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2015 SESSION

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Senate Committee on Transportation

Chairman: Stephen D. Newman

Clerk: Maribeth Turner
Staff: Nicole Brenner, Alan Wambold
Date of Meeting: January 21, 2015
Time and Place: Wednesday, 45 min. after adjournment, Senate Room A

S.B. 702 Antique motor vehicles; exhaust systems.

Patron: Black

Antique vehicle exhaust systems. Exempts antique motor vehicles with exhaust systems in good working order from the requirement that motor vehicle exhaust systems "prevent excessive or unusual noise."

A BILL to amend and reenact § 46.2-1049 of the Code of Virginia, relating to antique vehicle exhaust systems; noise.

15100919D

S.B. 703 Designating the Trooper Jacqueline Vernon Memorial Bridge.

Patron: Favola

Designating the Trooper Jacqueline Vernon Memorial Bridge. Designates the Interstate 395 bridge over S. Glebe Road in Arlington County the "Trooper Jacqueline Vernon Memorial Bridge."

A BILL to designate the Interstate 395 bridge over S. Glebe Road in Arlington County the "Trooper Jacqueline Vernon Memorial Bridge."

15100509D

S.B. 754 Vehicle registration; increases fees, allocates funds for Department of State Police.

Patron: Carrico

Vehicle registration fees; funds for Department of State Police. Raises the vehicle registration fee an additional $1.25 per year on each July 1 from 2015 through 2024 and allocates the funds to the Department of State Police.

A BILL to amend and reenact §§ 46.2-686 and 46.2-694, as it is currently effective and as it may become effective, of the Code of Virginia, relating to vehicle registration fees; funds for State Police.

15101146D

S.B. 781 Passing with a double yellow line; drivers allowed to pass a pedestrian, stopped vehicle, etc.

Patron: Alexander

Passing with a double yellow line. Allows drivers to pass a pedestrian, a device moved by human power, a stopped vehicle, or a vehicle traveling less than 25 miles per hour by crossing a double yellow line. The bill also relocates a definition from the end of the section to the beginning for clarity.

A BILL to amend and reenact § 46.2-804 of the Code of Virginia, relating to passing with a double yellow line.

15101281D

S.B. 791 Motor vehicle safety inspection; increases charge.

Patron: Carrico

Vehicle safety inspection fees. Increases the price of a vehicle safety inspection by $1 for each category of vehicle and allocates $0.50 of the additional $1 to the Department of State Police toward the Department's costs in administering the motor vehicle safety inspection program; the remaining $0.50 is retained by the inspection station.

A BILL to amend and reenact § 46.2-1167 of the Code of Virginia, relating to motor vehicle safety inspection charges.

15101179D

S.B. 792 Secondary state highway system; expands number of streets eligible to be taken into system.

Patron: Carrico

Taking streets into secondary state highway system. Expands the number of streets eligible to be taken into the secondary state highway system by changing the definition of "street" from including streets that were opened to public use and used by motor vehicles prior to July 1, 1992, to streets that have been open to public use and used by motor vehicles for at least 20 years.

A BILL to amend and reenact § 33.2-335 of the Code of Virginia, relating to taking certain streets into secondary state highway system.

15100616D

S.B. 793 Towing vehicles; prohibits occupants in motor vehicle while on a public highway.

Patron: Carrico

Towing vehicles with occupants. Prohibits the towing of a motor vehicle with occupants while on a public highway.

A BILL to amend and reenact § 46.2-813 of the Code of Virginia, relating to towing vehicles with occupants.

15101674D

S.B. 803 Speed limits in school zones; counties allowed to increase or decrease.

Patron: Favola

Speed limits in school zones. Allows counties to increase or decrease the speed limits in school zones; current law allows cities and towns to do so. The bill also removes the authority for VDOT to change the speed limit in school zones.

A BILL to amend and reenact §§ 46.2-873 and 46.2-878 of the Code of Virginia, relating to changing speed limits in school zones.

15102656D

S.B. 839 License plates, special; issuance of those bearing legend Newport News Shipbuilding, etc.

Patron: Miller

Special license plates; Newport News Shipbuilding. Authorizes the issuance of special license plates for supporters of Newport News Shipbuilding bearing the legend NEWPORT NEWS SHIPBUILDING A DIVISION OF HUNTINGTON INGALLS INDUSTRIES.

A BILL to authorize the issuance of special license plates for supporters of Newport News Shipbuilding bearing the legend NEWPORT NEWS SHIPBUILDING A DIVISION OF HUNTINGTON INGALLS INDUSTRIES.

