing the annual out-of-pocket maximum deductible by $75/$150/$150 for Single/Dual/Family coverage and by $1,000/$2,000/$2,000 for Single/Dual/Family coverage. The deductible increases were proposed in the 2015 Budget Bill to address the impact of the Affordable Care Act’s requirement to include medical costs and prescription drugs in the out-of-pocket maximum.

Eliminate Aid to Local Government Reversion Clearing Account

This amendment eliminates the Aid to Local Government Reversion Clearing Account beginning in fiscal year 2016.

Provide funding for State Police compression pay plan

This amendment provides $3,675,000 the second year from the general fund for the salary compression plan for the Department of State Police.

Increase per diem for retired judges temporarily recalled to service

This amendment increases by $50 the per diem of retired judges who are temporarily recalled to service. This action increases the per diem amount from $200 to $250.

Provide funding for employee salary increases and for increased employer retirement contributions

This amendment earmarks $113.9 million from the general fund in the second year, contingent on specific revenue requirements, for compensation actions for state employees and state supported local employees and to increase the retirement contribution rates for the state employee, SPORS, VaLORS, and JRS plans up to 90% of the Board certified rates. Language further stipulates that funding provided for the state's share of the salary incentive for local teachers in Item 136 is also contingent on the specific revenue requirements.

Capture retirement savings from increased mandatory judicial retirement age

This amendment adjusts the retirement contribution rate and funding for the judicial retirement system in fiscal year 2016 pursuant to the passage of HB 1984 and SB 1996 of the 2015 General Assembly session which increases the mandatory retirement age for judges from 70 to 73 years of age.

Move funding for ethics council activities

This amendment eliminates $500,000 from the general fund the second year which was included in the introduced budget in Central Appropriations for the Virginia Conflict of Interest and Ethics Advisory Council. Funding for the council is included in Item 25.10 in the Legislative Department budget.

Expand services for children with autism spectrum disorder

This amendment provides $250,000 from the general fund in fiscal year 2016 for the state employee health insurance program pursuant to the passage of House Bill 1940 of the 2015 General Assembly session which requires health insurers to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder in individuals from ages two years through ten years. Current law requires coverage from age two through age six.

Restore agency reductions contained in Chapter 3

Restores selected reductions included in the introduced budget in Item 471.10 (see Half Sheet Numbers 471.10 #1c through #29c and #32c).

Correct Savings Strategy for Department of Health

This amendment corrects a savings strategy for the Department of Health that was intended to transfer nongeneral fund cash from agency indirect cost recoveries to the general fund. However, the action was included in Item 471.10 of the introduced budget as a reduction in general fund appropriation. This amendment removes the $600,000 general fund appropriation reduction and a companion amendment to §3-1.01 adds the $600,000 nongeneral fund cash transfer to the general fund. The combination of actions included in these two amendments sums to zero.

Reversion from Fuel Savings

This amendment establishes a central accounts reversion for state agency fuel savings totaling $1.0 million in each of FY 2015 and FY 2016.

Central Reserve for Capital Equipment Funding

Provides funding for equipment for previously approved capital projects.

Replace voting equipment statewide

Finances the replacement of ballot scanners and direct-recording electronic voting machines statewide through bonds of the Virginia Public Building Authority. The $28.0 million in bond proceeds is for a one-time grant to local governments to make all voting equipment in compliance with the policies and procedures approved by the State Board of Elections.

Central Maintenance Reserve

Increases funding available for maintenance reserve.

Supplement existing pool appropriation

Provide additional funding for planning

Authorize new capital pool

Eliminate bond authority for the replacement of voting equipment

Revise 9(d) bond table (Lang. only)

Provide additional funding for maintenance reserve

Add projects to equipment pool (Lang. only)

Increase nongeneral fund appropriation in instructional programs

Increases nongeneral fund appropriation to reflect expected revenue increases based on tuition and fee increases previously approved by the board of visitors.

Increase nongeneral fund appropriation in auxiliary program

Increases nongeneral fund appropriation to reflect projected auxiliary revenues from fee increases previously approved by the board of visitors.

Incorporate reduction strategies from Chapter 3, 2014 Virginia Acts of Assembly, Special Session I

Distributes the higher education savings as required by Item 471.20, Chapter 3, 2014 Special Session I.

Increase undergraduate student financial assistance

Increases funding for need-based financial aid for in-state undergraduate students.

Expand Athletic Facilities II

Adds 9(d) bond appropriation in order for the university to build an indoor tennis facility.

Provides general fund appropriation for faculty salaries

This amendment provides additional general funds to implement a faculty salary increase.

Provides general funds for base operations, restoration of budget reductions and for enrollment growth

This amendment provides additional general funds to restore a portion of the budget reductions in the introduced budget and to support in-state undergraduate enrollment growth.

Limits agency reductions to E&G program by the amount of reductions received (language-only)

This amendment provides clarity to institutions that any reductions to designated amounts within the Educational and General programs cannot exceed the percentage reduction for the program.

Transfer appropriation from Central Accounts for judgeships

Transfers existing appropriation for judgeships from Central Appropriations to agency budget.

Increase funding for Criminal Fund

Increases funding to cover the cost associated with providing constitutionally mandated legal defense for indigent persons accused of crimes.

Adds funding for anticipated Criminal Fund expenditures

This amendment adds $5,420,332 in FY2015 to cover an estimated shortfall in the Criminal Fund.

Increases compensation for counsel or guardian ad litems in protective order cases

This amendment adds $42,000 in FY2016 to cover the anticipated increase in Criminal Fund expenses resulting from increased compensation of counsel or a guardian ad litem for the required representation of a respondent in a proceeding for the issuance of a protective order.

Adds language allowing Commissioners of Accounts to charge a fee for certain foreclosures

This language only amendment permits Commissioners of Accounts to charge a reasonable fee not to exceed $150 for any foreclosures on a timeshare estate to reimburse them for the associated reasonable costs.

Clarifies language on the appointment of special prosecutors

This language only amendment clarifies that when a circuit court judge appoints a special prosecutor due to a conflict of interest, the special prosecutor should be a Commonwealth's Attorney or an Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney, but he or she does not have to be from a neighboring jurisdiction.

Increase funding for Criminal Fund

Increases funding to cover the cost associated with providing constitutionally mandated legal defense for indigent persons accused of crimes.

Establish Commission for Commemoration of the Centennial of Women's Right to Vote

This amendment provides an appropriation of $20,000 the second year from the general fund for the Commission for the Commemoration of the Centennial of Women's Right to Vote, established pursuant to House Bill 2281 of the 2015 General Assembly.

Supplants training appropriation

This amendment supplants general fund support with nongeneral fund support to train Commonwealth's attorneys and their assistants.

Adds language for use of nongeneral funds for prosecutorial training

This language only amendment requires the Department of Planning and Budget to include an estimated amount of Trust and Agency Funds the agency will need for prosecutorial training in each fiscal year.

Adjust constitutional officer position chart

Updates the constitutional officer position chart to reflect the 11 additional positions needed the second year to support the Phase I expansion at the Central Virginia Regional Jail. The chart is also adjusted to reflect the technical adjustment needed due to the removal of funding in the Special Session I, 2014 General Assembly Session. The technical adjustment is for 29 positions the first year and 62 the second year.

Revise language related to the collection of delinquent court fines and fees

Modifies budget language that limits treasurers and other local government entities from collecting on a contingent-fee basis delinquent court fines and costs beginning January 1, 2016.

Adjust sheriff deputies' entry level salaries

Provides additional funding to the Compensation Board to ensure that salaries for sheriff deputies exceed levels that would qualify a family of four for federal food stamps. The funding supports the Compensation Board’s reimbursement of localities for increasing salaries of grade 7 positions (sheriff deputies) from $29,081 to $31,009. The funding also supports increasing the grade 8 starting salary (sheriff deputies) from $31,788 to $32,009, to moderate problems with salary compression.

Provide funding to support new and expanded jail capacity

Provides funding to support 11 positions needed for phase I of the Central Virginia Regional Jail (CVRJ) expansion project. Funding provides for an opening date of November 1, 2015.

Revise language related to the sheriffs' career development plan

Modifies budget language to move the certification of the sheriffs' career development program from the University of Virginia to Virginia Commonwealth University.

Realign appropriations for sheriffs and regional jails

Redistributes operating and per diem appropriations to more accurately reflect funding currently allocated by the Compensation Board.

Provide funding to support per diem payments to localities and regional jails

Provides funding to support local and state responsible offenders being housed in local and regional jail facilities.

Provide additional funding for estimated shortfall in jail per diem payments

This amendment provides $2,498,446 in the first year from the general fund to fully fund the estimated shortfall in jail per diem payments in fiscal year 2015.

Adjust funding included in the introduced budget regarding an increase in the starting salary for entry level sheriffs

This amendment adjusts funding included in the introduced budget regarding an increase in the starting salary for entry level sheriffs to reflect the two percent across the board salary increase included in Item 467. This amendment, along with the amendment to Item 467, provides the same salary increase for grade 7 deputy sheriffs that was proposed in the introduced budget. This amendment also specifies that entry-level correctional officers employed at regional jails are also included in this salary adjustment. This amendment eliminates language which required localities to automatically provide, and fund, future salary increases when the income levels for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is increased.

Amend language regarding collection of delinquent fines, costs, forfeitures, penalties, and restitution

This amendment amends language regarding the policies for reimbursing local Treasurers who contract with Commonwealth's Attorneys to collect delinquent fines, costs, forfeitures, penalties, and restitution. The language allows the six Treasurers currently contracting with the Commonwealth's Attorneys on a contingency basis to continue to do so through June 2018 and requires that any collections received by the Treasurers in excess of their costs be split on a 50-50 basis between the Commonwealth and the locality, consistent with the policy for Commonwealth's Attorneys.

Authorize the Compensation Board to withhold sheriff and jail funding

This amendment authorizes the Compensation Board to withhold sheriff and jail funding from a locality if the Superintendent of State Police provides notification that the sheriff's office of that locality is not complying with the requirements of transmittal of information to the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry.

Account for revised estimates for extending foster care payments to age 21

Reduces general fund support based on revised estimates as to number of youth currently being served under the Comprehensive Services Act who will become eligible for federal Title IV-E support when foster care payments are extended to age 21. A companion amendment in the Department of Social Services provides general fund and federal appropriation to serve the larger Title IV-E population.

Relocate the Office of Comprehensive Services

Increases the Office of Comprehensive Services administrative budget to account for moving costs and increased rent at a new location. The agency's administrative staff will co-locate with the Department of Social Services in order to better coordinate interagency collaboration on issues that cross both agencies.

Restore Funding to CSA for Services

This amendment restores $7.3 million from the general fund in the second year to the Comprehensive Services Act Program which had been reduced in the introduced budget, based on a plan to expand foster care and adoption subsidies to children ages 19 to 21. Companion amendments in Items 334 and 339 eliminate this new initiative.

Increase nongeneral fund appropriation to reflect additional federal grant revenue

Adjusts the nongeneral fund appropriation to provide sufficient authority for anticipated expenditures from federal grant revenue.

Provide funding to support a faculty salary increase

This amendment provides additional general funds to implement a faculty salary increase. The institution may reallocate from educational and general program funds in the second year to provide an additional 2.5 percent average faculty salary increase for teaching and research faculty, consistent with its faculty pay plan.

Transfer funding for public guardianship board to administrative program

Transfers support for the public guardianship board to the administrative program. Currently, the funding is budgeted along with the grants for public guardianship programs, but it is more appropriate for it to be expended from the administrative program.

Transfer funding for ombudsman support from Department of Medical Assistance Services

Transfers general fund from the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) to the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) for support of the ombudsman program. In the 2013 Session, funding was provided to DMAS for the Commonwealth Coordinated Care program (dual eligible demonstration). Of the administrative funding provided, $48,351 was provided to increase ombudsman services at DARS in support of the program. DARS operates the state's ombudsman program so the funding should be transferred to avoid annual administrative transfers. There is an offsetting adjustment at DMAS, so this amendment nets to zero.

Fund Medicaid costs of disability determinations

Provides funding to cover the state match for Medicaid disability determinations. The Disability Determination Services (DDS) unit mainly processes disability determinations for the Social Security Administration, but a small portion of the workload processes disability determinations for Medicaid eligibility. Beginning in FY 2014, the agency implemented a cost allocation plan for the Medicaid costs of disability determinations. Based on this plan the agency requires additional state funding to meet Medicaid match requirements.

Transfer special fund appropriation to reflect higher revenue

Transfers special fund appropriation from the Rehabilitation Assistance Services program to the administrative program to reflect higher revenue for providing back office services to other disability agencies. The agency has excess special fund appropriation in another program, which this amendment transfers to the administrative program and thus avoids any net increase in appropriation. This amendment nets to zero.

Move Chapter 2 savings from Central Appropriations to agency budgets

Moves FY 2016 savings included in Item 471 of Chapter 2, 2014 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I, from Central Appropriations to applicable agency budgets. These amounts are not a part of the additional savings assumed in Chapter 3, 2014 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I (HB 5010).

Increase federal appropriation and position level for Social Security disability determinations

Increases federal appropriation for the costs of the Disability Determination Services (DDS) unit. DDS processes disability determinations for the Social Security Administration (SSA) with federal funding. After several years of SSA limits on states hiring DDS workers, the agency has directed Virginia to hire additional staff to help with the significant backlog of pending determinations. This adjustment is necessary to ensure adequate appropriation to cover the cost of the new staff and avoid administrative actions. The agency's position level is also increased by 25 to reflect higher staffing levels.

Reallocate funding for Area Agencies on Aging to reflect actual spending

Transfers appropriation for congregate meals to the supportive services program to reflect actual spending. State support for Area Agencies on Agency (AAAs) assist older citizens with meals at home or group settings along with a host of supportive services to allow them to remain in their homes. The funding for meals is budgeted in one program and supportive services in another. The AAAs are allowed to transfer up to 40 percent of their funding each year between categories to reflect local needs. This technical amendment reflects that actual spending to eliminate an administrative transfer.

Provide additional funding for the Vocational Rehabiliation Program

This amendment adds $1.0 million the second year from the general fund for the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program that will be used to match $3.7 million in additional federal funding. Language is modified to reflect the additional funding. The VR program assists individuals with disabilities get ready for, find, and keep jobs by providing training, placement, and job-coaching services along with workplace accommodations (i.e. assistive technology). As demand for services have exceeded available resources all service categories were closed on November 1, 2014, and waiting lists for services are growing.

Expand Funding for Brain Injury Services

This amendment adds $750,000 the second year from the general fund to increase support for programs providing brain injury services through the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services.

Increase LTESS Funding

This amendment provides $500,000 the second year from the general fund for the Long Term Employment Support Services (LTESS) program. LTESS provides support services to persons with significant disabilities who become employed through extraordinary supervision and other supports necessary for these individuals to maintain employment.

Public Guardianship Program

This amendment provides $500,000 from the general fund the second year for the Public Guardianship and Conservator Program. This funding would allow 100 individuals to be served across 16 counties not currently served. Public guardians are the guardians of last resort. Currently, there are 1,000 individuals in need of guardianship services statewide who are on waiting lists.

Restore Didlake Language

This amendment restores the budget language directing $200,000 per year to Didlake Inc. which provides employment support services to people with disabilities. The introduced budget eliminated the funding, which is restored in a companion amendment in Item 471.10.

Pharmacy Connect

This amendment provides an additional $34,500 the second year from the general fund to the Pharmacy Connect Program administered by Mountain Empire Older Citizens, Inc. A companion amendment in Item 471.10 eliminates the central account reduction of $215,500 for this program in the second year. Together this funding will provide $250,000 from the general fund in the second year for this program.

Adjust CILs Language for Restoration

This amendment adjusts budget language that specifies how much funding is appropriated to the Centers for Independent Living. The budget reduction in the introduced budget of $580,800 from the general fund the second year is restored in Item 471.10.

Review of Integrated Employment Opportunities

This amendment directs the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services to review employment support services programs and make recommendations on options that would increase integrated employment opportunities for individuals with the most significant disabilities.

Move Chapter 2 savings from Central Appropriations to agency budgets

Moves FY 2016 savings included in Item 471 of Chapter 2, 2014 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I, from Central Appropriations to applicable agency budgets. These amounts are not a part of the additional savings assumed in Chapter 3, 2014 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I (HB 5010).

Fund regional education coordinator position

Replaces lost federal funding so that a vacant educator position can be hired to serve the Northern Virginia region. Education coordinators help infants, children and youth with vision loss reduce developmental delays and improve progress in school. Currently, the Northern Virginia workload is being shared by staff in other regions; however this short term solution cannot be maintained, as there are only five other coordinators statewide, without an adverse impact on services.

Radio Reading Services Equipment

This amendment provides funding for needed equipment in the Radio Reading Services program. The funding for this program has been reduced over the years and now it has reached a point where additional resources are needed to replace necessary equipment to meet the needs of the blind and vision-impaired population.

Increase working capital advance for Cardinal implementation

Provides language to increase the working capital advance for Cardinal from $60.0 million to $75.0 million to continue implementation.

