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1998 SPECIAL SESSION I

983419445
HOUSE BILL NO. 4005
AMENDMENT IN THE NATURE OF A SUBSTITUTE
(Proposed by the House Committee on Finance)
(Patrons Prior to Substitute-Delegates Rust and Parrish)
House Amendments in [ ] -- April 24, 1998
A BILL to amend and reenact §§ 2.1-155, 22.1-146, 22.1-148, 22.1-153, 22.1-163, 22.1-165, 22.1-166.2, 22.1-175.1, 22.1-175.2, 22.1-175.3, 46.2-208, 46.2-623 [ and, 58.1-3912 and 58.1-4022 ] of the Code of Virginia and to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 15.2-1636.1, by adding in Chapter 11.1 of Title 22.1 sections numbered 22.1-175.4, 22.1-175.5 and 22.1-175.6, by adding in Title 58.1 a chapter numbered 35.1, consisting of sections numbered 58.1-3523 through 58.1-3536, and by adding a section numbered 58.1-3916.01, relating to the Omnibus Prosperity Act of 1998.

Whereas, the General Assembly desires to promote the prosperity of the Commonwealth's citizens; and

Whereas, the General Assembly realizes the importance of quality education for the school children of the Commonwealth in promoting the prosperity of the Commonwealth's citizens; and

Whereas, the General Assembly recognizes that more disposable income in the pockets of the citizens is important in promoting the prosperity of the Commonwealth's citizens; and

Whereas, it is the intent of the General Assembly to promote the prosperity of the citizens of the Commonwealth by providing grants for public school construction and tax relief; now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That §§ 2.1-155, 22.1-146, 22.1-148, 22.1-153, 22.1-163, 22.1-165, 22.1-166.2, 22.1-175.1, 22.1-175.2, 22.1-175.3, 46.2-208, 46.2-623, [ and 58.1-3912 and 58.1-4022 ] of the Code of Virginia are amended and reenacted and that the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 15.2-1636.1, by adding in Chapter 11.1 of Title 22.1 sections numbered 22.1-175.4, 22.1-175.5 and 22.1-175.6, by adding in Title 58.1 a chapter numbered 35.1, consisting of sections numbered 58.1-3523 through 58.1-3536, and by adding a section numbered 58.1-3916.01 as follows:

§ 2.1-155. Duties and powers generally.

The Auditor of Public Accounts shall audit all the accounts of every state department, officer, board, commission, institution or other agency in any manner handling state funds. In the performance of such duties and the exercise of such powers he may employ the services of certified public accountants, provided the cost thereof shall not exceed such sums as may be available out of the appropriation provided by law for the conduct of his office. As part of his normal oversight responsibilities, the Auditor of Public Accounts shall incorporate into his audit procedures and processes a review process to ensure that the Commonwealth's payments for qualifying vehicles, as defined in § 58.1-3523, are consistent with the provisions of §§ 58.1-3525 and 58.1-3526. The Auditor of Public Accounts shall report to the Governor and the Chairmen of the House Appropriations Committee, the House Finance Committee, and the Senate Finance Committee annually any material failure by a locality or the Commonwealth to comply with the provisions of Chapter 35.1 (§ 58.1-3523 et seq.) of Title 58.1.

If the Auditor of Public Accounts shall at any time discover any unauthorized, illegal, irregular, or unsafe handling or expenditure of state funds, or if at any time it shall come to his knowledge that any unauthorized, illegal, or unsafe handling or expenditure of state funds is contemplated but not consummated, in either case he shall forthwith lay the facts before the Governor, the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission and the Comptroller.

In compliance with the provisions of the federal Single Audit Act of 1984, Public Law 98-502, the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission may authorize the Auditor of Public Accounts to biennially audit the accounts pertaining to federal funds received by state departments, officers, boards, commissions, institutions or other agencies.

§ 15.2-1636.1. Payments to localities under the Personal Property Tax Relief Act of 1998.

Localities shall be reimbursed for the administrative costs associated with the implementation of Chapter 35.1 (§ 58.1-3523 et seq.) of Title 58.1. The Compensation Board shall approve and reimburse such costs that it deems fair and reasonable. The manner of submitting and preparing estimates for such costs and for reimbursements shall be as directed by the Compensation Board.

§ 22.1-146. Power of Board to make loans from fund for erection, etc., of school buildings and fueling facilities for school buses.

The Board of Education may make loans or, subject to the approval of the General Assembly, loan interest rate subsidy payments from the Literary Fund to the school boards of the several school divisions making application therefor in the manner prescribed by law for the purpose purposes of (i) of funding part or all of the costs for erecting, altering renovating, retrofitting or enlarging school buildings in such school divisions; (ii) for purchasing and installing educational technology equipment and infrastructure; (iii) for equipping school buses for alternative fuel conversions and for construction of constructing school bus fueling facilities for supplying compressed natural gas or other alternative fuels; and (iv) for the refinancing or redemption of redeeming negotiable notes, bonds, and other evidences of indebtedness or obligations incurred by a locality on behalf of a school division which has an application for a Literary Fund loan for an approved school project pending before the Board of Education. For the purpose purposes of this section, "alternative fuels" means motor fuels other than gasoline and diesel fuel.

§ 22.1-148. Restrictions upon making loans; retirement of previous loans.

A. No loan from the Literary Fund shall exceed 100% percent of the cost of the building, addition thereto, and site on account of which such loan is made. No loan shall be made from the Literary Fund to aid in the erection of a building or addition to cost less than $500. Whenever a loan is made from the Literary Fund for the purpose of enlarging a building, any part of the proceeds of such loan may, in the discretion of the Board, be used to retire any previous loan or loans on such building although not matured at the time of such additional loan. No loan shall be made from the Literary Fund in any case in which the payment of same with interest would, in the judgment of the Board of Education, entail too heavy a charge upon the revenues of the county, city or town comprising the school division to which such loan is granted. The Board may refuse to make any loan from the Literary Fund to any school board which is in default in the payment of any part of the principal of any previous loan from the Literary Fund or which for the two years next preceding the loan has been more than six months in default in the payment of interest due on any loan from the Literary Fund.

B. Any school division which has an application for a Literary Fund loan for an approved school project pending before the Board of Education shall not be denied or delayed in obtaining such loan solely for the reason that alternative financing had been obtained to begin or complete construction on such project.

C. An application for a Literary Fund loan for part or all of the costs of construction for a school building shall not be denied or delayed solely because a grant pursuant to the Virginia Public School Construction Grants Program established under Chapter 11.1 (§ 22.1-175.1 et seq.) of this title has been submitted or granted.

§ 22.1-153. School boards authorized to borrow from Fund; form of application.

A. The school boards of the several school divisions are authorized to borrow money belonging to the Literary Fund, and any school board desiring to borrow from the Fund shall make written application to the Board of Education for such loan on a form to be prescribed by the Board.

B. School boards may apply for, on such forms as the Board may prescribe, a loan to fund part or all of the costs of erecting, renovating, retrofitting or enlarging school buildings while simultaneously applying for a grant to fund part of such construction pursuant to Chapter 11.1 (§ 22.1-175.1 et seq.) of this title. The school board shall note, in its Literary Fund loan application, that the grant application has been submitted. In no case shall the total funding through a Literary Fund loan and a grant equal more than 100 percent of the costs of a construction project.

§ 22.1-163. Authority created; public body corporate and agency of State.

The Virginia Public School Authority is created as a public body corporate and as a political subdivision and an agency and instrumentality of the Commonwealth.

§ 22.1-165. Management and administration of moneys, etc., transferred from Literary Fund.

The Authority shall manage and administer as provided in this chapter all moneys or obligations that may be set aside and transferred to it from the principal of the Literary Fund by the General Assembly for public school purposes pursuant to Article VIII, Section 8 of the Constitution of Virginia and any funds authorized by the General Assembly from the Literary Fund, the Virginia Public School Construction Grants Fund established in § 22.1-175.2 or otherwise appropriated by the General Assembly for public school purposes.

§ 22.1-166.2. Grants to local school boards.

A. The Authority is authorized to make grants of money, from any of the funds of the Authority available for such purpose, to local school boards for the purchase of capital projects for school purposes.

B. From such funds as may be appropriated for this purpose and any funds deposited to the Virginia Public School Construction Grants Fund established in § 22.1-175.2, the Authority is also empowered to distribute grants of money pursuant to the provisions of the Virginia Public School Construction Grants Program established under Chapter 11.1 (§ 22.1-175.1 et seq.) of this title, upon the approval of such grants by the Board of Education.

§ 22.1-175.1. Virginia Public School Construction Grants Program established.

The Virginia Public School Construction Grants Program is hereby established to provide grants to eligible school divisions for school construction, additions, renovations, including the costs of retrofitting or enlarging public school buildings, infrastructure and site acquisition for such public school buildings and facilities or, if a school division has completed any such projects during the previous ten years, the grants may be used for debt service payments, or a portion thereof. The Program shall be administered by the Board of Education and the Virginia Public School Authority.

§ 22.1-175.2. Virginia Public School Construction Grants Fund created.

A. From such funds as may be appropriated for this purpose and from such gifts, donations, grants, bequests, and other funds as may be received on its behalf by the Virginia Public School Authority, there is hereby created in the Department of the Treasury a special nonreverting fund known as the Virginia Public School Construction Grants Fund. The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller, and any moneys remaining in such Fund at the end of the biennium shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund. Interest earned on such funds shall remain in the Fund and be credited to it. Funds may be paid to any eligible school division that has been awarded financial assistance pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.

B. The Department of the Treasury State Treasurer shall administer and manage the Virginia Public School Construction Fund, subject to the authority of the Board of Education to provide for its disbursement establish the criteria for and to award grants for public school construction consistent with the provisions of §§ 22.1-175.4 and 22.1-175.5. The Fund shall be disbursed by the Virginia Public School Authority to award school boards to which the Board awards grants as determined by eligibility and needs criteria established by the Board in accordance with the provisions of §§ 22.1-175.4 and 22.1-175.5. The amount of each grant awarded to a qualifying school division shall not exceed 100 percent of the cost of construction, renovation, retrofitting, additions, or site acquisition for public school buildings or facilities, less the appropriate local match.

C. The amount of such public school construction grants shall be matched by funds of the qualifying school division based on the locality's composite index of ability to pay. In awarding such grants, the Board shall take into consideration any Literary Fund loan which may have been applied for or awarded for the same projects.

§ 22.1-175.3. Board to issue guidelines.

The Board shall issue guidelines governing the Program as it may deem necessary and appropriate. The guidelines shall include, but shall not be limited to, provisions which address the following: approval by the local governing body of the construction, addition, renovation, including retrofitting and enlarging public school buildings, or site acquisition for public school buildings and facilities, or if a school division has completed any such projects during the previous ten years, debt service payments, or a portion thereof, for which grant moneys are sought and of the application for a grant from the Fund pursuant to § 22.1-175.4; eligibility criteria for school divisions demonstrating need based on local ability to pay for public school construction; eligibility criteria for school divisions demonstrating need based on population growth rates and the availability and pledge of local matching funds; and procedures for determining priority for awarding grants to qualifying school divisions.

§ 22.1-175.4. Application for grants.

The local school boards seeking a grant in accordance with this chapter shall make written application to the Department. The application shall contain information indicating the school division's eligibility to receive grant funds. Eligibility shall be based on meeting one or more of the following criteria:

1. The school division has been approved for a Literary Fund loan for a capital school project;

2. The school division has received or been notified of an appropriation of a local match grant by the governing body of the locality for capital school projects that are documented in a long-range capital outlay plan; or

3. The governing body or school division is currently making debt service payments for a capital school project which was completed in the previous ten years.

Upon meeting one or more of the criteria, the Department shall distribute grants pursuant to the allocations set forth in § 22.1-175.5.

§ 22.1-175.5. Allocations of grants.

[ Grants shall be allocated and distributed annually to school divisions in accordance with the following: (i) fifty percent of the available grant funds shall be allocated and distributed equally to each school division; and (ii) fifty percent of the available grant funds shall be allocated and distributed to each school division on a pro rata basis according to the school division's average daily membership adjusted by the locality's composite index.

A. All funds appropriated for financial assistance for the purposes of this chapter during fiscal years 1998-1999 and 1999-2000 pursuant to Item 554 of the 1998-2000 Appropriation Act shall be allocated and distributed annually to school divisions in accordance with the following: (i) forty percent of the available grant funds shall be allocated and distributed equally to each school division; (ii) forty percent of the available grant funds shall be allocated and distributed to each school division on a pro rata basis according to the school division's average daily membership adjusted by the locality's composite index; and (iii) twenty percent of the available grant funds shall be allocated and distributed to each school division on a pro rata basis according to the school division's average daily membership.

B. All funds appropriated for financial assistance for the purposes of this chapter for subsequent years shall be apportioned and distributed among the school divisions of the Commonwealth in accordance with eligibility and needs criteria to be hereafter established by the General Assembly. In developing such eligibility and needs criteria, the General Assembly shall consider the recommendations of the Commission on State Funding of Public School Construction. ]

§ 22.1-175.6. Capital School Projects Fund.

A. The governing body of each locality which is awarded a grant pursuant to § 22.1-175.4 shall authorize the local treasurer or fiscal officer, by ordinance or resolution, to create a separate fund upon the books of the locality, as hereinafter described. Upon the adoption of such ordinance or resolution, the treasurer of the locality shall place such grant awards into this fund.

B. The fund shall be known as the "County/City/Town of _______ Capital School Projects Fund." All principal placed into the fund, together with all income from or attributable to the fund, shall be used solely for (i) the purposes of construction, additions, renovations including retrofitting and enlarging public school buildings, infrastructure and site acquisition for public school buildings and facilities or (ii) debt service payments, or a portion thereof, for any such projects completed in the previous ten years. No disbursement from the fund may be made except upon specific appropriation by the governing body in accordance with applicable law. Any amounts appropriated from the fund shall be matched with funds of the locality based upon the composite index of ability to pay. In no event shall more than ten percent of a locality's initial grant be used for previously incurred debt in any one year, unless a waiver is granted by the Board of Education based on good cause shown.

C. All grant awards placed into the fund, including all income from or attributable to such fund, shall be deemed public funds of the locality and shall be subject to all limitations upon deposit and investment provided by general law, including the Virginia Security for Public Deposits Act (§ 2.1-359 et seq.). Income, dividends, distributions and grants accruing to the fund shall be retained in such fund and shall be expended only in accordance with the terms of this section.

D. Nothing in this section shall be deemed or construed to authorize a school board or school division to receive, hold or invest funds in its own name, nor to expend funds in the absence of a specific appropriation by the governing body of the locality in accordance with applicable law.

§ 46.2-208. Records of Department; when open for inspection; release of privileged information.

A. All records in the office of the Department containing the specific classes of information outlined below shall be considered privileged records:

1. Personal information, including all data defined as "personal information" in § 2.1-379;

2. Driver information, including all data that relates to driver's license status and driver activity; and

3. Vehicle information, including all descriptive vehicle data and title, registration, and vehicle activity data.

B. The Commissioner shall release such information only under the following conditions:

1. Notwithstanding other provisions of this section, medical data included in personal data shall be released only to a physician as provided in § 46.2-322.

2. Insurance data may be released as specified in §§ 46.2-372, 46.2-380, and 46.2-706.

3. Notwithstanding other provisions of this section, information disclosed or furnished shall be assessed a fee as specified in § 46.2-214.

4. When the person requesting the information is (i) the subject of the information, (ii) the parent or guardian of the subject of the information, (iii) the authorized representative of the subject of the information, or (iv) the owner of the vehicle that is the subject of the information, the Commissioner shall provide him with the requested information and a complete explanation of it. Requests for such information need not be made in writing or in person and may be made orally or by telephone, provided that the Department is satisfied that there is adequate verification of the requester's identity. When so requested in writing by (i) the subject of the information, (ii) the parent or guardian of the subject of the information, (iii) the authorized representative of the subject of the information, or (iv) the owner of the vehicle that is the subject of the information, the Commissioner shall verify and, if necessary, correct the personal information provided and furnish driver and vehicle information in the form of an abstract of the record.

5. On the written request of any insurance carrier, surety, or representative of an insurance carrier or surety, the Commissioner shall furnish such insurance carrier, surety, or representative an abstract of the record of any person subject to the provisions of this title. The abstract shall include any record of any conviction of a violation of any provision of any statute or ordinance relating to the operation or ownership of a motor vehicle or of any injury or damage in which he was involved and a report of which is required by § 46.2-372. No such report of any conviction or accident shall be made after sixty months from the date of the conviction or accident unless the Commissioner or court used the conviction or accident as a reason for the suspension or revocation of a driver's license or driving privilege, in which case the revocation or suspension and any conviction or accident pertaining thereto shall not be reported after sixty months from the date that the driver's license or driving privilege has been reinstated. This abstract shall not be admissible in evidence in any court proceedings.

6. On the written request of any business organization or its agent, in the conduct of its business, the Commissioner shall compare personal information supplied by the business organization or agent with that contained in the Department's records and, when the information supplied by the business organization or agent is different from that contained in the Department's records, provide the business organization or agent with correct information as contained in the Department's records. Personal information provided under this subdivision shall be used solely for the purpose of pursuing remedies which require locating an individual.

7. The Commissioner shall provide vehicle information to any business organization or agent on such business' or agent's written request. Disclosures made under this subdivision shall not include any personal information and shall not be subject to the limitations contained in subdivision 6 of this subsection.

8. On the written request of any motor vehicle rental or leasing company or its designated agent, the Commissioner shall (i) compare personal information supplied by the company or agent with that contained in the Department's records and, when the information supplied by the company or agent is different from that contained in the Department's records, provide the company or agent with correct information as contained in the Department's records and (ii) provide the company or agent with driver information in the form of an abstract of any person subject to the provisions of this title. Such abstract shall include any record of any conviction of a violation of any provision of any statute or ordinance relating to the operation or ownership of a motor vehicle or of any injury or damage in which the subject of the abstract was involved and a report of which is required by § 46.2-372. No such abstract shall include any record of any conviction or accident more than sixty months after the date of such conviction or accident unless the Commissioner or court used the conviction or accident as a reason for the suspension or revocation of a driver's license or driving privilege, in which case the revocation or suspension and any conviction or accident pertaining thereto shall cease to be included in such abstract after sixty months from the date on which the driver's license or driving privilege was reinstated. No abstract released under this subdivision shall be admissible in evidence in any court proceedings.

9. On the request of any federal, state, or local governmental entity, law-enforcement officer, attorney for the Commonwealth, or court, or the authorized agent of any of the foregoing, the Commissioner shall (i) compare personal information supplied by the governmental entity, officer, attorney for the Commonwealth, or court, or the authorized agent of any of the foregoing, with that contained in the Department's records and, when the information supplied by the governmental entity, officer, attorney for the Commonwealth, or court, or the authorized agent of any of the foregoing, is different from that contained in the Department's records, provide the governmental entity, officer, attorney for the Commonwealth, or court, or the authorized agent of any of the foregoing, with correct information as contained in the Department's records and (ii) provide driver and vehicle information in the form of an abstract of the record showing all convictions, accidents, driver's license suspensions or revocations, and other appropriate information as the governmental entity, officer, attorney for the Commonwealth, or court, or the authorized agent of any of the foregoing, may require in order to carry out its official functions.

10. On request of the driver licensing authority in any other state or foreign country, the Commissioner shall provide whatever classes of information the requesting authority shall require in order to carry out its official functions.

11. On the written request of any employer, prospective employer, or authorized agent of either, and with the written consent of the individual concerned, the Commissioner shall (i) compare personal information supplied by the employer, prospective employer, or agent with that contained in the Department's records and, when the information supplied by the employer, prospective employer, or agent is different from that contained in the Department's records, provide the employer, prospective employer, or agent with correct information as contained in the Department's records and (ii) provide the employer, prospective employer, or agent with driver information in the form of an abstract of an individual's record showing all convictions, accidents, driver's license suspensions or revocations, and any type of driver's license that the individual currently possesses, provided that the individual's position or the position that the individual is being considered for involves the operation of a motor vehicle.

