This week the House of Delegates overwhelmingly voted in favor of a bill abolishing the Commonwealth's abusive driver fees that have prompted a similarly overwhelming public backlash since their implementation last year. The bill passed by a vote of 95-2.
The abusive driver fees, which range from $750 to $3,000 for various traffic offenses such as drunk driving, were originally part of a larger transportation bill put into effect in July 2007 that was applicable to both in-state and out-of-state drivers, according to Del. Lacey E. Putney, I-Bedford. Putney said the clause covering out-of-state drivers, however, was inexplicably and unexpectedly erased from the bill by Gov. Tim Kaine, a deletion that enraged many Commonwealth citizens.
"The governor somewhere along the line in his amendment process deleted the [abusive driver fees for out-of-state drivers]," Putney said. "I didn't know that and I don't think my colleagues did."
Moreover, the change took many Virginians by surprise as well, noted Putney.
"The outrage from the public was something unbelievable," Putney said.
According to Del. Christopher Peace, R-Mechanicsville, this public response resulted in the creation of the new bill, known as HB 649 and originally sponsored by Del. Clarke Hogan, R-South Boston, written to include a removal of the fees for everyone.
"Virginia has some of the strongest laws against those who drink and drive, from monetary fines to jail time," Peace said. "The civil remedial fees were already on top of strong laws. We're not changing the underlying crime and penalty. We're just changing the fee structure."
According to Peace, the original law, now amended, was projected to produce $60 to $65 million in revenue from the fees. This revenue stream, however, never materialized.
"To date, there's only $18 million generated from the fees," Peace said. "It was designed to be a penalty, but also raise revenue for transportation."
Peace added that although the law proved controversial and was unpopular in the House, he believes with time lawmakers can find a more agreeable solution to the abusive driving problem.
"I think it's important to actively appeal and in the future [find] a way to address and hold the abusers accountable," Peace said. "But it's important to respond to the people and clear the books."
The bill is scheduled to be voted on today in the State Senate.
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