Implement U.S. Treasury Vendor Offset Program

Funds the implementation of the U.S. Treasury Vendor Offset Reciprocal Program (TOPS), which offsets U.S. Treasury vendor payments against Commonwealth debts and vice versa.

Establish appropriation for sales tax distributions to localities with tourism zones

Establishes an appropriation to distribute funding to localities with qualifying tourism zone projects. Under the Code of Virginia, localities with qualifying projects receive funding equal to a one percent sales tax on purchases at the tourism project to pay for debt service related to gap financing used to finance the tourism project.

Reserve funding for an advanced deposit to the Revenue Stabilization Fund

This amendment appropriates $129.5 million from the general fund in the first year in a reserve account for the expected rainy day fund deposits in the 2016-2018 biennium.

Move Chapter 2 savings from Central Appropriations to agency budgets

Moves FY 2016 savings included in Item 471 of Chapter 2, 2014 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I, from Central Appropriations to applicable agency budgets. These amounts are not a part of the additional savings assumed in Chapter 3, 2014 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I (HB 5010).

Require cooperative action to restore commodity fee revenue to the agency

Directs the Commissioner, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Director, Department of Planning and Budget to restore commodity fee revenues that were transferred to the general fund in fiscal year 2014. A companion amendment to § 3-1.01 of House Bill 1400/Senate Bill 800 eliminates the proposed transfer for fiscal years 2015 and 2016. This is a language-only amendment.

Provide additional funding for farmland preservation

Increases the funding for the Office of Farmland Preservation to support the Purchase of Development Rights Program in the second year. The total appropriation for the program in FY 2016 is now $1,750,000.

Remove authorization of tiered inspection fee program for food safety

Removes language to change the VDACS non-restaurant food inspection fee from a $40.00 per establishment fee to a variable fee ranging from $40.00 to $375.00, based on the square footage of the establishment. A companion amendment to Item 471.10, the state agency reversion account established pursuant to Chapter 3, 2014 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I, removes an assumed general fund reduction to the agency of $400,000 the second year.

Partially restore funding for 4H and Future Farmers of America

Restores $25,000 each year to support 4-H and Future Farmers of America scholarships and participation in the State Fair of Virginia. This amendment is language only. A companion amendment to Item 471.10 reduces the transfer to the central reversion account containing the state agency savings required by Chapter 3, 2014 Special Session I.

Remove proposed fee for the Weights and Measures Program

Removes language authorizing the imposition of a $10.00 per device weights and measures inspection fee. A companion amendment to Item 471.10 removes savings of $500,000 in the second year that had been assumed to be generated by this action as part of the state agency savings required by Chapter 3, 2014 Special Session I.

Increase flexibility of distribution of the Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Grant Fund

Eliminates language stipulating the portion of the Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund that can be used for local grants. Such grants will still be authorized, but the language specifying the portion of total funding dedicated to that purpose is removed in an effort to increase flexibility to respond to program requests.

Increase appropriation for cost of goods sold

Increases nongeneral fund appropriation to allow agency to maintain sufficient inventory to meet consumer demand.

Upgrade agency stores to broadband technology

Increases nongeneral fund appropriation to cover the cost of broadband conversion in agency stores.

Procure an inventory forecasting and receiving system

Increases nongeneral fund appropriation for inventory forecasting and receiving systems.

Procure new integrated financial system

Increases nongeneral fund appropriation for financial system replacement.

Procure real-time inventory system

Increases nongeneral fund appropriation to acquire a real-time inventory control system.

Upgrade electrical circuitry in agency facilities

Increases nongeneral fund appropriation to cover the cost of electrical system upgrades.

Procure new tax collection system

Increases nongeneral fund appropriation to allow the procurement of a tax collection system.

Implement retail and marketing strategies

Increases nongeneral fund appropriation to allow agency to institute retail initiatives aimed at improving customer service and enhancing revenue generation.

Increase agency website capabilities

Increases nongeneral fund appropriation to cover the cost of adding e-commerce features to the agency website to generate more revenue, improve process, and enhance customer service.

Procure new licensing management system

Increases nongeneral fund appropriation to allow the agency to procure a new license management system.

Adds language forming a project advisory committee

This language only amendment adds language forming a project advisory committee to review the planning, financing, procuring and implementing of information technology projects necessary to sustain the department's business enterprise.

Expand the use of VPBA bond authorization to support community housing development

Modifies language from Item C-103.05 A.5, Chapter 781, 2009 Acts of Assembly that will allow the $4.7 million in remaining bond proceeds to be used to subsidize the costs associated with the construction, rehabilitation, and/or acquisition of single-family or multi-family rental housing that is dedicated to individuals with an intellectual or developmental disability (I/DD). Language will also allow entities other than Community Service Board’s (CSBs) or local governmental entities to hold title to the community housing.

Adjust date for the Part C reporting requirement found in Chapter 3

Adjusts reporting date related to early intervention services to coincide with the availability of information from localities. This language only amendment has no fiscal impact.

Develop and implement a consolidated waiver IT system

Provides funding to create a new and consolidated system for managing the intellectual and developmental disability waivers. The system will include wait list and waiver enrollment management as well as incorporate a citizen portal that will allow individuals to view waiver eligibility options, apply for waivers online, and identify licensed service providers.

Adjust date for the Sexually Violent Predator (SVP) study requirement found in Chapter 3

Adjusts the annual reporting date for the six year forecast of incarcerated individuals slated to meet the criteria for evaluation as sexually violent predators from October 1 to November 15. This language only amendment has no fiscal impact.

Move Chapter 2 savings from Central Appropriations to agency budgets

Moves FY 2016 savings included in Item 471 of Chapter 2, 2014 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I, from Central Appropriations to applicable agency budgets. These amounts are not a part of the additional savings assumed in Chapter 3, 2014 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I (HB 5010).

Transfer Mental Health first aid training funds from Grants to Localities to Central Office

Transfers the appropriation for mental health first aid training from agency 790 (Grants to Localities) to agency 720 (Central Office). This technical adjustment is a zero sum transaction. A companion amendment is included in agency 790.

Replace lost Medicare incentive payments with general fund support

Replaces lost Medicare incentive payments associated with implementation of Electronic Health Records (EHR) at state facilities with general fund dollars. Chapter 2 included $2.9 million in FY 2015 and $0.8 million in FY 2015 in Medicare incentive payments for the development of the EHR system at state-operated mental health and intellectual disability facilities. After questioning and review with the federal Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services, the decision was made to decertify medical surgical units within these facilities. Southwest Virginia Mental Health Institute’s unit was decertified on July 1, 2014, and the units at Eastern State Hospital and Western State Hospital were decertified on September 30, 2014. The decertification of those units will result in a reduced incentive payment.

Fund additional local inpatient bed purchases to address increased admissions to state hospital

Provides $950,000 in additional support for local inpatient purchase of service (LIPOS). This amendment also includes $1.2 million to contract for additional inpatient psychiatric beds for children and adolescents. Changes in mental health law have put additional pressure on state facilities to accommodate individuals coming in under temporary detention orders. These funds will assist in diverting individuals to private facilities when appropriate.

Provide funding for a central office position to implement and develop community-based mental health programs

Provides funds for one position in the central office to assist in coordination and management of CIT Training Centers, Program Assertive Community Treatment (PACT) Teams and Emerging Adult Programs. The general assembly provided a significant influx of program dollars in this biennial budget, but the agency does not have sufficient resources to properly manage the growing community mental health program.

Increase funds dedicated to Quality Service Reviews in support of DOJ requirement

Increases funding for quality service reviews required by the settlement agreement with the United States Department of Justice (DOJ). The amount previously included was an estimate of necessary funds to contract for the provision of reviews. The addition of this funding brings the total general fund support for Quality Service Reviews to $591,000.

Correct fund source supporting the Support Intensity Scale (SIS) program

Adjusts the fund source for funds appropriated for Support Intensity Scale (SIS) program funding. This technical amendment has no fiscal impact, as it moves $1,076,250 from special funds (0200) to federal funds (1000) in program 499, Administrative and Support Services, service area 49933, Program Development and Coordination.

Provide community supports for individuals in Training Centers not covered by Medicaid

Provides funding to address the needs of individuals not covered by Medicaid currently residing in state operated training centers to transition into the community as needed.

Compensation for Victims of Sterilization

This amendment provides $400,000 from the general fund in fiscal year 2016 to reimburse individuals who were victims of forced sterilization. The amendment provides for a reimbursement of $25,000 per individual.

Eliminate Rental Subsidies in Proposed Waiver Redesign

This amendment eliminates $675,000 from the general fund in the second year associated with the proposed redesign of the Day Support Waiver to include funding for rental subsidies. The General Assembly's Medicaid reform efforts have been focused on redesigning the comprehensive Intellectual Disability and Developmental Disability waivers to address the needs of the most disabled individuals including those transitioning from training centers to the community and those at imminent risk of institutional care. A companion amendment in Item 301 directs the Departments of Medical Assistance Services and Behavioral Health and Developmental Services to report on plans to redesign the comprehensive waiver programs.

Provide funding for operational support

Provides general fund support for operational functions. The second year also includes funding for three information technology positions.

Provide funding to cover the up-front costs for the reconfiguration of office space

Provides additional general fund support to pay up-front costs associated with the reconfiguration of office space, which will generate savings for the department in FY 2016. The anticipated savings plan is reflected in the Introduced Budget Bill.

Allow use of the Water Quality Improvement Fund Reserve

Allows the department to use the Water Quality Improvement Fund Reserve in FY 2106. There were no deposits to the Water Quality Improvement Fund because there was no FY 2014 surplus to support this fund. The Appropriation Act notes that if there is no surplus balance deposited, then the reserve fund may be used. These funds will be used to support the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), nutrient plans for golf courses, and Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Districts' technical assistance and agricultural best management practices.

Transfer nongeneral appropriation from first year to second year

Transfers nongeneral fund appropriation from the first year to the second year to reflect expected Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Districts' cost share assistance expenditures. This forecast was based on actual expenditures thus far in FY 2015.

Change frequency and clarify report requirements

Changes the Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District Cost-Share and Technical Assistance funding report from a quarterly expenditure report to a semi-annual report. In addition, the reports would include the beginning budget, a revised budget (if applicable), and previous year's budget balance for each district. This is a language-only amendment.

Move Chapter 2 savings from Central Appropriations to agency budgets

Moves FY 2016 savings included in Item 471 of Chapter 2, 2014 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I, from Central Appropriations to applicable agency budgets. These amounts are not a part of the additional savings assumed in Chapter 3, 2014 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I (HB 5010).

Increase appropriation for the State Park Conservation Resources Fund

Increases appropriation to allow the department to meet expenditure needs in the state parks. This is a technical adjustment.

Provide a district high-hazard dam plan report

Provides authority to the department to allow the Dam Safety, Flood Prevention and Protection Assistance Fund to be used in support of the development plan for the rehabilitation of high hazard Soil and Water Conservation District dams. This is a language-only amendment.

Clarify language associated with statewide match for Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program

Clarifies language about the source of the federal match for the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). This is a language-only amendment.

Provide line of credit

Provides authority for a $4 million line of credit as the department periodically experiences cash flow constraints caused by periodic delays in the payment of federal grant reimbursements and the fluctuations of state park revenue generation.

Construct Seven Bends Limited State Park

Provides authority for the department to use the State Park Acquisition and Development Fund for the construction of Seven Bends State Park as a limited park. The park will have parking, canoe slides, hiking trails, and interpretive and trail signage. Funding is also included for the demolition of nine structures and a safety fence.

Occoneechee State Park Spray Ground

Acquire Land, National Tunnel State Park

State Park Yurks

Authorize the transfer of general fund to the Dam Maintenance, Repair and Maintenance Fund

This amendment authorizes the deposit of $150,000 in general funds in fiscal year 2016 and fiscal year 2015 carry-forward provided for small dam repairs of known or suspected deficiencies into the Soil and Water Conservation District Dam Maintenance, Repair, and Rehabilitation Fund. This action eliminates the need to request annual carry-forward for projects not fully completed within a fiscal year and provides certainty to Soil and Water Conservation Districts that they can proceed with repairs without concern that funding will not be available to meet contractual obligations should a project not be completed within the authorized fiscal year.

Allow the Dan Safety, Flood Prevention and Protection Assistance Fund to be used for flood protection plan

This amendment provides authority to utilize nongeneral funds to enact the provisions of House Bill 1817 that require the Department of Conservation and Recreation to review and update the Commonwealth's flood protection plan on a regular basis and to maintain the plan in an online format. This amendment also contains a technical amendment to strike language concerning the use of the funding that conflicts with the purposes of the Dam Safety, Flood Prevention and Protection Assistance Fund already set out in § 10.1-603.19, Code of Virginia. This amendment is a recommendation of the Joint Subcommittee to Formulate Recommendations to Address Recurrent Flooding.

Provide funding to the Natural Heritage Program

This amendment provides $500,000 from the general fund in the second year in support of the Natural Area Preserve program.

Replace cabin furnishings

This amendment provides funding for the replacement of furnishings at existing Virginia State Park overnight facilities.

Provide additional funding to SWCDs for cost share and technical assistance

This amendment provides an additional $10.7 million in general funding in fiscal year 2016 for the Agricultural Best Management Practices Cost Share and Technical Assistance Programs of the Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

Prepare for the opening of the Natural Bridge State Park

This amendment provides funding in support of the transition of Natural Bridge to a Virginia State Park in 2016.

Provide funding to the Shoreline Erosion Advisory Services

This amendment provides $150,000 in the second year from the general fund for the Department of Conservation and Recreation to provide technical support to the Shoreline Advisory Services as established in § 10.1-702.

Provide additional funding to the Virginia Land Conservation Fund

This amendment increases the deposit to the Virginia Land Conservation Fund by $3.0 million in the second year, bringing fiscal year 2016 funding to $6.0 million.

Revise state reimbursement rate for regional jails

Amends budget language to revise the state share of the costs of construction, expansion, or renovation of regional jails from fifty percent to twenty-five percent.

Provide funding for legislation that create need for additional prison beds

Provides the "Woodrum" appropriation for legislation proposed by the Governor. State law requires that any legislation that would result in an increase in the prison population over the succeeding six years from its enactment be accompanied by an appropriation that would cover the increased costs in one year resulting from additional inmates. The three proposed bills, and the projected "Woodrum" impact for each, that fall into this category are: create a universal background check at all firearms shows ($50,000); create a mechanism for voluntary background checks and require Virginia State Police to be present at every firearms show ($50,000); and revoke a concealed firearm permit if the holder is delinquent on child support payments ($50,000).

Provide funding to support increases in offender medical costs

Increases funding for the provision of medical services to inmates. The funding provided for the second year is based on the Department of Corrections providing medical services at all institutions with its own staff and contracting for part-time physicians or for offsite medical costs. The funding is based on the estimated cost for the agency to be competitive in the medical services labor market. Also included in the funding is $500,000 the second year and six positions to enable the agency to bolster its recruitment efforts for medical staff and to strengthen its central administration of the provision of medical services to inmates.

Revise reimbursement rate for regional jail projects (Lang. only)

Language only: Provides that state shall reimburse localities 25 percent cost of regional jail projects. Although language says that amendment is consistent with provisions of SB 1049, it seems to be inconsistent.

Authorize preplanning for Powhatan Correctional Center (Lang. only)

Language only: This amendment authorizes the Department of Corrections to use funds provided for legislation projected to increase the need for prison beds ("Woodrum" funding) to begin the preplanning for the replacement of Powhatan Correctional Center.

Demolish Brunswick Correctional Center (Lang. only)

Prohibit the distribution of obscene materials to inmates (Lang. only)

Language only: Prohibits the distribution of obscene materials to inmates.

Direct DOC to prepare analysis of inmate medical costs (Lang. only)

Language only: Directs DOC to issue a request for information for comprehensive management and provision of inmate health services and to use the data and information gathered to prepare a report assessing and comparing the costs and benefits of delivering inmate health services exclusively with DOC personnel and through a single statewide contract.

Add funding for treatment of Hepatitis-C inmates and to fill vacant security positions

This amendment provides $4.0 million to cover increased costs of treating inmates with Hepatitis-C and for filling vacant correctional officer positions. During enrolling, the funding was divided evenly between the two purposes.

Provide funding for correctional officer salary increases

This amendment provides funding for a $1,000 per year increase in the salaries of correctional officers and correctional officers senior, effective Aug. 10, 2015. (The conference report placed the funding in program 399, but in enrollment it was moved to the more appropriate program, 398.)

Provide funding for legislation that create need for additional prison beds

Provides funding for legislation projected to create a need for additional prison beds ("Woodrum bills").

Provide funding for Alzheimer training

This amendment provides funding for DCJS to provide training to local law-enforcement to aid in identifying and interacting with individuals suffering from Alzheimer's or dementia.

Provide for distribution of funds to localities for law enforcement (Lang. only)

Language only: This amendment provides that funds appropriated to localities for law enforcement shall be distributed so that each localities receives the same amount it received in FY 2014.

Withhold aid to localities with police departments (Lang. only)

Language only: This amendment authorizes the Department of Criminal Justice Services to withhold state aid to localities with police departments (House Bill 599 funding) from a locality if the Superintendent of State Police provides notification that the police department of that locality is not complying with the requirements of transmittal of information to the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry.

