GOVERNOR'S VETO

Pursuant to Article V, Section 6, of the Constitution of Virginia, I veto House Bill 2442. This bill would allow a local ordinance for the collection of overdue accounts to also provide for the imposition of fees of up to 25 percent of the amount owed.

Individuals struggling to pay their bills are already subject to a wide range of fees and penalties. Allowing the addition of substantial fees, as called for in House Bill 2442, would further challenge those individuals, many of whom are low-income Virginians.

During the Reconvened Session I offered amendments that would have limited fees to a reasonable level of 5 percent. The House failed to adopt these amendments.

The fees permitted to be recovered under the original legislation are excessive.

Accordingly, I veto this bill.

GOVERNOR'S RECOMMENDATION

1. Line 15, enrolled, after collection

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and

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or

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the remainder of line 15 and through 58.1-3958 on line 16

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five percent