Virginia House Bill HB845

Virginia 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24
• Report Pass: 1/25/24
• Engrossed: 1/30/24
• Refer: 2/1/24
• Report Pass: 2/15/24
• Enrolled: 2/26/24
• Chaptered: 4/8/24
• Passed: 4/8/24

Caption

Abandoned vehicles; owner and lienholder information.

Impact

With the enactment of HB 845, there will be clearer procedures for dealing with abandoned vehicles, potentially reducing the time and resources spent by local governments to handle such instances. By formalizing the search for and notification of owners and lienholders, municipalities may see a decrease in legal disputes arising from improper disposal of abandoned vehicles. However, the bill may place additional financial obligations on individuals or entities that find themselves in possession of abandoned vehicles due to the search fee introduced.

Summary

House Bill 845 addresses the issue of abandoned vehicles by amending the Code of Virginia to streamline the process of locating and notifying vehicle owners and lienholders. The bill mandates that any person in possession of an abandoned vehicle must initiate a search with the Department for the owners and any secured parties. This search will include databases maintained by the Department and others to ensure that proper notifications are sent out regarding the abandoned vehicle's status. The bill also includes the requirement of a fee for initiating this search, which will go into a special fund designated for the Department's expenses.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 845 appears to be generally supportive, particularly among those in law enforcement and local government who deal with abandoned vehicles regularly. Proponents argue that the bill provides a necessary update to existing laws and improves operational efficiencies, thereby enhancing public safety. Conversely, some stakeholders have raised concerns about the financial impact on individuals who may already be burdened by costs associated with vehicle disposal and registration.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the introduction of fees for searches related to abandoned vehicles, potentially impacting low-income individuals who discover such vehicles. There have been discussions regarding whether the bill adequately balances the need for efficient processing with fair treatment of individuals who may not have the means to pay for the required search. Some opposition may also focus on how these updates could differ from existing state practices and the implications for local authorities that may still hold primary responsibility for handling abandoned vehicles.