Fund additional positions supporting under-performing schools

Provides appropriation for five additional positions to strengthen the Department's support of academically struggling school divisions.

Expand uses of information technology academy funding

Expands the scope of information technology academy funding by authorizing its use for additional information technology credentials.

Provide funding for expedited retake of SOL tests

Permits students who have failed a Standards of Learning (SOL) test in grades three through eight by a narrow margin to take the test again during the same testing window. Currently, such expedited retakes are only allowed for end-of-course SOL tests that are required for graduation.

Provide one-time funding to expand computer adaptive testing

Provides one-time funds to transition the grade seven and grade eight Standards of Learning mathematics tests to a computer adaptive testing (CAT) format. Currently, only the grade six mathematics assessment is available in a CAT format.

Provide principal training at under-performing schools

Provides appropriation to establish a program of professional development to increase the capacity of principals in under-performing schools. The funding amount covers training for 40 principals at schools which have failed to meet accreditation standards.

Provide Funding for IT Security Position

This amendment includes $121,968 the second year from the general fund for a requested information security officer position. This dedicated position will develop, manage and maintain DOE’s information technology security program in accordance with the Commonwealth’s information technology security policies and standards. DOE currently does not have sufficient staff resources to adequately cover this function, which requires staff with the requisite training, skills, and credentials. This is an area of vulnerability for the agency on annual state audits.

Redesign School Performance Report Card

This amendment provides $75,000 the second year from the general fund to the Board of Education, in consultation with the Standards of Learning Innovation Committee, to redesign the School Performance Report Card so that it is easier for parents and the public to understand the accreditation status and academic achievements of the schools and school divisions.

Fund Kindergarten Readiness Program

This amendment provides $1.0 million the second year from the general fund to support the costs associated with the Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program (VKRP) which will be administered by the University of Virginia. The program will focus on assessing kindergarteners in the fall to determine their social skills and self-regulation as well as math and literacy skills which are currently assessed using the existing Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening (PALS) test. The annual costs of the program will total $1.7 million until fiscal year 2019, when the expected annual state costs will equal $1.3 million.

Reflect Allocation for VPI+ Model Federal Grant

This amendment reflects the funding for year one of a four-year award from the federal preschool expansion grant, January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2018. The VPI+ model includes research-tested professional development and curriculum, community partnerships, and comprehensive services and pathways to fully engage parents and families. Participating localities, selected based on unmet need/unused slots, not meeting the kindergarten literacy assessment benchmark, and poverty concentration, include Brunswick, Chesterfield, Fairfax, Giles, Henrico, Norfolk, Petersburg, Prince William, Richmond, Sussex, and Winchester. By the end of the grant period, over 3,100 four-year-olds at or below 200% of the federal poverty level are projected to be served. There is a companion amendment in Direct Aid for the allocation of the remainder of the federal grant funds awarded.

Fund Teacher Turnover Study

This amendment provides $23,000 to support a request to the Department of Education to study the feasibility of tracking teacher turnover by developing exit questionnaires or other means, as well as options for analyzing the costs of teacher turnover, pursuant to the passage of Senate Joint Resolution 218.

Provide Professional Development for Teachers

This amendment provides $366,000 the second year from the general fund to the Department of Education to assist local school divisions to establish criteria for the professional development of teachers and principals on the subject of high-needs students.

Increase federal Help America Vote Act appropriation

Increases the Help America Vote Act appropriation to support the increase in operating costs as a result of transferring the maintenance of the Virginia Election and Registration Information System from its current vendor to the Department of Elections.

Replace voting equipment

Requires all localities to replace direct-recording electronic voting machines and any other non-qualifying voting equipment with equipment approved by the State Board of Elections no later than August 1, 2015. A separate amendment finances the replacement of voting equipment statewide through bonds of the Virginia Public Building Authority. This amendment provides general fund support for the Department of Elections to reimburse certain localities for one-third of the cost of qualifying voting equipment purchased prior to January 1, 2015.

Move Chapter 2 savings from Central Appropriations to agency budgets

Moves FY 2016 savings included in Item 471 of Chapter 2, 2014 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I, from Central Appropriations to applicable agency budgets. These amounts are not a part of the additional savings assumed in Chapter 3, 2014 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I (HB 5010).

Improve website capability for reporting election results

Enhances the department's website to address the volume of election results being reported the night of the elections.

Correct fund detail for nongeneral fund expenditures

Transfers nongeneral fund appropriation to the correct fund detail based on the agency's actual expenditures. This action is technical in nature and nets to zero.

Fund costs associated with the National Voter Registration Act

Provides general fund support in the second year for maintenance mailing costs. The department uses the National Change of Address data to identify registered voters who have changed their address.

Adjust allocation for voter identification outreach

Transfers general fund support provided for voter equipment to voter identification outreach. This amendment also corrects budget bill language to allocate general fund support for voter outreach. This action nets to zero.

Eliminate funding for the replacement of voting equipment

This amendment removes authorization for the Department of Elections to establish and administer a program in the second year to require localities to replace existing voting equipment with approved voting equipment, using bond proceeds. This amendment also eliminates reimbursement to localities that have already replaced existing equipment with compliant equipment, and reduces costs to the general fund by $1,610,333 in the second year.

Move Chapter 2 savings from Central Appropriations to agency budgets

Moves FY 2016 savings included in Item 471 of Chapter 2, 2014 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I, from Central Appropriations to applicable agency budgets. These amounts are not a part of the additional savings assumed in Chapter 3, 2014 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I (HB 5010).

Implement phase one of two-phase IFLOWS plan for the Rappahannock River Basin

This amendment provides $42,750 the second year from the general fund for the Integrated Flood Warning System (IFLOWS), to begin implementation of the recommendations of the Rappahannock River Basin Stream and Rainfall Gauges Study. This project is based on a 50-50 cost sharing arrangement with the localities in the middle and upper Rappahannock River basin. The project represents phase one of a two-phase implementation plan.

Enhance search and rescue capabilities

This amendment provides $180,000 and one position the second year from the general fund to coordinate the department's search and rescue capabilities. This amendment also includes one-time start-up costs including a vehicle and equipment, and recurring costs for mobile technology, vehicle maintenance, training, travel and materials. This amendment is a recommendation of the Crime Commission, based on its study of search and rescue operations as authorized by Senate Joint Resolution 64 and House Joint Resolution 62 of the 2014 Session.

Establish additional fee related to biosolids

Establishes an additional fee related to biosolids. Currently, the department charges a $7.50 fee per dry ton of Class B biosolids land-applied. Producers of Class A biosolids do not currently pay a fee. This amendment requires producers of Class A biosolids to pay a $3.75 fee beginning October 1, 2015. This is a language-only amendment.

Provide additional funding to the Stormwater Local Assistance Fund

This amendment provides a direct appropriation of $5.0 million in general funds in fiscal year 2016 to the Stormwater Local Assistance Fund to supplement funding previously authorized from bond proceeds. The Stormwater Local Assistance Fund is used to provide matching grants to local governments for stormwater best management practices that reduce water quality pollutant loads.

Assess the Clean Power Plan

This amendment provides the funding required to implement the provisions of Senate Joint Resolution 273 that passed the Senate with an appropriations clause.

Eliminate increase in underground storage tank deductible and form stakeholder group

This amendment eliminates the proposed increase in the deductible paid by home and business owners for eligibility from the Underground Storage Tank Fund, and requires the Department of Environmental Quality to form a stakeholder group to advise the Department on agency guidance governing the cleanup of petroleum releases. A companion amendment to Part 3-1.01 eliminates the proposed transfer of $2.4 million in program balances to the general fund.

Increase nongeneral fund appropriation

Increases nongeneral fund appropriation for the Fire Programs Fund that supports fire service programs.

Fund retesting of post-conviction DNA cases with "inconclusive" results

Funds advanced retesting of post-conviction DNA cases with "inconclusive" results.

Fund review of archived case files

Provides funding to review archived files to identify hair examination cases. The funding will be used to hire wage personnel, procure necessary equipment, and expand data storage capacity needed for files reviewed and cataloging efforts.

Fund additional DNA testing kits and laboratory supplies

This amendment provides $101,200 the second year from the general fund for additional DNA testing kits and laboratory supplies, pursuant to Senate Bill 1187 and House Bill 1928, which require DNA samples from adults who have been convicted of certain misdemeanor offenses.

Correct embedded funding amounts for the Reforestation of Timberlands program

Corrects embedded funding amounts for the Reforestation of Timberlands program. This is a language-only amendment.

Move Chapter 2 savings from Central Appropriations to agency budgets

Moves FY 2016 savings included in Item 471 of Chapter 2, 2014 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I, from Central Appropriations to applicable agency budgets. These amounts are not a part of the additional savings assumed in Chapter 3, 2014 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I (HB 5010).

Construct Matthews State Forest Education and Conference Center

Increases the appropriation for the continuing construction and renovation of the Matthews State Forest Education and Conference Center as provided by the Matthews Trust and grants.

Adjust funds within service areas

Moves $156,071 from service area 50103 to 50102 in FY 2015 and FY 2016 due to correction in embedded funding amounts for the Reforestation of Timberlands program.

Conduct cost and feasibility study on providing retirement credits for individuals engaged in forest fire suppression

Directs the Department of Forestry to evaluate both the potential costs and funding options for providing up to five years of creditable service for special forest wardens directly engaged in forest fire suppression efforts.

Rescind authorization for a Virginia Public Building Authority bond-funded headquarters project

Rescinds previous authorization related to an older capital project for the construction of a new headquarters facility. The department received administrative authorization to purchase an existing building to serve as the headquarters; therefore, the old project is no longer necessary.

Provide additional appropriation for land acquisition subprojects

Authorizes additional nongeneral fund appropriation for the department's land acquistion capital project.

Alter language rescinding old headquarters capital project

Adjust appropriation for the Bureau of Capital Outlay Management

Decreases nongeneral fund appropriation for the Bureau of Capital Outlay Management to reflect estimated expenditures. Reductions are primarily driven by decreased contracted inspection services due to changes in a major project's schedule.

Provide additional parking facilities appropriation

Increases appropriation for the Parking Fund to reflect historic expenditures. Expenditures were greater than appropriation in prior years due to debt service payments and other operating costs.

Adjust Federal Safe Drinking Water Act Testing Fund appropriation

Provides additional appropriation for the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act Testing Fund within the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services, which supports the analysis of drinking water samples as mandated by the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. Additional appropriation reflects the increased cost of lab supplies necessary for analysis.

Analyze the state's option to take ownership of property at the Center for Innovative Technology Complex

Provides appropriation for the Division of Real Estate Services to conduct a feasibility study of the Commonwealth’s option to take ownership of the Mid-Rise Building at the Center for Innovative Technology Complex. The findings and recommendations shall be reported to the Chairmen of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees, the Governor's Chief of Staff, and Secretaries of Finance and Administration no later than October 15, 2015.

Adjust Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services internal service fund appropriation

Provides additional appropriation to reflect the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services' projected internal service fund expenses. Expenses in excess of existing appropriation are associated with the provision of drug testing services to the Department of Corrections and will be supported by revenue generated by providing these services.

Increase appropriation for eVA system and strategic sourcing initiative

Provides additional nongeneral fund appropriation for the eVA Procurement Program Fund. Appropriation will accommodate increased expenditures for base eVA procurement system contract costs, Cardinal integration and other system enhancements, and a portion of the Virginia Strategic Sourcing Initiative.

Provide new internal service fund analyst position

Provides additional nongeneral fund appropriation to support the creation of a new internal service fund analyst position. This position will support internal service fund financial operations and rate reviews. The position will be funded with nongeneral fund revenue from the agency's internal service funds.

Move Chapter 2 savings from Central Appropriations to agency budgets

Moves FY 2016 savings included in Item 471 of Chapter 2, 2014 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I, from Central Appropriations to applicable agency budgets. These amounts are not a part of the additional savings assumed in Chapter 3, 2014 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I (HB 5010).

eVA-Cardinal Integration: Technical Correction

This amendment reflects the consensus of the Department of General Services and the Department of accounts regarding the updated integration status of the eVA procurement system and the Cardinal financial management system.

Transfer ownership of Mid-Rise Building to the State

This amendment removes study language and authorizes the resumption of ownership of the Mid-Rise Building property by the Commonwealth which will be managed by the Department of General Services.

Impact of Salary Actions on BCOM Overhead

This amendment reflects the DGS estimate of the impact of proposed salary and VRS rate actions on BCOM’s personnel costs. BCOM's personnel costs would increase by $80,392 overhead surcharge would increase from $139 per hour to $142 per hour.

Move Chapter 2 savings from Central Appropriations to agency budgets

Moves FY 2016 savings included in Item 471 of Chapter 2, 2014 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I, from Central Appropriations to applicable agency budgets. These amounts are not a part of the additional savings assumed in Chapter 3, 2014 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I (HB 5010).

Fund all payer claims database analysis

This amendment provides $25,000 from the general fund in fiscal year 2016 for the Virginia Health Information organization to support the costs of operating the Virginia All Payer Claims Database to facilitate data-driven, evidence-based improvements in access quality and the cost of health care. The database is also intended to promote and improve public health through the understanding of health care claims, pharmacy claims and providers' records, and to increase transparency for other health care services.

Expand services at Free Clinics

This amendment adds $3.1 million the second year from the general fund to provide additional funding to Free Clinics across the Commonwealth to expand services to an estimated 7,500 additional uninsured patients.

Support for vital component of Community Health Centers

This amendment adds $1.0 million from the general fund in the second year to increase support for Community Health Centers, a vital component of the health safety net system. This funding will allow the community health centers to serve more uninsured individuals.

Support Shellfish Sanitation Program

This amendment adds $225,000 from the general fund the second year and three positions to the shellfish sanitation program operated by the Department of Health. The additional positions will allow the agency to assess sources of bacterial contamination in shellfish waters, as well as the development of data in support of conditional management plans to allow for the safe harvest of shellfish from these areas.

Support the Health Wagon

This amendment provides an additional $126,000 from the general fund in fiscal year 2016 for the Health Wagon to address needs of uninsured and under insured patients.

Add TANF support for CHIP of Virginia

This amendment reduces $1.0 million from the general fund and adds $1.0 million the second year from the federal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) block grant for the Comprehensive Health Improvement Program (CHIP) of Virginia. CHIP of Virginia is a statewide network of local public/private partnerships which provides services to low-income, pregnant women, and young children in 27 localities. Services provided through these partnerships have demonstrated improved birth outcomes, child health, school readiness, and parental work capability.

Support efforts for proton beam therapy

This amendment provides an additional $250,000 from the general fund in fiscal year 2016 for the Hampton University Proton Therapy Institute to support efforts for proton beam therapy in the treatment of cancerous tumors with fewer side effects than other therapies.

Support to increase community grants for medication services by the VHCA

This amendment adds $500,000 from the general fund in the second year to the Virginia Health Care Foundation to increase community grants for medication assistance services throughout the Commonwealth. Funding will provide up to 13 additional medication assistance coordinators to help communities obtain greater access to prescription medicine for uninsured and underinsured low-income citizens. In fiscal year 2014, 39 medication assistance coordinators helped 16,450 uninsured Virginians from 67 localities obtain a total of $85.2 million in free medicines.

Fund the cost of requiring criminal background checks for registered and licensed practical nurse applicants

Provides appropriation and a position to support the cost of requiring criminal background checks for registered and licensed practical nurse applicants. The position will support workload increases such as processing of fingerprint cards, receiving reports, following up on information received, and investigating cases related to criminal convictions.

Transfer position to support the human resources shared services center

Transfers one position from the Department of Health Professions (DHP) to the Department of Human Resource Management to support the agency’s inclusion in the human resources shared services center.

Begin licensing pharmacy outsourcing facilities

Provides appropriation and a position to support the cost of requiring criminal background checks for registered and licensed practical nurse applicants. The position will support workload increases such as processing of fingerprint cards, receiving reports, following up on information received, and investigating cases related to criminal convictions.

Move Chapter 2 savings from Central Appropriations to agency budgets

Moves FY 2016 savings included in Item 471 of Chapter 2, 2014 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I, from Central Appropriations to applicable agency budgets. These amounts are not a part of the additional savings assumed in Chapter 3, 2014 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I (HB 5010).

Provide funding for Appomattox County Sesquicentennial Celebration

This amendment provides $100,000 the second year from the general fund to Appomattox County to help support the activities surrounding the Sesquicentennial Celebration of the surrender of Confederate Robert E. Lee to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House National Historic Park.

Provide funding for the Civil War Historic Site Preservation Fund

This amendment provides $1.0 in the second year from the general fund for the Civil War Historic Site Preservation Fund.

Delay implementation of federal rental assistance contract

Removes federal appropriation in the first year related to the administration of the Virginia contract for Project-Based Section 8 Housing Assistance Payments. Due to delays at the federal level, the implementation of the contract has been postponed.

Provide support for the Community Business Launch Program

Establishes funding for the Community Business Launch Program (CBL) to be administered by the department. The program will leverage community-based approaches to entrepreneurship and small business development. CBL is designed to assist communities in taking a systems approach to defining and pursuing an asset-based small business strategy. This funding will allow the department to expand a recently implemented pilot program.

