Abuser fees finally put to an end
With Senate vote, repeal of Virginia's abusive-driver fees is headed to governor
BY CHELYEN DAVIS
Date published: 3/9/2008
BY CHELYEN DAVIS
RICHMOND-- The unpopular abusive-driver fees will be repealed.
Late last night, the state Senate approved a bill containing an emergency clause that repeals the fees as soon as the bill is signed by the governor. Earlier, the House had approved the measure.
The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Edd Houck, D-Spotsylvania, repeals the fees on bad drivers that the legislature enacted as part of a transportation package last year.
The fees proved enormously unpopular among Virginia drivers.
"This is the final vote to repeal what was one of the greatest mistakes that I've made as a legislator in the years I've been here. The mistake was made in earnest, and I certainly criticize no one more than I criticize myself," Houck said.
"We heard strongly from Virginians that they were repulsed by these fees and they wanted us to repeal them. This is an effort tonight to drive the final stake, to put the stake right in the heart [of the fees]."
Republicans yesterday spoke against the bill, arguing that its method of refunding fees already paid was poorly constructed.
Senators first rejected the version of the bill with the emergency clause, which would have meant that the law wouldn't be repealed until July 1.
But they later reconsidered the vote and approved it.
Chelyen Davis: 804/782-9362
Email: cdavis@freelancestar.com
Date published: 3/9/2008
Most recent reader comments:
just stupid
(posted by
jimmybfred
, Mar. 10, 2008 5:35 am)
These fees should NOT have been repealed. Maybe re-worked to find a way to include out-of-state drivers, but not repealed. The "outrage" was grossly misguided. Are there really that many reckless drivers in this state? Someone driving 25-30 mph OVER the speed limit or under the influence should be fined an extraordinary amount. If you obey traffic laws, these fees will never come into play. Get ready for an increase in the gas tax - now we can all pay more, not just the ABUSERS.
kudos
(posted by
zig
, Mar. 9, 2008 11:18 am)
kudos to the legislators. this is a very good example of democracy in action. the leaders listened to the people. very good and i commend them for their bravery, it's not everyday a politian will admit an error and find a way to fix it.
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