VADA Making the Rounds for Tech and Dealer Protections, Fair Pay

January 24, 2025

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Capitol Briefs 2025, Week 3

We are 20 days into Virginia’s 45-day long 2025 legislative session. All bills have been filed and are currently making their way through Virginia’s legislative process.

Members of VADA's Legal and Legislative team have now met with almost all of the legislators in the House DMV Subcommittee and the Senate Transportation committee to discuss VADA’s House Bill 1683, and Senate Bill 1308, which propose changes to Virginia’s recall, warranty, and maintenance statute. These bills aim to achieve greater protection for fair payment to Virginia’s franchised dealers and their technicians.


As a reminder, the legislation:

  • Prohibits manufacturers from slashing part prices for recall repairs, and allows dealers to return unused parts for those repairs
  • Ensures technicians are fairly paid for diagnostic and communication time when working directly with manufacturers
  • Allows dealers to request timely reimbursement for extended rental car expenses incurred due to parts delays

Delegate Briana Sewell (D-Prince William) is carrying HB1683, and Senator Jeremy McPike (D-Prince William) is carrying the identical SB1308. Virginia's auto dealers thank both of these legislators and their staff for the support.

This Week: Be in Richmond for Dealer Day at the Capitol!

To emphasize the importance of this legislation, join us to discuss these issues face-to-face with your legislators at Dealer Day at the Capitol on January 29. Sign up now.

Video: Insights with VADA Legislative Director Mimi Perka

In this inaugural video edition of Capitol Briefs, we talk with Mimi Perka, Esq., VADA’s director of legislative and legal affairs, about critical legislative priorities for Virginia’s franchised auto dealers.

320 Virginia Dealers and Technicians have sent their lawmakers letters of support for VADA's bills. Have you?

More than 660 letters have been sent to Virginia lawmakers expressing support for VADA’s proposed changes to the warranty and recall process. If you haven't done so yet, join your peers by taking one minute to sign a letter to your legislators. When signing the letter, there is also a space to share your own experiences managing or handling these recalls and repairs, and we encourage you to share those stories.

Additional Legislation VADA is Tracking

HB2659 (Milde, R-Stafford): Buyer's Orders.

This legislation would permit, but not require, dealers to use a separate Buyer's Order for a lease transaction that includes terms and language more appropriate to a lease transaction. This bill is pending before a subcommittee of the House Transportation Committee.

VADA's Position: The VADA asked Del. Paul Milde (R-Stafford) to carry this bill, and we are in full support.

HB2515 (McClure, D-Arlington) and SB1212 (Pekarsky, D-Fairfax): Virginia Consumer Protection Act prohibited practices; mandatory fees or surcharges disclosure

These bills would amend the Virginia Consumer Protection Act to make it mandatory for any seller of consumer goods to include all fees in the price in all advertising. We are pleased that the patrons included amendments to exclude auto dealers from the legislation. This past week, McClure’s HB2515 was referred to House Labor and Commerce Committee, and Pekarsky’s SB1212 passed unanimously in the Senate General Laws Committee.

VADA's position: During last year's session, VADA successfully secured an amendment to the Senate Bill so that it would not impact auto dealers. This exemption was crucial for maintaining fair advertising practices. Last year's legislation ultimately died in a conference committee because the House and Senate could not agree on the bill language. We are happy to announce that the current language in this year’s bills includes an exemption for auto dealers. 

HB2334 (Batten, R-Williamsburg): Vehicle safety inspections

This bill would revise safety inspection requirements to provide that new vehicle safety inspections are valid for two years. This bill was introduced last year but failed to pass. It includes a delayed effective date; if passed, Virginia would not see any impact until July 2026. Batten’s bill is currently awaiting consideration by a subcommittee of the House Transportation Committee.

VADA's position: Support

HB2080 (Austin, R- Buchanan) / SB1061 (Diggs, R-York County): Discontinued registration decals

This bill will discontinue the current requirement for vehicle registration license plate decals. Both bills passed out of their respective Transportation Committees this week.

VADA's position: Support