Allocate a portion of community development grant funding for administration

Authorizes the department to utilize up to two percent of general fund appropriation provided for various grant programs within Community Development Services for associated administration expenses.

Provide support for rapid re-housing

Establishes a general fund appropriation to support rapid re-housing efforts. The department is undergoing a systemic shift toward rapid re-housing and permanent supportive housing which has contributed to the decline of homelessness in the Commonwealth.

Provide support for the Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Foundation

Provides $475,000 from the general fund in the second year for support of regional economic development activities of the Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Foundation. The foundation is a state entity created to leverage significant cultural and natural heritage assets of the nineteen counties and four cities within Southwest Virginia for economic development purposes.

Require assessment of the Enterprise Zone Grant Program

Directs, through language, the use of up to $80,000 of the funds provided for the real property improvement grants portion of the Enterprise Zone Grant program to evaluate the effectiveness of the program.

Provide support for the Housing Trust Fund and specify use of rapid rehousing funding

Adds $4.0 million each year for the Virginia Housing Trust Fund and specifies that $500,000 of the $1.0 million provided for rapid rehousing be used to combat veterans' homelessness.

Eliminate the proposed Community Business Launch Program

Removes $1.0 million included in the Introduced Budget Bill for the Community Business Launch Program, an expansion of a pilot project.

Restore funding to the Enterprise Zone Grant Program

Restores funding to the Enterprise Zone Grant Program to the funding levels for the program in fiscal year 2014. A companion amendment to Item 471.10 is included to restore funding of $250,000 from the general fund in the first year and $400,000 from the general fund in the second year. This amendment is language only.

Require the adoption of a process to calculate costs of future local consolidations

Requires the Commission on Local Government to study and adopt a process to calculate additional state funds needed for future local consolidations. The language only amendment reflects several recommendations of the September 2014 Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission's Report on Local Government and School Division Consolidation. There is a companion amendment in Item 136, Direct Aid to Public Education.

Move Chapter 2 savings from Central Appropriations to agency budgets

Moves FY 2016 savings included in Item 471 of Chapter 2, 2014 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I, from Central Appropriations to applicable agency budgets. These amounts are not a part of the additional savings assumed in Chapter 3, 2014 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I (HB 5010).

Fund the statewide training coordinator position

Provides funding for the statewide training coordinator position in the second year. The statewide training coordinator will oversee the training and course delivery provided by the Commonwealth of Virginia Knowledge Center and will be supported by the hosting fee charged to users of the Commonwealth of Virginia Knowledge Center.

Create new service area for the Shared Services Center

Creates a new service area for the Shared Services Center. The human resource service center provides comprehensive on-site human resource services to client agencies that have in-sourced their human resource services.

Prioritize the settlement of workers' compensation claims

Provides a working capital advance of up to $20.0 million to prioritize the settlement of workers' compensation claims. The Department of Human Resource Management shall provide a report on the status of settling claims to the Governor, Director, Department of Planning and Budget, and Chairmen of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees no later than October 30 of each year.

Provide additional staff to support the Shared Services Center

Transfers one full-time position from the Department of Health Professions to the Department of Human Resource Management in the second year. The position provides human resource services support for the Department of Health Professions, which became a client agency of the Shared Services Center in October 2014. The Department of Health Professions has a corresponding amendment to transfer the position to the Department of Human Resource Management.

Correct elimination of general fund support for employee compensation data

Corrects the elimination of funding for the purchase of an online exit survey and statistical software. During Special Session 1, the funding was inadvertently eliminated from Agency Human Resources Services instead of Administrative and Support Services. This action is technical in nature and nets to zero.

Correct fund detail for Employee Dispute Resolution

Corrects the nongeneral fund source to reflect the agency's expenditure levels. This action is technical in nature and nets to zero.

Authorize carry forward of unexpended balances from the Personnel Management Information System migration project

This language amendment authorizes the Department of Human Resource Management to carry forward any balances appropriated in fiscal year 2015 for the migration of the Personnel Management Information System from a Unisys mainframe to a Windows SQL server platform. The Department is expected to execute a contract for the systems migration project in fiscal year 2015.

Realign nongeneral fund appropriation

Aligns the agency’s budget appropriation with parking charges expenditures by transferring a portion of allotment and appropriation from fund 0200 (Special) to fund 0270 (Parking), for which the agency currently has no appropriation.

Allow for a portion of the Department's appropriation be used for the provision of inpatient mental health treatment by private providers

This budget only amendment allocates up to $325,315 each year from existing general funds for the purpose of transferring residents who have been committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice to a private hospital for treatment of the resident's mental condition.

Provide authority to limit overtime hours for consumer-directed attendants

Authorizes the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) to limit overtime hours that may be provided by attendants who are providing care under the consumer-directed service option in the Medicaid waivers. Specifically, the language authorizes: 1) time and a half up to 56 hours for a single attendant who works more than 40 hours per week; 2) require that an Employer of Record (EOR) act on behalf of only one individual except when there is more than one individual in the same household receiving these services; and 3) provide that attendants shall to be employed by only one EOR. Funding for DMAS to comply with this new federal rule is included in the Official Consensus Medicaid forecast for FY 2016.

Fund Medicaid Children's Health Insurance Program utilization and inflation

Adjusts funding for the Commonwealth's Medicaid Children's Health Insurance program. This program applies to children between the ages of 6 through 19 with family income from 100 to 133 percent of the federal poverty level. The slight decrease in funding for FY 2015 and increase in FY 2016 reflect the latest forecast of expenditures for the program.

Adjust Medicaid funding for Piedmont and Catawba Geriatric Hospitals

Decreases the appropriation for Piedmont and Catawba geriatric hospitals to reflect a change in enrollment from hospitals to nursing homes for the purposes of Medicaid reimbursement to comply with federal requirements. In March of 2014, the federal Inspector General for Health and Human Services released a report indicating these two hospitals were not in compliance with federal Medicaid rules. This change reflects the savings from lower Medicaid reimbursement, mainly due to the loss of eligibility for disproportionate share hospital funding. This loss in Medicaid revenue is offset by increased general fund support in the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services budget.

Authorize development of a hospital provider assessment to enhance Medicaid funding to hospitals

Provides authority for the Department of Medical Assistance Services to develop a pilot assessment on hospitals of up to six percent of their revenue. The revenue raised by the state would be used as state match to increase reimbursement to hospitals through the Medicaid program.

Adjust appropriation for the Health Care Fund

Modifies the appropriation for the Health Care Fund to reflect the latest revenue estimates. Tobacco taxes are projected to decline by $7.6 million in FY 2015 and $9.8 million in FY 2016 based on the Department of Taxation's revised forecast. The other change is a downward adjustment in revenue from pharmacy rebates of $15.3 million each fiscal year as the retroactive collection of managed care rebates stabilizes. The FY 2015 revenue loss is offset by the June 30, 2014, cash balance of $74.2 million. Since the fund is used as state match for Medicaid, any change in revenue to the fund impacts general fund support for Medicaid.

Fund medical services for involuntary mental commitments

Increases funding for the cost of hospital and physician services for persons subject to an involuntary mental commitment. The most recent forecast of expenditures projects higher spending than last year's estimate mainly due to the new policy extending the length of temporary detention orders by an additional 24 hours.

Provide health care coverage to the uninsured

Authorizes the expansion of Medicaid on January 1, 2016, to non-elderly adults with incomes up to 133 percent of the federal poverty level. This action would result in 400,000 Virginians gaining health insurance paid for with 100 percent federal funding ($482 million) in FY 2016. In addition, the state would achieve savings as new Medicaid funding would supplant state-supported indigent care costs, mental health services provided by Community Services Boards, and inpatient hospital costs for state correctional inmates. After accounting for the administrative costs to implement, the net savings to the Commonwealth would be about $105 million general fund in FY 2016. This savings would be deposited to a special fund for future Medicaid costs or deposits to the Revenue Stabilization Fund. This coverage expansion would result in reduced indigent care costs for hospitals across the Commonwealth, resulting in improvements to their financial condition, especially for rural hospitals.

Modify funding for state intellectual disability facilities

Adjusts the Medicaid appropriation for reimbursement for state mental health and intellectual disabilities facilities. The adjustments are the result of changes in the forecast of facility discharges. This request reflects the Medicaid portion of the facility transition waivers, the on-going facility closure costs and associated facility savings resulting from compliance with the Department of Justice (DOJ) settlement agreement. The funding estimates include facility transition waiver expenses, severance costs, post closure costs, pre-closure costs, and training center facility and Medicaid savings.

Provide authority for supplemental payments to Department of Health clinics

Provides emergency regulatory authority to allow, beginning in FY 2015, for a supplemental Medicaid payment to Virginia Department of Health (VDH) clinics of $300,000 annually. The state share will be funded by a $150,000 intergovernmental transfer from VDH resulting in net revenue to VDH of $150,000.

Add positions to reflect administrative actions and implement new initiatives

Increases the agency position level by 23. Of these, 19 positions are required for the agency to fill information technology positions that the agency is converting from contractors as part of their approved FY 2015 savings plan. There are no costs associated with the 19 positions because they are funded from the costs of the contracts. In addition, two positions are provided to oversee implementation of new initiatives. Lastly, two positions are recommended to enhance the agency's financial analysis and reporting capabilities.

Fund Family Access to Medical Insurance Security program utilization and inflation

Decreases funding for the program to reflect the latest forecast of expenditures. The main reason for the lower costs in FY 2015 is due to a delay in reinstating coverage for pregnant women through the FAMIS MOMS program. In the 2014 Session, the program was restored and funded by the General Assembly; however, restarting the program and gaining federal approval has taken longer than expected. In addition, managed care rates for the program are expected to be less than previously forecast.

Fund procurement of new Medicaid Management Information System

Provides funding and four staff to begin the procurement phase necessitated by the June 2018 expiration of the current contract for the Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS) system. Virginia is required to maintain a federally-approved MMIS. In 2018 the current system will be 15 years old and will no longer meet newer federal standards. The system costs are eligible for an enhanced federal match rate of 90 percent for professional services and 75 percent for licenses and hardware. The positions will provide the agency with dedicated project staff though the process to avoid diverting current staff from other operational duties.

Transfer funding for ombudsman support to Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services

Transfers general fund from the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) to the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) for support of the ombudsman program. In the 2013 Session, funding was provided to DMAS for the Commonwealth Coordinated Care program (dual eligible demonstration). Of the administrative funding provided, $48,351 was provided to increase ombudsman services at DARS in support of the program. DARS operates the state's ombudsman program so the funding should be transferred to avoid annual administrative transfers. There is an offsetting adjustment at DARS, so this amendment nets to zero.

Fund Medicaid Utilization and Inflation

Decreases funding based on the most recent forecast of Medicaid expenditures. Medicaid expenditures are projected to increase in FY 2015 by 4.6 percent and in FY 2016 by 5.3 percent. Medicaid expenditures in FY 2014 were lower than budgeted. Factors decreasing expenditures as compared to last year's forecast include lower managed care rate increases, smaller hospital supplemental payments, higher savings from behavioral health reforms, and less enrollment than expected from outreach efforts through the federal exchange for health insurance. The revised forecast also includes the Governor's policy changes as part of the "A Healthy Virginia" program. This includes expenditures related to the Governor's Access Program for individuals that have a serious mental illness, an increase in enrollment from outreach efforts for children, providing dental coverage for pregnant women, and funding for behavioral health homes.

Fund on-going costs for the Cover Virginia Central Processing Unit

Provides funding for the continuing costs of the Cover Virginia Central Processing Unit (CoverVa CPU). In July of 2014, the CoverVa call center was upgraded to a CPU for one year, using balances from FY 2014, to clear the federal exchange application backlog. The call center was originally created to comply with federal requirements for allowing telephonic Medicaid applications. However, due to an increase in overall Medicaid applications and the backlog of processing federal exchange applications, it was determined that Virginia needed to support centralized application processing and the CoverVa call center was upgraded to a CPU capable of processing applications through to a final determination. The CoverVa CPU will process eligibility for applications forwarded to Virginia from the Federally Facilitated Marketplace (FFM), all telephonic applications, and all health care coverage-only applications submitted online through the CommonHelp portal.

Fund redesign of Day Support waiver

Provides authority and funding to implement a re-design of the Day Support waiver. This represents the first step in the home and community-based care waivers redesign process to ensure that Virginia meets the demands of its residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The redesign will be phased in over multiple years. The FY 2016 funding will support the cost of converting the Day Support waiver into the "Building Independence" waiver. The redesigned waiver enhances the former Day Support waiver by adding supported employment, integrated day services, shared living, and independent living (the latter to be complemented by non-waiver funded rental assistance). In addition, the waiver would increase from 300 to 500 slots. The next steps in the process involves the redesign of the Intellectual Disability and Developmental Disabilities waivers.

Increase staffing for third party liability recovery activities

Provides five additional staff for the Third Party Liability (TPL) recovery unit. Under state and federal law, the Medicaid program is intended to be the payer of last resort for medical claims for eligible recipients. Early identification of possible TPL cases greatly increases the agency's chances to effectively research and pursue recovery of medical expenses paid. The number and complexity of TPL cases (especially casualty cases) filed have been steadily increasing over several years. This amendment increases the TPL staff from 15 to 20 with the staff costs offset by increased TPL recoveries.

Upgrade agency financial system

Funds the agency's upgrade to a newer and supported version of the Oracle Financial System. This is a vital system for the operation of the state's Medicaid agency and beginning in 2015 without software support the agency will be at much greater risk of system issues that could be disruptive to agency operations, both financially and programmatically. One-time costs include contracts with professional service providers experienced with this upgrade to assist DMAS staff with the implementation, as well as one-time software and hardware costs. On-going costs include annual VITA costs to support hardware an annual licensing costs.

Behavioral Health and Safety Net Services for Seriously Mentally Ill Individuals, Pregnant Women & Children

This amendment adds $14.9 million from the general fund and $16.0 million from nongeneral funds the first year and $104.3 million from the general fund and $119.9 million from nongeneral funds the second year to (i) provide limited medical services, including coverage of prescription medicines, and a robust set of behavioral health services to 21,600 adults with serious mental illness with incomes at or below 60 percent of the federal poverty, (ii) provide comprehensive dental care for an estimated 45,000 pregnant women in the Medicaid and FAMIS MOMS programs, (iii) provide additional funding to enroll an estimated 35,000 additional children in the Medicaid and FAMIS children's health insurance programs, and (iv) extend FAMIS eligibility to children of low-income state employees who would otherwise be eligible for the program. Language is added to specifically authorize these changes to the Medicaid and FAMIS programs. Language requires the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) to amend its demonstration project to modify eligibility criteria set forth in the demonstration project for individuals with serious mental illness and authorizes amendments to the FAMIS MOMS and FAMIS Select demonstration waiver to add comprehensive dental coverage for FAMIS MOMS and extend FAMIS coverage to children of low-income state employees who would otherwise be eligible for the program. Finally, language provides the department with the authority to implement the necessary changes prior to the completion of the regulatory process.

Change Definition for Alzheimer'sWaiver

This amendment modifies the definition of eligibility criteria for the Medicaid Alzheimer's Assisted Living waiver to more broadly define eligible individuals that may be served by the waiver program. Currently, eligibility criteria for the waiver set forth in the Virginia Administrative Code defines those eligible as individuals with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's or a related dementia, however, it does not recognize the similar needs of individuals with other types of dementia. This change would allow the waiver to include individuals with a serious cognitive impairment due to a primary psychiatric diagnosis of dementia, as defined in the Virginia Administrative Code within the Standards for Licensed Assisted Living Facilities.

Hold Harmless Funding for Nursing Facility Payment Methodology Change

This amendment provides funding and adds language to hold harmless any nursing facility which was negatively impacted by the conversion from a cost-based reimbursement methodology to a price-based reimbursement methodology for Medicaid nursing facility payments because the methodology did not account for recent facility improvements to provide high quality care. The transition rates that would be imposed on such facilities are based on a three-year period, which penalizes facilities which have recently improved care and invested significant funds to improve the facility. Language is added to outline criteria to reimburse facilities in such circumstances at the price-based operating rate instead of the transition operating rate effective July 1, 2015.

Adjust Medicaid Forecast for Technical Changes

This amendment captures savings of $21.9 million from the general fund and $21.9 million from matching federal Medicaid funds in the second year contained in the Medicaid forecast for two technical adjustments. The Medicaid forecast assumed that $14.1 million from the general fund and a like amount of nongeneral funds would be spent in fiscal year 2016 to implement a federal Department of Labor (DOL) rule to require the "Employer of Record" to pay overtime for personal care attendants providing home care in the Medicaid waiver programs. The amendment strikes language in the introduced budget implementing this rule, due to a recent federal court decision that struck down these provisions in the DOL rule. The second technical adjustment reduces $7.8 million from the general fund and a like amount of nongeneral funds from Medicaid savings actions taken in Chapter 2, 2014 Special Session I, that should have been adjusted in the second year.

