February 17, 2025
Capitol Briefs 2025, Week 6
We have reached the final week of Virginia’s 2025 Legislative Session.
Nearly two weeks ago, VADA’s priority legislation (HB1683 and SB1308) successfully “crossed over” to the opposite chambers' Transportation Committee for consideration.
- HB1683 passed unanimously out of Senate Transportation while SB1308 passed in the House Transportation Committee in a vote of 19-0, with one member voting in abstention.
On Friday afternoon (Valentine's Day), SB1308 passed unanimously in the House in a 95-0 vote. The Senate bill heads to the Governor’s office for its final approval. HB1683 will see the Senate floor this week for its final vote.
Money talks
With adjournment approaching this Saturday (Feb. 22), leaders of both parties will focus on Committees of Conference and Virginia’s budget.
- Budget: Last year, the General Assembly passed a two-year budget set to expire in June 2026. This year, the budget aims to balance funds for the remainder of its duration. See the breakdown of the proposed changes by the Governor, House, and Senate.
Committees of Conference: When the House amends a Senate bill, or the Senate amends a House bill, a Conference Committee is appointed to marry the differences reflected in the bills. Conference Committees are typically bipartisan and consist of three members from each chamber.
Commending Dave Perno
In other important news, House Joint Resolution 667 was introduced last week to commend VADA’s very own Dave Perno of Loyalty Automotive – Virginia’s 2025 Time Dealer of the Year nominee for Virginia.
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 unanimously in Senate Transportation and soon headed for its final vote on the Senate Floor.
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: McClure's HB2515 passed in the Senate’s General Laws Committee in a 10-5 vote. The bill will soon receive its final vote on the Senate Floor. Pekarsky’s SB1212 passed in the House in a 50-47 vote and heads to the Governor’s office for final consideration.
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: Both HB2080 and SB1061 died in the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee.