Virginia House Bill HB1925

Virginia 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/6/25
• Refer: 1/6/25

Caption

Va. Alcoholic Bev. Control Authority; law-enforcement agency for certain larceny-related offenses.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would position members and designated agents of the Board as the primary law-enforcement agency responsible for investigating and enforcing violations related to larceny and fraud that occur at government-operated liquor stores. This centralization of enforcement authority is significant as it streamlines the law enforcement process, concentrating certain powers in a specialized agency within the Commonwealth's jurisdiction.

Summary

House Bill 1925 seeks to amend and reenact section 4.1-105 of the Code of Virginia, which deals with the authority and powers of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority. The bill specifically grants police powers to the members, agents, and employees of the Board, empowering them to enforce the provisions related to alcoholic beverages and certain criminal laws in the Commonwealth. This would align their enforcement abilities with those of local law enforcement agencies.

Contention

The amendments proposed in HB1925 may arouse discussions about the implications of law enforcement responsibilities placed on the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority. Proponents might argue that enhancing the enforcement capabilities of the Board could lead to better regulation and oversight of government stores, while critics could raise concerns about the appropriateness of granting police powers to a board primarily focused on alcohol regulation. The balance between efficiency in enforcement and potential overreach of authority will likely be a focal point in legislative discussions.