Report on Commonwealth Coordinated Care Program

This amendment adds language directing the Department of Medical Assistance Services to report quarterly on the implementation of the Commonwealth Coordinated Care program, which integrates long-term care services for individuals dually eligible for the Medicare and Medicaid programs. In addition, it requires providers that participate in the Commonwealth Coordinated Care program to have and use a National Provider Identifier (NPI), by July 1, 2015, to participate in the program. The NPI is a national standardized unique identifier for providers that promotes efficiency and effectiveness.

Revise Estimate of Tobacco Taxes in Health Care Fund

This amendment reduces $2.9 million the first year and $5.7 million the second year from the general fund and provides a corresponding increase in the Health Care Fund to reflect a revised estimate of tobacco tax revenues that are deposited to the Health Care Fund. This estimate assumes tobacco tax projections will decline by 1.2 percent each year as compared to a three percent decline estimated in the introduced budget. Since the Health Care Fund is used as state match for the Medicaid program, any change in revenue results in a corresponding offset in general fund support.

Personal and Respite Care Rate Increase

This amendment provides $3.5 million from the general fund and $3.5 million from nongeneral funds the second year to increase the rates for personal care and respite care services by two percent in fiscal year 2016. Currently, the rate for consumer-directed care is $8.86 per hour in the rest of the state and $11.47 per hour in Northern Virginia. For agency-directed, the rate is $12.91 per hour in the rest of the state and $15.20 per hour in Northern Virginia.

Adjust Revenues to Virginia Health Care Fund

This amendment increases the general fund appropriation for Medicaid by $221,568 and reduces a like amount of nongeneral funds the second year, reflecting reduced revenues to the Virginia Health Care Fund (VHCF). Because revenues in the fund are required to be used as the state share of Medicaid, a reduction in revenue results in a need to increase the general fund amount for the program. The reduction in revenue is attributable to the elimination of a proposed $12 per roll fee for tax stamps contained in the introduced budget.

Eliminate ER Payment Reduction for Non-Emergency Claims

This amendment provides funding in the second year and adds language to offset savings assumed in the Department of Medical Assistance Services budget from pending and reducing payment for claims from emergency room physicians who treat Medicaid recipients when a retrospective review determines that the individuals could have received care in an outpatient setting. Emergency room physicians have no choice in treating individuals who present in emergency rooms and must do so as required by federal law. Reduction of payment for certain "non-emergency" Medicaid claims places an unreasonable financial burden on these providers.

Supplemental Managed Care Payments to EVMS

This amendment provides authority for the Department of Medical Assistance Services to increase payments to Medicaid managed care organizations to allow Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) to receive federally funded physician supplemental payments from serving enrollees in the Virginia Medicaid managed care program. The match needed for these funds will come directly from EVMS and there is a companion amendment in Item 243. There would be no cost to the Commonwealth.

Report on Deferred Compensation Plan for Medicaid Dentists

This amendment adds language directing the Department of Medical Assistance Services to report on the implementation of Chapter 196, 2014 Acts of Assembly by July 1, 2015, to make payments or transfers to the Virginia Retirement System's deferred compensation plan for dentists participating in the Medicaid program who are independent contractors.

Supplemental Physician Payments to CHKD

This amendment provides funding for Physician Supplemental Payments for additional support for Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters (CHKD). These payments help cover the cost of caring for thousands of children facing life-threatening illnesses, traumatic injuries and chronic conditions as well as those who need access to routine well-child care regardless of their families' ability to pay for services. These payments also ensure that CHKD's patients have access to every type of pediatric subspecialist, surgeon and pediatrician needed in a highly coordinated, efficient and regionalized system of care in greater Hampton Roads. Furthermore, Physician Supplemental Payments help CHKD address critical workforce development needs as the region's only teaching hospital for pediatrics, for the EVMS pediatric and family medicine residencies, and for every school of nursing within the region. Physician Supplemental Payments currently cover less than a third of CHKD's $13 million physician costs.

Eliminate Authority for Medicaid Expansion

This amendment eliminates language which provides authority for the expansion of the Medicaid program to implement coverage to newly eligible individuals with incomes up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level pursuant to the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). Language is restored which was eliminated in the introduced budget which prohibits funds to be used to expand Medicaid under the ACA unless included in an appropriation bill adopted by the General Assembly on or after July 1, 2014. Also, the amendment restores language eliminated in the introduced bill to require the Department of Medical Assistance Services to provide a report to the Medicaid Innovation and Reform Commission on Medicaid reforms required in the Appropriations Act. Finally, language is eliminated which would have allowed any savings attributable to Medicaid expansion which are deposited into the Virginia Health Reform and Innovation Fund to be used as payments to the Rainy Day Fund to help meet mandatory deposit requirements.

Eliminate New Slots in Proposed Waiver Redesign

This amendment eliminates $1.2 million from the general fund and $1.2 million from nongeneral funds for new waiver slots associated with the proposed redesign of the Medicaid Day Support Waiver. Language is also eliminated authorizing the submission of amendments to the waiver to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Instead, a companion amendment in this item requires the Department of Medical Assistance Services, in collaboration with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, to provide a detailed report on its plans to redesign the Medicaid comprehensive Intellectual and Developmental Disability waivers prior to a submission of a request to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to amend the waivers. The General Assembly's Medicaid reform efforts have been focused on redesigning the comprehensive Intellectual Disability and Developmental Disability waivers to address the needs of the most disabled individuals, including those transitioning from training centers to the community and those at imminent risk of institutional care.

Adjust Medicaid Forecast for Healthy Virginia Initiative

This amendment decreases funding in the Department of Medical Assistance Services based on the recent November 2014 Medicaid forecast. Medicaid expenditures are expected to increase in fiscal year 2015 by 4.6 percent and in fiscal year 2016 by 5.3 percent. Projected expenditures are lower than amounts budgeted during the 2014 Special Session I. This appropriation change was not made in the introduced budget because the funding was allocated to the Governor's Healthy Virginia initiative. A companion amendment provides authority to implement a program to provide behavioral health services and prescription medicine to individuals with serious mental illness with incomes at or below 60 percent of the federal poverty level and to address the health safety net.

Adjust FAMIS forecast for Healthy Virginia spending

This amendment decreases funding in the Department of Medical Assistance Services based on the recent November 2014 FAMIS forecast. Expenditures are expected to decline from amounts budgeted during the 2014 Special Session I due to delays in reinstating coverage for pregnant women through the FAMIS MOMS program and lower than expected managed care rates than were previously forecast. This appropriation change was not made in the introduced budget because the funding was allocated to the Governor's Healthy Virginia initiative. A companion amendment in Item 301 provides specific authority to implement a program to extend comprehensive dental services to pregnant women enrolled in the FAMIS MOMS program and extend FAMIS coverage to children of low-income state employees who otherwise would be eligible.

Increase ID/DD Waiver Rates Based on Rate Study

This amendment provides funding to increase rates for in-home residential services, day services, therapeutic consultation services, congregate residential services, and skilled nursing services effective July 1, 2015. These increases are based on the analysis from the recent rate study of Medicaid waiver rates, which indicates that the rates are inadequate to build the appropriate community capacity to move individuals out of state training centers. The Intellectual Disability, Developmental Disability and Day Support waivers are currently being redesigned and will likely change in fiscal year 2017. The funding in this amendment provides an investment in the new rates to move the Commonwealth forward to a community-based system for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities Language is also added to require the Department of Medical Assistance Services and the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services to report on plans to redesign the Medicaid comprehensive Intellectual and Developmental Disability waivers prior to a submission of a request to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to amend the waivers. The report is required to be submitted by November 1, 2015.

Medicaid Centralized Eligibility Processing

This amendment reduces $1.0 million from the general fund and $3.0 million from nongeneral funds in the second year and adds budget language to specify how much funding was added in the introduced budget to modify the Cover Virginia Call Center into a centralized processing unit (CPU) to make final eligibility determinations for Medicaid applications. In addition, a report is required on the workload and costs of the CPU. The CPU was authorized to provide temporary relief related to the increase in Medicaid applications at local departments of social services and a backlog of applications from the Federally Facilitated Marketplace. With the second year of enrollment through the federal exchange wrapping up, it is expected that the volume of cases should begin to even out, requiring less funding to handle the cases expected in fiscal year 2016.

Preadmission Screening for Medicaid Children's LTC Services

This amendment adds $200,000 from the general fund and $600,000 from federal matching Medicaid funds in the second year for the Department of Medical Assistance Services to implement a contract for preadmission screening for children in need of long-term care services to ensure screenings are completed within statutory required timeframes. Language also requires the agency to track and monitor all requests for screenings and report on those not completed within statutory timeframes. The department is required to report on the timeliness of such screenings as well as the implementation of the contract for children's preadmission screenings prior to the 2016 Session. Finally, language is added to provide the agency with emergency regulatory authority to implement the contract in fiscal year 2016 prior to the completion of the regulatory process.

Amend MCO Contracts-Conform to Legislation for Prior Authorization

This amendment adds language directing the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) to conform its managed care contracts to the provisions in House Bill 1942/Senate Bill 1262, which simplifies, streamlines and applies consistency to the prior authorization process used for drug benefits that is required by carriers in health insurance provider contracts. Language requires DMAS to report on such changes by December 1, 2015.

Eliminate Provider Assessment Pilot Program

This amendment eliminates language requiring a pilot program to implement a hospital provider assessment to adjust Medicaid hospital rates. A companion amendment in Item 278 requires the Secretary of Health and Human Resources to conduct an analysis and develop a plan with options on a hospital provider assessment program and supplemental payments for consideration by the General Assembly in the 2016 Session.

Correct misidentification of fund type

Corrects the fund type of the approved appropriation for the Department of Military Affairs' Morale, Welfare, and Recreation program that was inadvertently identified as federal funds instead of special funds.

Exchange Land with the City of Christiansburg

Authorizes an exchange of land between the Department of Military Affairs and the Town of Christiansburg. While the Christiansburg Readiness Center site includes adequate acreage to accommodate a new parking area, some of the acreage is being used as a playground and recreational area by the Town of Christiansburg. The Town of Christiansburg has expressed willingness to give up a parcel of town property adjacent to the Readiness Center in exchange for the recreational area.

Construct Bowling Green field maintenance shop

Provides federal appropriation to support the construction of a specially designed National Guard vehicle maintenance shop. This maintenance facility is to be constructed on federal land and all costs associated with the design and construction of the facility is supported with federal funding.

Reclaim nongeneral fund interest to support public safety and environmental protection efforts

Allows the agency to retain interest generated by the funds in the Minerals Reclamation Fund. These funds are deposited to the Minerals Other Than Coal Abandoned Land Reclamation Fund and are used to reclaim abandoned mined lands which present public safety risks and environmental hazards.

Modify Oil Overcharge Fund language

Modifies reporting language located in Item 469 in Central Appropriations, as all Oil Overcharge funds awarded to the Commonwealth have been spent. Amends the language to require a report in fiscal years in which activity occurs in the Fund.

Move Chapter 2 savings from Central Appropriations to agency budgets

Moves FY 2016 savings included in Item 471 of Chapter 2, 2014 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I, from Central Appropriations to applicable agency budgets. These amounts are not a part of the additional savings assumed in Chapter 3, 2014 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I (HB 5010).

Fund increased support costs for hauling permits

Provides appropriation to address increased costs for hauling permit bridge support provided by the Virginia Department of Transportation.

Fund increased costs for facility lease renewals

Provides appropriation for rent increases for existing customer service centers, relocations, and new commercial driver's license testing sites. Lease agreements generally include inflation-based adjustments over the term of the contract.

Increase appropriation to reflect legislative changes to fringe benefits

Provides appropriation for the fringe benefit changes authorized by the 2014 Session of the General Assembly.

Fund increased costs for mainframe services

Provides appropriation to address the change in the Virginia Information Technology Authority rates for mainframe services.

Replace Williamsburg Customer Service Center

Provides appropriation for replacement of the existing leased Williamsburg customer service center with a new agency-owned facility.

Provide funding to address costs associated with regulation of Transportation Network Companies

Supports the implementation of regulation of Transportation Network Companies in Virginia.

Remove cap on compensation to DMV Select Agents - language

Removes the cap on compensation to DMV Select Agents for collection of lawfully levied motor vehicle taxes and fees.

Align budget with revenue estimates

Increases appropriation to reflect increased revenue primarily from federal funding.

Analyze opportunities for providing paratransit services through private operators - language

Directs the Department of Rail and Public Transportation to analyze potential opportunities for providing paratransit services through private operators and contractors.

Require WMATA to submit quarterly reports - language

Requires WMATA to submit quarterly reports detailing its actions to address and remedy the finding in the FTA Full Scope of System Review and to submit its FY 2014 audit to the Chairs of the Transportation and Money Committees.

Transfer additional position for Virginia Jobs Investment Program to the Virginia Economic Development Partnership

Removes one position and the associated funding from the department's budget to transfer to the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) to support the administration of the Virginia Jobs Investment Program. The 2014 General Assembly enacted legislation transferring the program to VEDP.

Amend language related to the Insurance or Guarantee Fund

Alters the language requirements for the Insurance or Guarantee Fund so that the Virginia Small Business Financing Authority may issue $15.0 million in loans.

Move Chapter 2 savings from Central Appropriations to agency budgets

Moves FY 2016 savings included in Item 471 of Chapter 2, 2014 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I, from Central Appropriations to applicable agency budgets. These amounts are not a part of the additional savings assumed in Chapter 3, 2014 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I (HB 5010).

Require the inclusion of employment service organizations in procurement development programs

Requires the Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity to comply with existing statutory provisions and legislative intent by requiring that employment services organizations shall be included in SWAM procurement programs and supplier diversification strategies. This amendment is language only.

Fund proposed legislation that increases child care regulation

Adds licensing and inspection staff to handle the anticipated increase in workload associated with new child care providers seeking licensure or registration.

Appropriate federal share of salary increase

Provides appropriation associated with the federal share of the recent salary increase for state and local department of social services employees. This technical adjustment provides the necessary appropriation to avoid the need for future administrative adjustments.

Adjust Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) budget for mandated spending

Updates appropriation to properly account for the anticipated cost of providing mandated TANF benefits. Benefits include cash assistance payments, employment services and child care. The amendment also budgets the anticipated cost of administering the program that will be borne by local departments of social services and provides for a three percent caseload reserve.

Fund additional local eligibility workers

Increases support for local eligibility staff by three percent to address the demands of increasing benefit programs caseloads. A three percent increase is the equivalent of 93 local eligibility workers who perform eligibility determination and case management services for the benefit programs at local departments of social services.

Reappropriate federal share of eligibility system modernization costs

Provides federal appropriation that is needed to continue the modernization and development of enterprise eligibility determination systems. This federal funding was originally appropriated in FY 2014 (Chapter 806) to pay the 90 percent federal share of systems costs. However, the agency was required to modify the system's implementation schedule which ultimately impacted billing. Anticipated costs associated with this appropriation, along with $4.6 million general fund, was delayed from FY 2014 and are expected to be paid out in FY 2015. In addition, based on the revised schedule, this amendment provides $5.5 million of federal appropriation to cover anticipated in FY 2016 expenses.

Add positions to achieve approved administrative savings

Accounts for the conversion of contract positions to classified state workers. The Governor’s FY 2015 Savings Plan assumed savings ($250,000 in FY 2015 and $524,800 FY 2016) for DSS related to the conversion of these 24 contractors. This amendment increases the agency’s maximum employment level in order to hire the staff necessary to achieve the required savings.

Offset decreased child support enforcement operating revenue

Provides general fund support to avoid significant reductions to child support collection efforts. As Virginia’s Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) caseload continues to decline, so too is the amount of child support collected by the Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE). This reduction in revenue has a direct impact on DCSE operations as a portion can be retained and used to draw federal matching dollars ($2 federal for every $1 state).

Fund federally required information security modifications

Implements information security changes required by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) based on recent audit findings regarding the department’s security of federal data. IRS data is essential to the operation of numerous agency programs. Failure to remedy the audit deficiencies will result in the agency not being allowed to utilize IRS data, thereby adversely impacting the operation and administration of these programs.

Appropriate federal funds to account for child care rate increase

Provides federal appropriation to cover the estimated cost of a recent increase in reimbursement rates for level two child care providers (effective September 1, 2014). This technical adjustment provides the necessary appropriation to avoid the need for future administrative adjustments.

Fund revised estimates for extending foster care and adoption payments to age 21

Provides additional funding to implement federal legislation that would extend foster care and adoption payments to age 21. Specifically, funds are needed to serve a larger population than originally anticipated and support enhanced visitation requirements. A companion amendment in the Comprehensive Services Act captures savings that will accrue due to more cases being eligible for federal Title IV-E support.

Fiscal Impact of Child Day Care Legislation

This amendment reduces $2.7 million from the general fund and increases $17.2 million from the federal Child Care and Development Fund the second year and adds 79 positions to fund the fiscal impact of House Bill 1570/Senate Bill 1168, a comprehensive revision to Virginia's child day care regulatory program. Language is added to ensure that additional funding is not expended and positions are not filled until there is a demonstrated need based on the licensure, inspection and monitoring activity to implement the provisions of the legislation. Language also requires the agency to work with localities that currently inspect child care centers and family day homes to minimize duplication and overlap of inspections.

