I applaude the State of Virginia for attempting to craft legislation that would help move their state employee benefit offerings into the 21st Century.  It's still not completely equitable as household members added on to policies would be required to pay the additional premium amount in full (as opposed to legally married spouses who only have to pay a partial premium amount).  But this is better than what currently exists (which is no coverage for household members).

I just have to add for those folks who keep citing "increased taxes" or "an increased financial burden on the state" that this particular piece of legislation would not cost the state or taxpayers any additional money.  The burden of payment falls squarely on the additional houshold member(s) covered.  No one is going to be laid off because of this.