The Virginia House of Delegates’ Business Development Caucus unveiled today a dozen bills aimed at helping the state’s entrepreneurs.

Before the session’s start last week, the caucus’s founders held six regional meetings to talk to business owners, funneling their input into the legislative package announced today. Del. Chris Head, R-Botetourt County, chairs the group.

The proposals include:

• HB2198 – Creates a Virginia version of the Fair Credit Act, which will allow businesses to receive one free copy of their credit report each year and correct errors at no-cost. Right now, they must pay for both services, said Del. Mike Watson, R-James City, the bill’s patron. The change should make it easier for business owners to obtain and for bankers to approve loans.

• HB2200 – Says home businesses may operate in a neighborhood with a homeowners association unless the association has passed a bylaw prohibiting it. If such a bylaw exists, the association must advertise it in its homeowners association packet.

• HB1760 – Would require the State Corporation Commission to create a system for entrepreneurs to file business startup paper online through the state’s Business One Stop site. The goal is to make it easier for entrepreneurs who are just getting started, said Del. David Ramadan, R-Loudoun.

• HB2010 – Directs the Board of Education to create guidelines for a High School to Work program, which would allow school divisions to partner with local businesses for vocational apprenticeships, internships, etc. The goal is to fill the demand for more skilled workers in fields such as plumbing and electrical work, according to a news release from the House Republican Caucus.

“They’re kind of all over the place,” Ramadan said of the 12 bills. “These are the things we believe will help business in Virginia prosper and grow and ultimately create new jobs.”

For more information and to follow the bills, visit www.bdcva.org.

– Kathy Adams, The (Norfolk) Virginian-Pilot