Children's Advocacy Centers Allocation

This amendment alters the funding methodology used to distribute funds to Child Advocacy Centers (CACs) which has become outdated due to a substantial growth in CACs and a shift in the number of CACs from associate membership to accredited membership. The change anticipates continued growth of satellite centers which are not supported by the current formula. The revised formula (i) provides incentives for National Children's Advocacy Accreditation; (ii) eliminates competition between centers; (iii) eliminates subjective criteria; and (iv) provides for equitable distribution.

Zion Innovative Opportunities Network

This amendment provides $25,000 the second year from the federal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families block grant funds to the Zion Innovative Opportunities Network to operate a job development program for at-risk youth.

Eliminate New Initiative to Expand Foster Care and Adoption Assistance

This amendment eliminates $10.6 million from the general fund and $10.1 million from nongeneral funds the second year for the Department of Social Services to expand foster care and adoption assistance to children between the ages of 19 and 21 that was contained in the introduced budget. Companion amendments in Item 334 eliminate language implementing this new initiative and restore funding in Item 289 to the Comprehensive Services Act program which was reduced in the introduced budget as part of this initiative. Language directs the Commissioner of the Department of Social Services to report on efforts to increase adoptions of children from foster care and efforts to help children transition from foster care to independence.

Capture Balance in Auxiliary Grant Program

This amendment captures $400,000 in balances from the general fund in fiscal year 2015 which reflects a projected balance in the auxiliary grants program.

Eliminate New Initiative to Expand Foster Care

This amendment eliminates language for the Department of Social Services to implement a new initiative to expand foster care and adoption assistance to children between the ages of 19 and 21 that was contained in the introduced budget. Companion amendments in Item 339 eliminate funding to implement this expansion in fiscal year 2016 and restore funding in Item 289 to the Comprehensive Services Act program which was reduced in the introduced budget as part of this initiative.

TANF for Community Action Agencies

This amendment provides $1.0 million from the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant the second year for Community Action Agencies to expand services for child care, community and economic development, education, employment, training, health and nutrition counseling, housing and transportation.

Restore Northern Virginia Family Services Language

This amendment restores the budget language providing $200,000 a year for Northern Virginia Family Services used to assist families in crisis. The funding to restore the reduction in the introduced budget is reflected in a companion amendment in Item 471.10.

Restore Youth for Tomorrow Language

This amendment restores the budget language providing $100,000 a year for Youth for Tomorrow. This organization provides residential, education and counseling services to at-risk youth who have been sexually exploited. The funding to restore the reduction in the introduced budget is reflected in a companion amendment in Item 471.10.

Increase TANF Payments 2.5 percent

This amendment provides a 2.5 percent increase on January 1, 2016 for payments to individuals receiving cash assistance through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. The last increase for TANF benefits was in 2000 and the previous increase before that was in 1985.

Local Eligibility Workers

This amendment removes funding of $2.1 million from the general fund and $3.9 million from nongeneral funds the first year to delay the hiring of approximately 93 local eligibility workers at local departments of social services. The second year amount moves a portion of the first year savings amount ($141,647 from the general fund and $264,088 nongeneral fund) to the second year for the one-time costs of new staff.

Provide position for administrative support of background checks on firearms transactions

Funds one position to provide additional administrative support of background checks for the purchase or transfer of firearms at firearms shows.

Increase appropriation for the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) nongeneral fund

Modifies budget language by removing the cap on the estimated dollar amount of the fees deposited in the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) fund. It also increases appropriation for the State Police’s ICAC fund based on the increases of court costs from $10 to $15 approved during the 2014 Session of the General Assembly.

Fund position for support of firearm rights restoration transactions

This amendment provides $100,000 and one position from the general fund the second year to the Department pursuant to House Bill 1666 of the 2015 General Assembly that creates a pathway for nonresidents prohibited from possessing a firearm to petition the court in which their conviction occurred for the restoration of their firearm rights.

Fund a search and rescue coordinator position

This amendment provides $180,000 and one position the second year from the general fund for a First Sergeant to serve as the agency's search and rescue coordinator. This amount includes one-time start-up costs including a vehicle and equipment. This is a recommendation of the Virginia State Crime Commission.

Direct the Department to provide training to local law enforcement on the registration of sex offenders

This language only amendment directs the Department of State Police to provide training to local law enforcement agencies regarding the registration of sex offenders as required by the Code of Virginia, and directs the Superintendent of State Police to notify the Compensation Board and the Department of Criminal Justice Services when local law enforcement agencies are out of compliance with the Code of Virginia requirements.

Eliminates funding for a proposed administrative support position

This amendment eliminates $100,000 and one position the second year from the general fund, which was included in the introduced budget for legislation requiring background checks related to the purchase or transfer of firearms at gun shows. The funding was eliminated due to the legislation not being adopted.

Fund the Med-Flight program in Central Virginia

This amendment provides $400,000 the second year from the general fund to support the Med-Flight program in Central Virginia. The funding is to be provided to the County of Chesterfield for use the paramedics assigned to the Department of State Police for aviation (Med-Flight) operations and for related Med-Flight expenses.

Fund a Supplement to the Sex Offenders and Crimes Against Minors Registry

This amendment provides $23,040 the second year from the general fund to establish a supplement to the Sex Offenders and Crimes Against Minors Registry that would include information on persons convicted of certain sexual offenses on or after July 1, 1980, and before July 1, 1994, who are not currently on the registry. The supplement will be available to the public on the State Police's website.

Direct the Department to review the current configuration of area offices statewide

This language only amendment directs the Department of State Police to review the current configuration of area offices statewide.

Move Chapter 2 savings from Central Appropriations to agency budgets

Moves FY 2016 savings included in Item 471 of Chapter 2, 2014 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I, from Central Appropriations to applicable agency budgets. These amounts are not a part of the additional savings assumed in Chapter 3, 2014 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I (HB 5010).

Establish new service area for general legal and technical services

Creates a new service area, Legal and Technical Services, to reflect the agency's new Office of General Legal and Technical Services within its organizational structure.

Implement U.S. Treasury Vendor Offset Program

Provides appropriation and language authorizing the recovery of the Department of Taxation's costs to implement the U.S. Treasury Vendor Offset Reciprocal Program (TOPS), which offsets U.S. Treasury vendor payments against Commonwealth debts and vice versa. Program costs include modifications to the Department of Taxation's automated systems as well as other ongoing administrative expenses.

Adjust language for filing local estimated tax returns

Makes a technical correction to meet the intent of Item 270 P of Chapter 2, 2014 Special Session I Acts of Assembly. The language allows taxpayers to file estimated income tax returns directly with the Department of Taxation instead of local commissioners of the revenue and requires electronic transmission of any estimated income tax returns filed with local commissioners to the department.

Increase enforcement of Retail Sales and Use Tax dealer exemptions

Reflects additional general fund revenue from increased validation and enforcement of Retail Sales and Use Tax dealer exemptions.

Require pass-through entity electronic filing

Provides language requiring electronic filing of tax returns for pass-through entities.

Transfer positions for administration of court debt

Transfers positions within the agency to reflect current staffing levels and adjusts the position level within the Court Debts Collection Program.

Require electronic filing for homeowner associations

Eliminates language exempting homeowner associations from electronic filing requirements. Homeowner associations will be required to electronically file income tax returns with the new availability of a free electronic filing system developed by the Department of Taxation. Associations will be able to apply for a waiver if electronic filing presents an unreasonable burden.

Eliminate Tax Stamp Fee

This amendment eliminates the proposed authorization for the Department of Taxation to charge an administrative fee on cigarette revenue stamps.

Tax Department Report

This amendment requires a quarterly report on the amount of state sales and use tax that is remitted to certain public facilities and local tourism projects to assist with debt financing.

Increase appropriation to accommodate fringe benefit rate increases

Adjusts appropriation to pay for the nongeneral fund portion of retirement rate and health insurance premium increases that became effective July 1, 2014.

Transfer fund source for two full-time positions

Transfers funding for two full-time positions from general fund to a nongeneral fund source of revenue.

Complete the Unclaimed Property system web migration

Provides appropriation for contractor support to complete the Unclaimed Property system web migration project. This support will provide for more rigorous testing prior to implementation.

Provide funding to issue paper checks for income tax refunds

This amendment provides $264,000 from the general fund each year to fund the impact of House Bill 1286/Senate Bill 701, which requires the state to provide citizens the option of receiving their income tax refund by paper check. A companion amendment in central appropriations deletes language that prohibits paper checks. A companion amendment in central appropriations deletes language requiring the Tax Department to issue refunds through direct deposits or debit cards.

Provide relief to Jonathan Christopher Montgomery

This amendment provides $175,440 the second year from the general fund for payment of the claim to Jonathan Christopher Montgomery, pursuant to Senate Bill 843 of the 2015 General Assembly.

Provide appropriation of prior year balances

Adds nongeneral fund appropriation to account for estimated fiscal year 2015 year-end balances in the Highway System Acquisition and Construction Program that will likely be spent in fiscal year 2016.

Adjust appropriation to reflect financial plan

Adjusts appropriation amounts to conform to the final program amounts in the 2015-2020 transportation six-year financial plan, as approved by the Commonwealth Transportation Board in November 2014.

Adjust appropriation for new revenue estimate and program adjustments

Adjusts downward the nongeneral fund appropriation for the Virginia Department of Transportation's (VDOT) programs in line with the available revenues projected in the November 2014 revenue forecast. To minimize the impact of lower than previously anticipated revenues on the agency's maintenance and road construction programs, included in these adjustments is a seven percent reduction to VDOT's administrative programs. The agency will focus on reducing its nonpersonal services to account for these administrative reductions.

Create seamless transitions and employment opportunities for veterans through V3 and VTAP

Provides funding to allow the Department of Veterans Services (DVS) to continue to support the hiring of veterans by Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program companies. Funding is also included for the Virginia Transition Assistance Program (VTAP), which supports the transition of veterans from military service to civilian education, training, or employment in the Virginia workforce. Also includes nongeneral fund appropriation to support donations received toward V3 and VTAP activities.

Create new service area and establish appropriations for the Virginia Values Veterans and the Virginia Transition Assistance Program

Creates a new service area and establishes appropriations for the Virginia Values Veterans (V3) and the Virginia Transition Assistance Program (VTAP). Also included is the conversion of federal appropriation to Foundation Fund appropriation.

Ensure continued access to post-secondary education and training for veterans and families

Provides general fund support and one position to conduct eligibility and certification for the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP). Also provided is nongeneral fund support for the Veterans Education, Training, and Employment (VETE) section to continue the post-secondary education and training program for veterans and family members under the federal G.I. Bill program and the state VMSDEP program.

Provide support for local positions aiding homeless veterans

Provides support for three local Housing Resource Specialists (HRS) positions for the Virginia Wounded Warrior Program (VWWP) regions in Northern Virginia, Southwest Virginia, and Greater Hampton Roads. These positions provide assistance to veterans with overall affordable and accessible housing needs to include those coping with mental and/or physical disabilities and elderly veterans.

Increase number of burial sites at Suffolk veterans' cemetery

Authorizes a Treasury loan for the construction of additional cremated burial sites and associated landscaping and infrastructure at the Suffolk veterans' cemetery, upon the confirmation of the availability of federal grant funding for the project.

Improve outcomes for veterans and families

Provides funding to allow the Department of Veterans Services (DVS) benefit field offices to serve veterans who seek assistance with obtaining U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) benefits for healthcare and other services. Includes funding to fill five vacant positions in order to close critical service gaps by hiring three claims agents (McGuire and Salem VA Medical Centers, Norfolk) and two administrators (Fairfax and Roanoke). Includes funding for career development programs for claims agents and administrators; increased operating costs; IT services upgrade at DVS field offices; and the conversion of 13 administrative positions at field offices to claims agent positions to improve access to services for veterans and their families. Also includes funding to hire two additional claims agents (Christiansburg and Fredericksburg) and four administrative positions (Hampton VA Medical Center, Henrico, Christiansburg, and Fredericksburg); and to open and operate two new field offices (Christiansburg and Fredericksburg). Also authorized are two positions (a claims agent and an administrator) for a potential partnership/funding through local government(s).

Establish new grant program to provide incentives for Virginia businesses to hire military veterans

This amendment provides funding to establish a new grant program to provide incentives for Virginia businesses to hire military veterans. The program would provide grants of up to $1,000 per qualifying Virginia business for each veteran it hires, up to a maximum annual grant of $10,000 per business per fiscal year.

Move language from Item 461 to Item 459

This is a technical amendment which moves language from Item 461 to Item 459. A companion amendment deletes the language from Item 461.

Provide positions and funding to operate and maintain the Virginia War Memorial addition

This amendment provides $107,333 from the general fund and two positions the second year to support the operation and maintenance of the Virginia War Memorial. The $107,333 represents partial year funding for the two positions, based on the expected opening date for the new addition to the Virginia War Memorial.

Eliminate outdated language and language moved to Item 459

This is a technical amendment which eliminates language in paragraphs A. and B., which is then moved to Item 459 through a companion amendment. This amendment also eliminates outdated language in paragraphs C. through G.

Appropriate additional Literary Fund proceeds for teacher retirement

Provides additional proceeds from the Literary Fund to fund teacher retirement costs.

Adjust sales tax distribution for public education

Adjusts funding for local school divisions based on the latest sales tax projections provided by the Department of Taxation. The amounts represent the net change in state funding, as required by the Basic Aid formula.

Replace revenue decline in driver education funds

Replaces a decline in revenue from driver's license renewal fees with general fund support due to the extension of the validity of a license to eight years. A portion of the fee to renew driver's licenses supports the cost of driver education programs.

Update annual school-age population count

Updates funding for the Standards of Quality accounts in 2016 based on the latest yearly estimate of school-age population provided by the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia.

Appropriate additional Literary Fund proceeds

Transfers revenues from additional Literary Fund proceeds from a reversion account to the appropriate program.

Update cost of incentive accounts

Adjusts funding for certain educational programs exceeding the foundation of the Standards of Quality. These programs are designed to address educational needs of specific targeted student populations. Funding for these programs is primarily formula-driven and subject to changes in fall membership, participation rates, and test scores.

Capture teacher retirement fund savings

Captures teacher retirement fund savings generated by the application of lower teacher retirement fund rates following the one-time transfer of $150 million in Literary Fund proceeds to the outstanding ten-year deferred contribution balance of $506.1 million. The remaining balance is then re-amortized over the remaining six-year amortization period to produce the savings amount.

Increase Virginia Preschool Initiative participation

Authorizes the transfer of allocated Preschool slots that have not been used by school divisions to other divisions that have fully utilized their state allocated slots. The additional slots will allow divisions with full participation to offer preschool programs to children on waiting lists.

Provide School Breakfast Program incentive funding

Provides funding to school divisions for innovative methods of serving breakfasts to unserved or underserved children.

Update Lottery proceeds for public education

Adjusts funding to reflect the amount of Lottery proceeds available for appropriation. The adjustment includes additional revenue of $4.5 million in FY 2015 and $21.7 million in FY 2016. The FY 2015 adjustment also includes $3.0 million in Lottery fund balances remaining at the end of FY 2014.

Update costs for Lottery accounts

Adjusts funding for Lottery funded programs based on actual participation in FY 2015 and updated projections for FY 2016.

Appropriate additional Lottery revenues

Distributes funding from the reversion account created in HB5010 to Direct Aid to Public Education by replacing general fund spending with additional revenues in the Lottery Proceeds Fund.

Update costs of categorical programs

Updates the costs of current programs with the required data revisions. Categorical funding supports educational programs such as special education, adult education, Virtual Virginia, the school lunch program, adult literacy, and the American Indian Treaty Commitment, that exceed the foundation of the Standards of Quality. State or federal statutes or regulations mandate most categorical programs.

Correct Literary Fund appropriation

Corrects the amount of Literary Fund supporting teacher retirement costs based on actions taken during the 2014 General Assembly Session.

Update costs of the Standards of Quality (SOQ)

Provides for the update of Standards of Quality accounts based on fall membership, average daily membership, and other technical adjustments. These updates do not reflect changes in policy but adjust the cost of continuing current programs with the required data revisions.

Create High School Innovation Grants

This amendment provides $250,000 the second year from the general fund to support five grants of up to $50,000 each for planning for High School Program Innovation.

Make Technical Adjustment for Linwood Holton Governor's School

This technical amendment provides $38,437 the first year from the general fund to the Linwood Holton Governor's School to reflect the increase in student enrollment for the 2015 spring semester. The introduced budget included funding for 180 students, however, the spring enrollment is now estimated to be 215 students.

Reflect Allocation for VPI+ Model Federal Grant

This amendment reflects the funding for year one of a four-year award from the federal preschool expansion grant, January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2018. The VPI+ model includes research-tested professional development and curriculum, community partnerships, and comprehensive services and pathways to fully engage parents and families. Participating localities, selected based on unmet need/unused slots, not meeting the kindergarten literacy assessment benchmark, and poverty concentration include: Brunswick, Chesterfield, Fairfax, Giles, Henrico, Norfolk, Petersburg, Prince William, Richmond, Sussex, and Winchester. By the end of the grant period, over 3,100 four year-olds at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty line will be served. There is a companion amendment in DOE Central Office for the remainder of the funds.

