February 10, 2025
Capitol Briefs 2025, Week 5
Last week, Virginia’s General Assembly reached the midpoint of its legislative session, known as “Crossover Day." It marks the deadline for each chamber to act on its own legislation, with bills that have passed in one chamber now moving to the other for consideration. The Senate will now consider the 898 bills that passed in the House, and the House will consider the 699 bills passed in the Senate.
Prior to Crossover, VADA’s priority legislation, HB1683 and SB1308, passed unanimously on both the House and Senate floors. HB1683 received a 97-0 vote in the House, while SB1308 passed with a 40-0 vote. Both bills have now been referred to the opposite chamber’s Transportation Committees for consideration.
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.
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.
VADA's Position: The VADA asked Del. Paul Milde (R-Stafford) to carry this bill, and we are in full support.
The latest: Passed on the House floor in a 97-0 vote and referred to the Senate Transportation Committee.
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.
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.
The latest: Last week, McClure's HB2515 passed on the House Floor in a 51-47 vote and has been referred to the Senate’s General Laws Committee for consideration. As Pekarsky’s SB1212 passed unanimously on the Senate floor earlier this session, SB1212 was ripe for consideration by the House Labor and Commerce Committee last week, where it passed in a 12-9 vote. SB1212 will soon be considered on the House floor.
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.
VADA's position: Support
The latest: The bill died in the House Highway Safety Subcommittee.
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.
VADA's position: Support
The latest: After making it off the House Floor, Austin’s HB2080 passed in a 14-0 vote out of the Senate Transportation Committee and has now been rereferred to Senate Finance and Appropriations. Diggs’ SB1061 died earlier this session in Senate Finance and Appropriations, so we will be eager to see how HB2080 fares in the same Committee.