Virginia House Bill HB1466

Virginia 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/28/22
• Refer: 12/28/22

Caption

Low emn/electric motor vehicles; voluntary anti-forced labor & child slavery certification for sale.

Impact

This bill, if enacted, will add significant compliance requirements for larger automobile manufacturers operating in Virginia. It will necessitate manufacturers to proactively audit their supply chains and disclose any instances of forced labor. Furthermore, the legislation empowers citizens and the Attorney General with the right to challenge the implementation of certain regulatory provisions based on supply chain capabilities and consumer demand. This could potentially prohibit any new electric or low emission vehicles sold in Virginia from being marketed without proper certification, thereby affecting the availability of such vehicles in the state.

Summary

House Bill 1466 aims to amend existing laws in Virginia regarding the sale of new electric and low emission vehicles by introducing a certification process for manufacturers. The bill mandates that all automotive manufacturers selling new electric vehicles with annual revenues surpassing $100 million submit annual reports to the Virginia Secretary of Labor. These reports must detail their policies against the use of forced labor within their supply chains, covering their direct suppliers and on-site service providers. The intention behind this legislation is to ensure that all components of electric vehicles sold in Virginia are free from forced labor practices, thereby increasing transparency within the automotive supply chain and promoting ethical manufacturing standards.

Contention

The introduction of HB1466 has sparked discussions regarding the balance between consumer protection and industry regulation. Proponents argue that such measures are essential in combating human trafficking and unethical labor practices, advocating for a more humane automotive market. Conversely, critics point out that these requirements could create barriers for manufacturers, complicating compliance and possibly leading to reduced vehicle availability in Virginia. There are concerns about the feasibility of ensuring compliance within the complexities of global supply chains, pushing some lawmakers to argue for a more nuanced approach to achieve the bill's ethical objectives without inadvertently harming consumer access.