Fund Virginia STEAM Academy

This amendment provides $100,000 the second year from the general fund for summer enrichment academies and continued development of the Virginia STEAM Academy. State resources will be used to leverage private sector investment to meet the full cost of deliverables.

Create School Efficiency Model

This amendment directs the Department of Planning and Budget to develop a matrix of best practices and common recommendations previously reported in School Efficiency Reviews such that school divisions may use the model as a guideline for self-directed improvements toward better financial management and use of school division resources.

Provide Clarification for Adjustments in Federal Grants

This language amendment shows that it is the intent of the General Assembly that in any fiscal year when revenues received or budgeted by the Commonwealth, applicable to any public education program, which were derived from a federally funded grant or program and subsequently realize a decrease in such funding levels, that the Commonwealth will not supplant any of the decreased federal funding received or budgeted with any general fund revenues from the Commonwealth.

Provide Additional Literary Funds to Teacher Retirement

This amendment provides $25.0 million in the second year from additional Literary Fund revenues from the sale of old unclaimed stocks for teacher retirement costs.

Provide Flexibility for Teach For America Funding

This language amendment directs any remaining annual balance to be carried over to the next fiscal year for this program.

Conduct DOE Survey on VPSA Technology Leases

This amendment directs the Department of Education to assess, via a survey, the extent of local interest in using the education technology grants for lease expenditures if allowable sources of funding were available for such expenditures. Currently, state VPSA technology grants per division and school are funded with five-year tax-exempt notes, which may not be in turn used for lease expenditures.

Clarify PreK Eligibility

This language amendment better aligns the Virginia Preschool Initiative program's participation eligibility with the program's funding formula.

Revise Sales Tax Revenue Estimated Forecast

This amendment provides a net increase of $3.2 million the first year and $5.7 million the second year from the general fund to reflect the revised sales tax revenue forecast. The sales tax dedicated to public education is projected to increase by $7.4 million in fiscal year 2015 and $12.9 million in fiscal year 2016, and the SOQ Basic Aid offset equals $4.2 million and $7.2 million, respectively.

Extend Timeframe for Year-round Grant Spending

This amendment provides $4.8 million the second year from the general fund to increase the state's allocation from $2.4 million to $7.2 million in funding for a targeted extended school year incentive. Funding is based on start-up grants of up to $300,000 per school up to a total of three years. The grant award may be up to $400,000 in the case of schools that are in a Denied Accreditation status. Except for any school that has a Denied Accreditation status, all other participating schools shall be required to provide a 20% local funding match. After the third consecutive year of successful participation, an eligible school's grant amount shall be based on a shared split of the grant between the state and participating school division's local composite index. All participating schools shall be required to submit an evaluation assessment report of the planning and progress of the extended year or year round model implemented no later than August 1 each year to the Department of Education (DOE). The DOE is directed to develop the appropriate and effective evaluation matrix for school divisions to use. In addition, the DOE is directed to also submit the evaluation reports from the participating school divisions to the Chairmen of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees no later than October 1 each year. To date, at least 31 schools in 13 divisions either have extended year programs, have been awarded planning grants or start-up grants, or have expressed interest in such programs.

Capture Reduced VRS Rate for Teacher Group

This amendment captures $2.8 million the second year from the general fund from the application of lower teacher retirement fund rates following the one-time transfer of $42.9 million in Literary Fund proceeds to the outstanding ten-year deferred contribution balance of $356.1 million. The remaining balance of $313.2 million is then reamortized over the remaining six-year amortization period to produce the savings amount. The VRS teacher rate was recalculated based on the lowered deferred contribution amount and reflects a change from 14.50 percent to 14.06 percent for FY 2016.

Consolidate Breakfast Programs

This language amendment provides flexibility to school divisions such that they can participate in a new pilot 'Breakfast After the Bell' model for their elementary schools where student eligibility for free or reduced lunch is greater than 45.0 percent; or the schools have the option to continue to expand the existing traditional school breakfast program to receive additional reimbursement for meals to all grade level students. Schools participating in the pilot shall evaluate and submit a report on the impact, including certain itemized components. DOE shall compile the aggregated results and submit to the Governor and the Chairmen of the Senate Finance and House Appropriations Committees.

Increase funding to Southside Virginia Regional Technology Consortium

This amendment adds $50,000 the second year from the general fund to increase the allocation from $58,905 to $108,905 for the Southside Virginia Regional Technology Consortium to expand the research and development phase of improving the technology linkage in that region of the state.

Redirect Interest Rate Subsidy Grants to VRS

This amendment re-purposes the $25.0 million in the second year from Interest Rate Subsidy grants to reflect $19.2 million for teacher retirement costs and $2.9 million for additional school construction loans and $2.9 million to pay down a portion of the remaining outstanding balance of the deferred contribution of the unfunded liability for teacher retirement. The $2.9 million adjustment for the deferred contribution is reflected in a companion amendment in this item.

Expand device eligibility for VPSA education technology

This language amendment expands the type of equipment that school divisions can purchase with their supplemental educational technology funds from just "tablets" to any "laptops and tablets".

Fund Regional Northern Neck Technical Center

This amendment allocates $60,300 the second year from the general fund to provide funding to the Northern Neck Technical Center (NNTC). The NNTC provides students opportunities to: 1) gain work experience in business and industry; 2) participate in programs that combine academic and technical content, using a hands-on approach that makes learning relevant to the job market; 3) develop academic, computer, technical, leadership, and workplace readiness skills; 4) earn college credit through dual-enrollment courses with two- and four-year colleges and universities that will enable them to earn a degree in a shorter period of time; and 5) earn nationally recognized industry certifications and licensures that will connect them to high-tech, high-paying careers.

Amend Local Govt. and School Consolidation Process

This amendment reflects a recommendation of the September 2014 Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission's Report on Local Government and School Division Consolidation to eliminate current references to additional state funding for future consolidations based on the local composite index, pending additional analysis. The amendment does not change the current funding status of previous consolidations. The report found that the current approach has minimal analytical basis or link to costs, benefits, or complexity. There is a companion amendment in Item 107, Department of Housing and Community Development, Commission on Local Government under the Governmental Affairs Services.

Provide Incentive Pay Increase for Teacher and Support Positions

This amendment provides $52.8 million the second year from the general fund for instructional and support positions the state's share of a 1.5 percent salary increase for funded SOQ instructional and support positions and for a 1.5% salary incentive for the Academic Year Governor's Schools instructional and support positions. Although state funding is calculated based on 1.5 percent with an effective date of August 16, 2015, the local required match is based on a average of 1.5 percent with an effective date of no later than January 1, 2016, and divisions must certify that a minimum 1.5 percent increase will be provided to employees by this date. The amendment specifies that in meeting the salary increases to be eligible for this incentive funding, school divisions may not include any increases that were provided in fiscal year 2016 to offset the cost of required member contributions to the VRS. Furthermore, this allocation is contingent on the state revenue forecast performance pursuant to the provisions set out in Item 467.O.1.

Reduce funding to Project Discovery

This amendment saves $275,000 in the second year from the general fund by funding Project Discovery at the fiscal year 2014 budget amount.

Allow PreK Balances for Start-up Grants

This language amendment requires DOE to offer any unobligated balances for one-time grants, with priority to proposals to expand the use of partnerships with either nonprofit or for-profit providers, as is currently allowed but limited in actual use. This is in lieu of new provisions proposed in the introduced budget authorizing unused but appropriated funds for the Virginia Preschool Initiative for at-risk four-year-olds to school divisions that have used 100 percent of their state allocated slots and also have waiting lists beginning the second year (instead of sweeping end-of-year balances that may exist even after assumed nonparticipation). Under the introduced budget, the number of slots allocated would have been determined using the balance of the number of slots estimated to calculate the fiscal year 2016 appropriation and the number of actual slots to be used for fiscal year 2016 as reported on the May 15th Pre-K grant proposals submitted by school divisions. Current budget language authorizes DOE to expend unobligated balances for grants to qualifying school divisions for one-time expenses, other than capital, related to start-up or expansion of programs.

Expand Virtual Virginia

This amendment provides $250,000 the second year from the general fund to support the Virtual Virginia program. The funding will be directed toward the Department of Education hiring additional teachers as well as providing additional seats for student enrollment. The Virtual Virginia program offers pre-Advanced Placement (AP), honors and AP classes as well as academic electives and world languages. The program is designed to meet the needs of students who otherwise would not be able to take these courses due to a lack of availability or scheduling conflicts within their school. Eligible students enroll in Virtual Virginia through their local schools.

Update Kindergarten Enrollment Used in PreK

This amendment captures $2.9 million the second year from the general fund as a result of updating the projected fiscal year 2016 kindergarten enrollment used in the Virginia Preschool Initiative program based on using actual September 30, 2014, kindergarten enrollment in the projections for each division.

Capture National Board Certification Balances

This amendment captures $150,000 the first year from the general fund in savings for lower participation in the National Board Teacher Certification initiative based on final actual figures reported by the Department of Education for the year.

Fund Virginia Early Childhood Foundation

This amendment provides $250,000 the second year from the general fund to the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation.

Make Technical Adjustment for Norton School-Age Population

This amendment provides $123,000 the first year from the general fund to Norton City Public School Division to address a technical adjustment needed relative to the school-aged population estimate reported by Weldon Cooper Center but was inadvertently overlooked.

Provide Teacher Residency Programs

This amendment provides $500,000 the second year from the general fund for grants to eligible Virginia universities' education schools and Petersburg and Norfolk school divisions to begin a Teacher Residency program. These two new programs will be modeled after the one currently in place between VCU and Richmond City school division, which has been in existence since 2010, and is an intensive, school-based teacher preparation training program. The program is designed to help address the unique challenges of teaching in an urban environment. JLARC, in its June 2014 study of Low Performing Schools in Urban High Poverty Communities,recommended expanding the teacher residency program model to additional school divisions, such as Petersburg and Norfolk.

Add nongeneral funds to the Virginia Fraud Against Taxpayers Act program

Increases nongeneral fund appropriations in the second year for services related to the Virginia Fraud Against Taxpayers Act.

Implement JLARC's Recommendation number 7

This amendment implements Recommendation #7 from the September 2014 JLARC report "Virginia's Information Technology Governance Structure."

Transfer funding for projects recommended by the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund Advisory Committee

This amendment transfers dedicated special fund revenue from the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund to provide funding for projects recommended by the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund Advisory Committee. The Auditor of Public Accounts recommended that the funds be moved to the Department of Legislative Services so that the Commission could distribute the funds to the eligible groups.

Language only - Physician Supplemental Payments

This amendment directs EVMS to transfer the matching funds needed to the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) to receive federally funded Physician Supplemental Payments from serving enrollees in the Virginia Medicaid Managed Care Program. There is a companion amendment in Item 301 directing DMAS to make the payments, There would be no cost to the Commonwealth.

Provide additional funding for the Governor's Development Opportunity Fund

Provides additional funding for the Governor's Development Opportunity Fund (GOF) in both years. Additional funding is needed to allow the Governor to continue to pursue project opportunities to benefit Virginia's economy. The GOF is a critical economic development tool to enable the Commonwealth to compete in a global market for major new investment and jobs.

Provide funding for the Virginia Tourism Growth Incentive Fund

Provides funding for the Virginia Tourism Growth Incentive Fund. Legislation to be considered by the 2015 General Assembly establishes the program to be administered by the Virginia Tourism Authority. The Fund will be used to provide incentive grants to attract tourism, retail, and lodging development projects. CHAR(13) + CHAR(10)

Provide funding for shipbuilding training program

This amendment provides $250,000 from the general fund in the second year for seed funding for a training program to be provided in collaboration with the Virginia Ship Repair Association.

Provide additional funds for payments in lieu of taxes

Increases funding for the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) fee paid by the Authority to the City of Hampton, based on the established methodology.

Provide additional funds for payments in lieu of taxes

Eliminates a proposed increase in the payment in lieu of taxes paid by the Fort Monroe Authority to the City of Hampton.

Increase nongeneral fund appropriation

Provides additional appropriation to reflect grant funding for continued support for operations and programs and facility rental revenues.

Construct 1820s American Barn

Provides nongeneral fund appropriation using agency revenues for the addition of a traditional two to three level log bank barn at the 1820s American Farm exhibit.

Construct English Barn

Provides nongeneral fund appropriation using agency revenues to design and build a traditional half timber English ground barn of the same regional architecture as the English Farm House.

Increase funding for Criminal Fund

Increases funding to cover the cost associated with providing constitutionally mandated legal defense for indigent persons accused of crimes.

Transfer appropriation from Central Accounts for judgeships

Transfers existing appropriation for judgeships from Central Appropriations to agency budget.

Authorize the adjustment to reflect salary actions

This amendment authorizes the salaries of employees whose salaries are specified in the Appropriation Act to be adjusted to reflect the salary actions authorized in the act.

Provide for an increase in the statutory salary of State Tax Commissioner

This amendment provides for an increase in the statutory salary of the State Tax Commissioner beginning on June 25, 2015 to more adequately align the compensation for this position with other agency directors in the Finance Secretariat.

Provide technical changes to language regarding need-based aid

This amendment provides technical changes, based on guidance by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, to allow need-based aid to be used for students pursuing industry-based certifications.

Create section regarding the implementation of JLARC recommendations

This amendment creates a new section in General Provisions called "Implement JLARC Recommendations."

Eliminate language allowing the transfer of appropriation from DBHDS to DMAS

This amendment eliminates language contained in the introduced budget allowing the transfer of appropriations from the Departments of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, Corrections, and Health to the Department of Medical Assistance Services which would be offset by federal reimbursement for services provided to individuals who would be eligible for Medicaid if eligibility were expanded pursuant to the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. A corresponding amendment in Item 301 eliminates the proposed expansion of Medicaid in the introduced budget, therefore this language is unnecessary.

Provide technical changes to language regarding internal service fund rate review

This technical amendment clarifies that the Internal Service Fund rate review process and legislative approval process shall focus on overhead surcharges and not on technical cost recoveries which may be established through contractual agreements. The amendment represents the consensus opinion of the Departments of Planning and Budget, Accounts, and the Virginia Information Technologies Agency.

Increase undergraduate financial assistance

Increases funding for need-based financial aid for in-state undergraduate students.

Incorporate reduction strategies from Chapter 3, 2014 Virginia Acts of Assembly, Special Session I

Distributes the higher education savings as required by Item 471.20 of Chapter 3, 2014 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I.

Construct Academic VII/Research III, Phase I

Provides 9(d) bond authority as a component for construction of a previously approved capital project to construct a new 166,000 square foot academic and research building as the new home for the College of Health and Human Services. The new facility includes much needed research and clinical practice space and general use classrooms. The project will also realign Patriot Circle and George Mason Boulevard as a part of the required site work.

Renovate Johnson Center Dining, Phase II

Provides funding to continue implemention of the "anytime dining" concept at the Johnson Center on the Fairfax Campus. The project includes renovation of approximately 12,000 gross square feet on the west side of the first floor atrium as food service venues and includes completion of the food court renovation started during Phase I of the project. Phase II includes two to three food service venues as well as associated seating areas along the west side of the atrium and provides the venues with direct access to new outdoor dining space. The project will be funded from auxiliary enterprise reserve balances.

Provide additional operating base support

This amendment provides additional general funds to restore a portion of the budget reductions in the introduced budget, to support in-state undergraduate enrollment growth and to provide for a new program in cybersecurity and expansion of existing programs in nursing, and small business innovation.

Provides funding to support modeling and simulation

This amendments provides additional funding to support an expansion of the modeling and simulation program at the Prince William Campus.

Provide additional funding to support undergraduate financial aid

This amendment provides $950,000 from the general fund in the second year for additional undergraduate need-based aid.

Provide funding to support a faculty salary increase

This amendment provides additional general funds to implement a faculty salary increase. The institution may reallocate from educational general program funds in the second year to provide an additional 2.50 percent average faculty salary increase for teaching and research faculty consistent with its faculty pay plan.

Operating support for Hylton Performing Arts Center

This amendment provides $250,000 from the general fund in the second year for operating support for the Hylton Performing Arts Center at George Mason University.

Develop comprehensive plan for on-line course offerings in Virginia (Language only)

This amendment directs George Mason University, in consultation with other institutions, to develop a plan for a comprehensive on-line course offering in Virginia. As part of the plan, the university shall (1) research similar programs in other states; (2) evaluate the need for adult completion programs; (3) identify the academic programs to be included; (4) develop an appropriate scheduling model; and (5) recommend an appropriate pricing model. George Mason University shall submit the plan to the Governor and the Chairmen of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees by September 1, 2015.

Provide funding to support Lyme Disease research

This amendment provides $125,000 from the general fund the second year for Lyme Disease research and medical test development at George Mason University.

Incorporate reduction strategies from Chapter 3, 2014 Virginia Acts of Assembly, Special Session I

This amendment provides clarity to institutions that any reductions to designated amounts within the educational and general programs can not exceed the percentage reduction for the program.

