Virginia House Bill HJR46

Virginia 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Starr Alert Program; Department of State Police to study need for an alert program, etc.

Impact

The resolution entails a thorough study conducted by the Department of State Police to explore the feasibility and logistics of implementing the Starr Alert Program. This study includes collecting data on past hit-and-run incidents, consulting with vehicle repair shops, and assessing how best to collaborate with local law enforcement agencies. The findings and recommendations from this study are expected to be reported to the Governor and the General Assembly by the beginning of the 2025 Regular Session, potentially leading to legislative measures to support the establishment of the program.

Summary

HJR46 proposes the establishment of a program called the Starr Alert Program, initiated by the Department of State Police, aimed at improving law enforcement's response to hit-and-run incidents. Given the alarming statistics of hit-and-run crashes in recent years, the resolution underscores the necessity for a more coordinated approach involving repair shops that could assist in identifying vehicles involved in such incidents. By notifying these shops about nearby hit-and-run occurrences, the program aims to enhance community engagement in reporting and resolving these cases more effectively.

Contention

While the bill itself is primarily focused on establishing a study, concerns may arise around the program's effectiveness, cost, and the logistics of alerting repair shops promptly. Issues regarding data sharing between law enforcement and repair shops, as well as the potential impact on police resources during hit-and-run investigations, may become points of contention during discussions. Stakeholders may debate whether the benefits of a centralized alert system would outweigh the costs and operational challenges of conducting the necessary studies and implementing solutions.