15101193D

S.B. 878 Motor vehicle dealer buyer's orders; includes new vehicles with certain gross weight.

Patron: Cosgrove

Motor vehicle dealer buyer's orders. Includes new motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 16,000 or more pounds in the category of vehicles that have accumulated mileage in excess of 750 miles that may be sold as new if the motor vehicle dealer provides the required disclosure and exempts tractor trucks, trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating of 16,000 or more pounds, and semitrailers from buyer's orders.

A BILL to amend and reenact § 46.2-1530 of the Code of Virginia, relating to motor vehicle dealer buyer's orders.

15101825D

S.B. 879 Weighing exemptions for vehicles owned by a locality.

Patron: Cosgrove

Weighing exemptions for vehicles owned by a locality. Provides an exemption from weighing for vehicles owned by a locality when the locality maintains the highway or roadway adjacent to the weigh station. This bill would apply to the City of Suffolk.

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Article 17 of Chapter 10 of Title 46.2 a section numbered 46.2-1138.3, relating to weighing exemption for local vehicles.

15100917D

S.B. 882 Motor vehicle doors; drivers and passengers to wait for a reasonable opportunity to open.

Patron: Petersen

Opening and closing motor vehicle doors. Requires drivers and passengers to wait for a reasonable opportunity to open vehicle doors on the side adjacent to moving traffic. A violation constitutes a traffic infraction punishable by a fine of not more than $100.

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 46.2-818.1, relating to opening of motor vehicle doors.

15100875D

S.B. 921 Northern Virginia Transportation Authority; use of revenues by towns.

Patron: Wexton

Use of revenues by Northern Virginia Transportation Authority. Adds towns to the list of localities whose transportation projects can benefit from revenues from the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority. The bill also requires that such cities and towns receive funds for street maintenance to be eligible to receive revenues from NVTA.

A BILL to amend and reenact § 33.2-2510 of the Code of Virginia, relating to the use of revenues by the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority.

15102245D

S.B. 932 Northern Virginia Transportation Authority; use of certain revenues for new sidewalk projects.

Patron: Petersen

Use of certain revenues by the NVTA. Allows new sidewalk projects to be funded by the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority.

A BILL to amend and reenact § 33.2-2510 of the Code of Virginia, relating to use of certain revenues by the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority.

15102006D

S.B. 958 Driving while intoxicated; mandatory minimum jail sentence, penalty.

Patron: Lewis

Driving while intoxicated; no driver's license. Requires a 30-day mandatory minimum jail sentence and vehicle forfeiture for DUI defendants who do not hold a valid driver's license or who are not authorized to drive at the time of the offense. A third violation of driving without a license is raised from a Class 1 misdemeanor to a Class 6 felony. A person who drives without a license when he has previously been convicted of DUI and driving without a license for the same event is guilty of a Class 6 felony. The bill also increases from three to 30 the number of days a vehicle is impounded for a person found guilty of driving without a license for the second time. The impoundment will be ended upon acquisition of a driver's license and payment of all fees.

A BILL to amend and reenact §§ 18.2-270, 19.2-386.34, 46.2-300, and 46.2-301.1 of the Code of Virginia, relating to driving while intoxicated; no operator's license; forfeiture; penalties.

15103210D

S.B. 979 License plates, special; issuance for recipients of Legion of Merit Medal.

Patron: Ruff

Special license plates; recipients of Legion of Merit Medal. Authorizes the issuance of special license plates for recipients of the Legion of Merit Medal.

A BILL to authorize the issuance of special license plates for recipients of the Legion of Merit Medal; fees.

15101554D

S.B. 1003 Off-road motorcycles converted to on-road use; titling and registration requirements, penalty.

Patron: Newman

Titling and registration requirements; off-road motorcycles converted to on-road use; penalty. Establishes titling and registration requirements for off-road motorcycles converted to on-road use and includes off-road motorcycles converted to on-road use in existing titling requirements for non-conventional vehicles. The bill requires individuals who convert off-road motorcycles to on-road use to certify that the vehicle (i) passed Virginia safety inspections, (ii) meets all federal safety standards, and (iii) is properly labeled. The bill makes falsifying the required certification a Class 1 misdemeanor.

A BILL to amend and reenact § 46.2-625 of the Code of Virginia and to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered § 46.2-602.4, relating to titling and registration of non-conventional vehicles; penalty.

