GOVERNOR'S RECOMMENDATION

April 11, 2008

TO THE VIRGINIA HOUSE OF DELEGATES:

HOUSE BILL NO. 525

Pursuant to Article V, Section 6, of the Constitution of Virginia, I am returning, without my signature, House Bill 525, which creates an exception to certain regional transportation taxes and fees.

Between the passage of this bill and my consideration of it, the Supreme Court of Virginia has ruled that such taxes and fees are not constitutional.

Had the fees remained in effect, I would support Delegate Suit's effort to ensure fair treatment of members of our armed forces, who do not always get to decide when and where they move.  If an initial registration fee is part of any transportation plan that the General Assembly sends to my desk in the future, I will work with Delegate Suit and the members of the General Assembly to ensure that this exception is written into any new bill.

However, to sign HB 525 at this time would endorse a section of Code that is no longer valid, and that we now know to be unconstitutional.  Accordingly, I am returning the bill without my signature.

GOVERNOR'S RECOMMENDATION

1. Line 2, enrolled, Title after Act to

Strike

amend and reenact

Insert

repeal

2. Line7, enrolled, after is

Strike

The remainder of line 7 and all of lines 8 through 32

Insert

repealed.