Fund DOJ rental subsidy and provide on-going support for programmatic costs associated with the Rental Choice VA program

Captures a $400,000 anticipated balance in FY 2015 in the Rental Choice VA program and increases the FY 2016 appropriation by a corresponding amount so that funding will be included in the base budget going forward. This amendment will allow the program to continue to offer rental subsidies in future years.

Increase funding for DOJ independent reviewer

Increases the available funding for the Independent Reviewer assigned by the court to monitor the state's compliance with the settlement agreement between the United States Department of Justice and the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. The total budget for the Independent Reviewer is increased to $377,000 per year.

Support rent subsidies resulting from waiver redesign

Provides partial year funding for rental subsidies for up to 250 individuals that will transition to the planned Building Independence Medicaid waiver. Rental subsidies are not covered by Medicaid and would not be eligible for federal reimbursement.

Transfer Mental Health first aid training funds from Grants to Localities to Central Office

Transfers the appropriation for mental health first aid training from agency 790 (Grants to Localities) to agency 720 (Central Office). This technical adjustment is a zero sum transaction. A companion amendment is included in agency 720.

Create three PACT programs

This amendment adds $3.0 million the second year from the general fund to create three additional Programs of Assertive Community Treatment (PACT) in fiscal year 2016, bringing the total number of PACT teams to 26 statewide. PACT is an evidence-based program that is a self-contained interdisciplinary team of at least 10 full-time equivalent clinical staff, including a full or part-time psychiatrist who provides intensive service to individuals with severe and persistent mental illness and who are at high risk for hospitalization, emergency room intervention, arrest, and displacement from housing due to their need for intensive outreach and treatment. PACT service recipients typically have severe symptoms and impairments not effectively remedied by other available treatments or who, because of reasons related to their mental illness, resist or avoid involvement with mental health services.

Part C Early Intervention Services

This amendment increases funding for Part C Early Intervention Services for infants and toddlers with disabilities from ages birth to three. This funding is necessary to meet the increase in the number of referrals and to prevent wait lists and provide the needed services. These services help to reduce school-based services and health care costs later in life.

Additional Funding for Therapeutic Assessment "Drop Off" Centers

This amendment provides $1.8 million the second year from the general fund to add six new therapeutic assessment or "drop-off" centers. Therapeutic assessment centers provide a location where law enforcement officers executing an emergency custody order can transfer custody of an individual in acute mental health crisis where the individual can be evaluated for possible detention and treatment. Funding will ensure greater access to individuals in crisis and allow officers to return to their communities promptly.

Funding for Greater Prince William ARC for NVTC Transition

This amendment provides $250,000 from the general fund the second year to the ARC of Greater Prince William for acquisition of accessible property and start-up for clinical services to support the transition of individuals from the Northern Virginia Training Center safely into the community. Language requires the organization to report on the use of this funding to support the transition of these individuals into the community. This is one-time funding to provide necessary support until the new waivers serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities take effect with improved services and a better rate structure that will more appropriately fund the support needs of individuals transitioning from state training centers.

Permanent Supportive Housing

This amendment provides $2.1 million from the general fund in the second year to support 150 rental subsidies and supports to be administered by community services boards or private entities to provide stable, supportive housing for persons with serious mental illness, along with outreach and in-home clinical services and support staff to help maintain community-based living and to avoid costly hospitalizations, incarceration, and homelessness. The funding will provide an average of $714 per month to support rental subsidies.

Rental Subsidy Program

This amendment reverses an action in the introduced budget to move $400,000 from the general fund the first year to the second year. The Settlement Agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice required the Commonwealth to provide $800,000 for rental subsidies for current individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities receiving waiver services. One-half of the funding was moved to the second year to ensure the subsidies are on-going, however existing budget language already allows this funding to be carried forward into the second year for this purpose.

Children's Mental Health Services

This amendment adds $2.0 million from the general fund the second year to expand child psychiatry and children's crisis response services. The current need for these services exceeds current funding levels and this additional funding will increase capacity in each of the five health planning regions across the state to serve children in additional localities.

Move Chapter 2 savings from Central Appropriations to agency budgets

Moves FY 2016 savings included in Item 471 of Chapter 2, 2014 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I, from Central Appropriations to applicable agency budgets. These amounts are not a part of the additional savings assumed in Chapter 3, 2014 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I (HB 5010).

Designate existing funds for Cyber Security Commission recommendations

Designates existing appropriation and unexpended balances at the Center for Innovative Technology as of June 30, 2014 to support the Virginia Cyber Security Commission and its recommendations.

Authorize CRCF and GAP funding for MACH-37

This language amendment would allow the Center for Innovative Technology to use up to $2.0 million of existing funding provided for the Commonwealth Research and Commercialization Fund to support MACH 37 operations if the private funding campaign fails to secure its entire $3.0 million requirement by July 1, 2015. The fund raising campaign was delayed by one year.

CIT Transparency Language

This language amendment mirrors provisions included in House Bill 1799 as adopted by the 2015 General Assembly which requires the Center for Innovative Technology to operate with increased transparency.

CIT funding stabilization

This amendment provides additional flexibility for the Center for Innovative Technology to manage its prior year balances and maintain an operating reserve to allow each of its programs to move forward in light of reductions totaling 35 percent of its general fund budget in the first year.

Remove unneeded positions added erroneously

Removes previously-added positions that are not needed by the institute.

Transfer Hiram Davis from Mental Health Hospitals to Training Centers

Transfers the appropriation and positions for Hiram Davis Medical Center from agency 792 (Mental Health Facilities) to agency 793 (Intellectual Disabilities Training Centers). Hiram Davis is a medical facility which has Geriatrics, Skilled Nursing and Med/Surgical beds. This zero sum transfer has no fiscal impact.

Reduce special fund appropriations to align with agency expenditures

Reduces special fund appropriation by $60.0 million to align with current agency expenditures and reflect the closure of Southside Virginia Training Center.

Provide additional facility closure funds to accommodate changes in the discharge schedule

Provides additional funds for the delay in closing Northern Virginia Training Center (NVTC) and for delayed discharges at state training centers. NVTC was originally slated to close at the end of fiscal year 2015, however transition of individuals into the community has not occurred at the rate necessary in order to close the facility until the middle of fiscal year 2016. These funds are necessary to keep the facility operational for an additional six month.

Increase undergraduate student financial assistance

Increases funding for need-based financial aid for in-state undergraduate students.

Incorporate reduction strategies from Chapter 3, 2014 Virginia Acts of Assembly, Special Session I

Distributes the higher education savings as required by Item 471.20, Chapter 3, 2014 Special Session I.

Increase nongeneral fund appropriation in educational and general programs

Increases appropriation in order to account for estimated revenue increases, based on current tuition and fee levels and present enrollment.

Acquire property for campus expansion

Appropriates auxiliary funds to allow the university to acquire property as it becomes available adjacent to the campus.

Acquire East Campus Chiller Plant

Appropriates auxiliary funds to acquire a chiller, relied upon for heating and cooling the university's east campus.

Construct Student Housing

Acquire East Campus Chiller Plant

Provides base funding, restoration of budget reductions, and funding for enrollment growth

This amendment provides additional general funds to restore a portion of the budget reductions in the introduced budget and to support in-state undergraduate enrollment growth.

Language-only amendment to limit reductions in E & G

This amendment provides clarity to institutions that any reductions to designated amounts within the educational and general programs can not exceed the percentage reduction for the program.

Provides general fund appropriation for faculty salaries.

This amendment provides additional general funds to implement a faculty salary increase.

Move Chapter 2 savings from Central Appropriations to agency budgets

Moves FY 2016 savings included in Item 471 of Chapter 2, 2014 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I, from Central Appropriations to applicable agency budgets. These amounts are not a part of the additional savings assumed in Chapter 3, 2014 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I (HB 5010).

Provide appropriation for operations for the new Yorktown Museum

Provides appropriation for operational expenses associated with the new Yorktown Museum and Exhibit Center.

Provide funding for new Yorktown facility

Provides funding for new Yorktown facility.

Provide funding Jamestown Yorktown 2019 Commemoration

This amendment provides funding for planning support for the commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the first representative legislative assembly in the New World, the arrival of the first documented Africans to British North America, the recruitment of women for colony expansion, and setting the precedent for Thanksgiving.

Funding support for the Joint Commission on Transportation Accountability

This amendment provides $28,200 the second year from the general fund for legislative compensation and travel expenses for the members of the Joint Commission on Transportation Accountability, which was created pursuant to House Bill 3202 of the 2007 Session. Staffing was originally provided by JLARC, but staffing is currently provided by the Division of Legislative Services.

Adds funding for judgeships

This amendment provides $855,795 general fund in FY2016 to cover the cost of 3 circuit court judgeships.

Increase funding for Criminal Fund

Increases funding to cover the cost associated with providing constitutionally mandated legal defense for indigent persons accused of crimes.

Transfer appropriation from Central Accounts for judgeships

Transfers existing appropriation for judgeships from Central Appropriations to agency budget.

Correct Funding for Capitol Guides Program

This is a technical amendment which reflects the actual funding for the Capitol Guides program. The funds come from existing appropriations.

Set Out Detail of Legislative Reversion

This amendment specifies the legislative reversions that were included in the introduced budget. The amendment increases the language authorizing the reversion for the Auditor of Public Accounts from $562,196 to $1,017,084 and specifies the allocation for the remaining reversions. The amendment does not change the total amount of reversions that will occur from legislative agencies.

Increase nongeneral fund appropriation to reflect additional tuition and fee revenue

Adjusts the appropriation for tuition and fee revenue, previously approved by the board of visitors, to support the university's educational and general programs.

Incorporate reduction strategies from Chapter 3, 2014 Virginia Acts of Assembly, Special Session I

Distributes the higher education savings as required by Item 471.20, Chapter 3, 2014 Virginia Acts of Assembly, Special Session I.

Increase undergraduate student financial assistance

Increases funding for need-based financial aid for in-state undergraduate students.

Construct University Center

Provides additional 9(d) bond appropriation for the completion of the university center.

Provide funding to support a two percent faculty salary increase

This amendment provides additional general funds to implement a faculty salary increase.

Provide funding for base operating support

This amendment provides additional general funds to restore a portion of the budget reductions in the introduced budget and to support in-state undergraduate enrollment growth.

Move Chapter 2 savings from Central Appropriations to agency budgets

Moves FY 2016 savings included in Item 471 of Chapter 2, 2014 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I, from Central Appropriations to applicable agency budgets. These amounts are not a part of the additional savings assumed in Chapter 3, 2014 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I (HB 5010).

Provide appropriation and positions to support Recreational Fishing Survey Program

Transitions responsibility for the federal fisheries survey program to the state. Appropriates federal funds and positions to develop the state fisheries survey program.

Reject increase in Saltwater Recreational Fishing License fees

Rejects an increase in fees charged for saltwater recreational fishing licenses that was approved by the Marine Resources Commission on October 28, 2014. A companion amendment to Item 471.10 restores reversion as the result of the increase in fees.

Transfer Hiram Davis from Mental Health Hospitals to Training Centers

Transfers the appropriation and positions for Hiram Davis Medical Center from agency 792 (Mental Health Facilities) to agency 793 (Intellectual Disabilities Training Centers). Hiram Davis is a medical facility which has geriatrics, skilled nursing and medical/surgical beds. This zero sum transfer has no fiscal impact.

Provide additional staff at Western State Hospital

Provides funding at Western State Hospital for eight additional patient care positions. Changes in mental health law have increased both admissions and the acuity of individuals being admitted to the facility. These funds are necessary to ensure quality patient care and safety.

Address growing special hospitalization costs at state facilities

Provides additional funds for special hospitalization costs for individuals residing at state facilities. The agency has seen growth of over ten percent in the annual cost of providing acute medical care outside of state institutions.

Support increased direct care staffing at Commonwealth Center for Children and Adolescents

Provides funding for six additional direct service associated at the Commonwealth Center for Children and Adolescents. The facility has seen in increase in admissions following changes in mental health law. These additional positions are needed to provide patient care and transport to outside appointments.

Address lost revenue associated with the reclassification of Piedmont Geriatric and Catawba hospitals

Increases the appropriation for Piedmont and Catawba state facilities to reflect a change in enrollment from hospitals to nursing homes for the purposes of Medicaid reimbursement to comply with federal requirements. In March of 2014, the federal Inspector General for Health and Human Services released a report indicating these two hospitals were not in compliance with federal Medicaid rules. This change reflects the savings from lower Medicaid reimbursement, mainly due to the loss of eligibility for disproportionate share hospital funding. This increase is partially offset by a reduction in Medicaid reimbursement in the state facility line item in the Department of Medical Assistance Services.

Commonwealth Center for Children and Adolescents Staff

This amendment provides five positions and $281,894 from the general fund the second year to increase the direct care staffing at the Commonwealth Center for Children and Adolescents. The introduced budget included funding for six positions. This amendment provides five more for a total of eleven to improve staffing at the facility that has seen a dramatic increase in admissions as a result of recent mental health reforms.

Fund transfer of certain authority

Provides appropriation in support of legislation to transfer authority over recreational vehicle, trailer, and motorcycle dealers from the Department of Motor Vehicles to the Motor Vehicle Dealer Board.

Increase appropriation to reflect legislative changes to fringe benefits

Provides appropriation for the fringe benefit changes authorized by the 2014 Session of the General Assembly.

Increase nongeneral fund positions

Increases the approved nongeneral fund position level to more accurately reflect the filled positions at the university.

Provide additional support for base operations

Provides additional general fund support to increase by 0.5 percent all institutions presently below the 99 percent level of the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia’s latest calculation for the base adequacy guidelines.

Increase undergraduate student financial assistance

Increases funding for need-based financial aid for in-state undergraduate students.

Incorporate reduction strategies from Chapter 3, 2014 Virginia Acts of Assembly, Special Session I

Distributes the higher education savings as required by Item 471.20, Chapter 3, 2014 Virginia Acts of Assembly, Special Session I.

Acquire Property

Provides authority for the university to acquire property contiguous to its campus when the opportunities arise.

Increase undergraduate student financial assistance

This amendment provides general fund support in FY 2016 for undergraduate need-based aid.

Restrict budget reductions involving educational and general programs - language

This amendment provides clarity to institutions that any reductions to designated amounts within the educational and general programs cannot exceed the percentage reduction for the program.

Provide funding to support a faculty salary increase

This amendment provides general fund support in FY 2016 to implement a 2.5 percent faculty salary increase.

Redirect base adequacy funding

This amendment defers proposed new base adequacy funding in FY 2016. Companion amendments provide additional operating support with consideration given to increased transfer students, enrollment growth and partial restoration of the proposed budget cuts.

Support initiatives

This amendment provides general fund support in FY 2016 to restore a portion of the budget reductions in the introduced budget and to incentivize growth in transfer students. The amendment also makes a technical correction to nongeneral fund appropriation in FY 2016.

Fund study of mental health geriatric hospitals

Provides funding in the second year for a study of the Catawba Hospital and the Piedmont Geriatric Hospital.

OSIG Study of Geriatric Hospitals

This amendment eliminates language directing the Office of the State Inspector General to conduct a study of Catawba Hospital and Piedmont Geriatric Hospital. By eliminating the study requirement, this amendment reduces costs to the general fund by $150,000 in the second year.

Increase undergraduate student financial assistance

Increases funding for need-based financial aid for in-state undergraduate students.

Increase nongeneral fund appropriation to support auxiliary enterprise activities

Adjusts the nongeneral fund appropriation authority to reflect increased expenditures associated with enrollment growth and the board of visitors' approval of housing, board, and student activity fee increases.

Provide additional support for base operations

Provides additional general fund support to increase by 0.5 percent all institutions presently below the 99 percent level of the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia’s latest calculation for the base adequacy guidelines.

Incorporate reduction strategies from Chapter 3, 2014 Virginia Acts of Assembly, Special Session I

Distributes the higher education savings as required by Item 471.20, Chapter 3, 2014 Virginia Acts of Assembly, Special Session I.

Increase nongeneral fund appropriation to accurately reflect tuition and fee revenue

Increases appropriation to reflect the budget approved by the board of visitors to support the institution's educational and general programs.

Restrict budget reductions involving educational and general programs - language

This amendment provides clarity to institutions that any reductions to designated amounts within the educational and general programs cannot exceed the percentage reduction for the program.

Increase support for the Center for Bioelectrics

This amendment provides general fund support in FY 2016 for the Center for Bioelectrics to expand biomedical research efforts.

Increase undergraduate student financial assistance

This amendment provides general fund support in FY 2016 for additional undergraduate need-based aid.

Redirect base adequacy funding

This amendment defers proposed new base adequacy funding in FY 2016. Companion amendments provide additional operating support with consideration given to increased transfer students, enrollment growth, and partial restoration of the proposed budget reductions.

Support initiatives

This amendment provides general fund support in FY 2016 to restore a portion of the budget reductions in the introduced budget, to incentivize growth in transfer students, and to support speech and language disorder programs.

Provide funding to support a faculty salary increase

This amendment provides general fund support in FY 2016 to implement a 2.5 percent faculty salary increase.

Incorporate reduction strategies from Chapter 3, 2014 Virginia Acts of Assembly, Special Session I

Distributes the higher education savings as required by Item 471.20, Chapter 3, 2014 Special Session I.