15103508D

S.B. 1007 Port of Virginia Economic & Infrastructure Development Grant Fund & Program; grants.

Patron: Watkins

Port of Virginia Economic and Infrastructure Development Grant Fund and Program. Allows a qualified company to receive a second grant from the Port of Virginia Economic and Infrastructure Development Grant Fund if the company locates or expands an additional facility within the Commonwealth, creates at least 300 new permanent full-time positions at the additional facility, and increases cargo volumes through the Port of Virginia by at least five percent.

A BILL to amend and reenact § 62.1-132.3:2 of the Code of Virginia, relating to Port of Virginia Economic and Infrastructure Development Grant Fund and Program.

15101369D

S.B. 1025 Transportation network companies.

Patron: Watkins

Transportation network companies. Establishes a process for the licensing of transportation network companies (TNCs) by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), provided that TNCs comply with the requirements for licensure. The bill requires TNCs to screen drivers (TNC partners), ensure that all drivers are at least 21 years old and properly licensed to drive, and conduct background checks on all drivers including criminal background, driving history, and status on the sex offender registry.

The bill also requires that TNC partner vehicles be titled and registered personal vehicles; be insured; have a maximum seating capacity of no more than seven persons, excluding the driver; be registered with DMV for TNC use; and display TNC and DMV identification markers. The bill further requires that TNC drivers be covered by a specific liability insurance policy. The bill also imposes several other operational requirements, including requirements that the TNC provide a credential to the driver and disclose information about the TNC partner and TNC policies to passengers, and specifies the nature and limits of the insurance coverage.

The bill authorizes DMV to conduct periodic reviews of the TNC to confirm compliance and authorizes fees to cover DMV's costs of administering the program, including an annual fee of $50 per TNC partner vehicle, an initial TNC license fee of $70,000, and an annual license renewal fee of $3,000. The bill requires DMV to review the fee structure and report by December 1, 2016.

A BILL to amend and reenact §§ 46.2-694, as it is currently effective and as it may become effective, 46.2-711, 46.2-749.5, 46.2-753, 46.2-755, 46.2-1400, 46.2-2000, 46.2-2001.3, 46.2-2011.5, 46.2-2011.6, 46.2-2011.22, 46.2-2011.24, 46.2-2011.29, and 46.2-2051 of the Code of Virginia and to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Chapter 20 of Title 46.2 an article numbered 15, consisting of sections numbered 46.2-2099.45 through 46.2-2099.52, relating to transportation network companies.

15102650D

S.B. 1027 Passing with a double yellow line; drivers allowed to pass pedestrian, stopped vehicle, etc.

Patron: Garrett

Passing with a double yellow line. Allows drivers to pass a pedestrian, stopped vehicle, or vehicle traveling less than 25 miles per hour by crossing a double yellow line. The bill also relocates a definition from the end of the section to the beginning for clarity.

A BILL to amend and reenact § 46.2-804 of the Code of Virginia, relating to passing with a double yellow line.

15101031D

S.B. 1102 Transportation network companies.

Patrons: Obenshain, Marsden

Transportation network companies. Establishes a process for the licensing of transportation network companies (TNCs) by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), provided that TNCs comply with the requirements for licensure. The bill requires TNCs to screen drivers (TNC partners), ensure that all drivers are at least 21 years old and properly licensed to drive, and conduct background checks on all drivers including criminal background, driving history, and status on the sex offender registry.

The bill also requires that TNC partner vehicles be titled and registered personal vehicles; be insured; and have a maximum seating capacity of no more than seven persons, excluding the driver. The bill further requires that TNC drivers be covered by a specific liability insurance policy. The bill also imposes several other operational requirements, including requirements that the TNC provide a credential to the driver and disclose information about the TNC partner and TNC policies to passengers, and specifies the nature and limits of the insurance coverage.

The bill authorizes DMV to conduct periodic reviews of the TNC to confirm compliance and authorizes fees to cover DMV's costs of administering the program, including an initial TNC license fee of $70,000 and an annual TNC license renewal fee of $3,000. The bill requires DMV to review the fee structure and report by December 1, 2016.

A BILL to amend and reenact §§ 46.2-694, as it is currently effective and as it may become effective, 46.2-711, 46.2-749.5, 46.2-753, 46.2-755, 46.2-1400, 46.2-2000, 46.2-2001.3, 46.2-2011.5, 46.2-2011.6, 46.2-2011.22, 46.2-2011.24, and 46.2-2051 of the Code of Virginia and to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Chapter 20 of Title 46.2 an article numbered 15, consisting of sections numbered 46.2-2099.45 through 46.2-2099.52, relating to transportation network companies.

15102143D

S.B. 1118 Hearing officers; requirements and hearing process for motor vehicle franchise dealers.

Patron: Norment

Hearing officer requirements. Requires that hearing officers in hearings regarding franchise dealers of motor vehicles have at least five years of experience as a hearing officer in administrative hearings in Virginia, have telephone and email capability, and be an active member of the Virginia State Bar. The bill also provides for the hearing process to follow the Rules of Supreme Court of Virginia regarding the discovery process, expert reports, and forms of discovery.

A BILL to amend and reenact § 46.2-1573 of the Code of Virginia, relating to hearing officer requirements and hearing process for motor vehicle franchise dealers.

15100840D

S.B. 1216 Transportation network companies; penalties.

Patron: Stanley

Transportation network companies; penalties. Provides for the regulation of transportation network companies by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Chapter 20 of Title 46.2 an article numbered 3.1, consisting of sections numbered 46.2-2067.1 through 46.2-2067.14, relating to transportation network companies; licensure; penalties.

15103132D

S.B. 1218 Motor vehicle emissions inspection program; autocycles.

Patron: Reeves

Motor vehicle emissions inspection program; autocycles. Exempts autocycles from the motor vehicle emissions inspection program.

A BILL to amend and reenact § 46.2-1177 of the Code of Virginia, relating to the motor vehicle emissions inspection program.

15100683D

S.B. 1220 Following too closely.

Patron: Reeves

Following too closely. Includes bicycles, electric personal assistive mobility devices, electric power-assisted bicycles, and mopeds among vehicles that the driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow more closely than is reasonable.

A BILL to amend and reenact § 46.2-816 of the Code of Virginia, relating to following too closely.

15101337D

S.B. 1228 Passing with a double yellow line.

Patron: Reeves

Passing with a double yellow line. Allows drivers to pass a pedestrian, stopped vehicle, or vehicle traveling less than 25 miles per hour by crossing a double yellow line. The bill also relocates a definition from the end of the section to the beginning for clarity.

A BILL to amend and reenact § 46.2-804 of the Code of Virginia, relating to passing with a double yellow line.

15102338D

S.B. 1233 Exceeding speed limit; fine.

Patron: Reeves

Exceeding speed limit; fine. Repeals reckless driving for exceeding the speed limit as a Class 1 misdemeanor and provides a mandatory minimum fine of $500 for a speed of 20 miles per hour or more in excess of the applicable maximum speed limit.

A BILL to amend and reenact § 46.2-878.3 of the Code of Virginia, to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 46.2-878.4, and to repeal § 46.2-862 of the Code of Virginia, relating to exceeding speed limit; fine.

15103007D

S.B. 1274 Allocation of funds for state highways.

Patron: Barker

Allocation of funds for state highways. Allocates 10 percent of state revenues allocated to state secondary highways for use in reconstructing deteriorated state secondary highway pavements. The bill reduces from 25 to 20 percent the share of such revenues currently allocated to bridge reconstruction and rehabilitation and reduces from 15 to 10 percent the share of such revenues currently allocated to projects undertaken pursuant to the Public-Private Transportation Act of 1995.

A BILL to amend and reenact § 33.2-358 of the Code of Virginia, relating to allocation of funds for reconstructing certain deteriorated state secondary highways.

15102817D

S.B. 1279 Use of handheld personal communications devices while driving; penalty.

Patron: Wexton

Use of handheld personal communications devices while driving; penalty. Provides that, subject to certain exceptions, using a handheld personal communications device while operating a moving vehicle, unless such device is used in voice-operated or hands-free mode, is a traffic infraction punishable by a fine of $125 for a first offense and $250 for a second or subsequent offense. If a person is using such a device at the same time he (i) violates any traffic offense punishable as a misdemeanor or a felony or (ii) causes an accident as the proximate result of his use of the device, he is guilty of reckless driving, a Class 1 misdemeanor. Currently, only texting while driving is a traffic infraction, subject to the same $125 and $250 fines. The bill also eliminates the additional mandatory minimum fine imposed upon a person convicted of reckless driving who was texting while driving at the time of the offense.

A BILL to amend and reenact §§ 46.2-868 and 46.2-1078.1 of the Code of Virginia, relating to use of handheld personal communication devices while driving; penalty.

15102249D