12. On the written request of any member of or applicant for membership in a volunteer fire company or volunteer rescue squad, the Commissioner shall (i) compare personal information supplied by the volunteer fire company or volunteer rescue squad with that contained in the Department's records and, when the information supplied by the volunteer fire company or volunteer rescue squad is different from that contained in the Department's records, provide the volunteer fire company or volunteer rescue squad with correct information as contained in the Department's records and (ii) provide driver information in the form of an abstract of the member's or applicant's record showing all convictions, accidents, license suspensions or revocations, and any type of driver's license that the individual currently possesses. Such abstract shall be provided free of charge if the request is accompanied by appropriate written evidence that the person is a member of or applicant for membership in a volunteer fire company or volunteer rescue squad and the abstract is needed by a volunteer fire company or volunteer rescue squad to establish the qualifications of the member or applicant to operate equipment owned by the volunteer fire company or volunteer rescue squad.

13. On the written request of any person who has applied to be a volunteer with a Virginia affiliate of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America, the Commissioner shall (i) compare personal information supplied by a Virginia affiliate of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America with that contained in the Department's records and, when the information supplied by a Virginia affiliate of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America is different from that contained in the Department's records, provide the Virginia affiliate of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America with correct information as contained in the Department's records and (ii) provide driver information in the form of an abstract of the applicant's record showing all convictions, accidents, license suspensions or revocations, and any type of driver's license that the individual currently possesses. Such abstract shall be provided free of charge if the request is accompanied by appropriate written evidence that the person has applied to be a volunteer with a Virginia affiliate of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America.

14. On the written request of any person who has applied to be a volunteer with a court-appointed special advocate program pursuant to § 9-173.8, the Commissioner shall provide an abstract of the applicant's record showing all convictions, accidents, license suspensions or revocations, and any type of driver's license that the individual currently possesses. Such abstract shall be provided free of charge if the request is accompanied by appropriate written evidence that the person has applied to be a volunteer with a court-appointed special advocate program pursuant to § 9-173.8.

15. Upon the request of any employer, prospective employer, or authorized representative of either, the Commissioner shall (i) compare personal information supplied by the employer, prospective employer, or agent with that contained in the Department's records and, when the information supplied by the employer, prospective employer, or agent is different from that contained in the Department's records, provide the employer, prospective employer, or agent with correct information as contained in the Department's records and (ii) provide driver information in the form of an abstract of the driving record of any individual who has been issued a commercial driver's license, provided that the individual's position or the position that the individual is being considered for involves the operation of a commercial motor vehicle. Such abstract shall show all convictions, accidents, license suspensions, revocations, or disqualifications, and any type of driver's license that the individual currently possesses.

16. Upon the receipt of a completed application and payment of applicable processing fees, the Commissioner may enter into an agreement with any governmental authority or business to exchange information specified in this section by electronic or other means.

17. Upon the request of an attorney representing a person in a motor vehicle accident, the Commissioner shall provide vehicle information, including the owner's name and address, to the attorney.

18. Upon the request, in the course of business, of any authorized representative of an insurance company or of any not-for-profit entity organized to prevent and detect insurance fraud, the Commissioner shall provide all vehicle information, including the owner's name and address, descriptive data and title, registration, and vehicle activity data to such person.

19. Upon the request of an officer authorized to issue criminal warrants, for the purpose of issuing a warrant for arrest for unlawful disposal of trash or refuse in violation of § 33.1-346, the Commissioner shall provide vehicle information, including the owner's name and address.

20. Upon written request of the compliance agent of a private security services business, as defined in § 9-183.1, which is licensed by the Department of Criminal Justice Services, the Commissioner shall provide the name and address of the owner of the vehicle under procedures determined by the Commissioner.

C. Whenever the Commissioner issues an order to suspend or revoke the driver's license or driving privilege of any individual, he may notify the National Driver Register Service operated by the United States Department of Transportation and any similar national driver information system and provide whatever classes of information the authority may require.

D. Accident reports may be inspected under the provisions of §§ 46.2-379 and 46.2-380.

E. Whenever the Commissioner takes any licensing action pursuant to the provisions of the Virginia Commercial Driver's License Act (§ 46.2-341.1 et seq.), he may provide information to the Commercial Driver License Information System, or any similar national commercial driver information system, regarding such action.

F. In addition to the foregoing provisions of this section, vehicle information may also be inspected under the provisions of §§ 43-33, 43-34, 46.2-633, and 46.2-1200.1 through 46.2-1237.

G. The Department may promulgate regulations to govern the means by which personal, vehicle, and driver information is requested and disseminated.

H. Driving records of any person accused of an offense involving the operation of a motor vehicle shall be provided by the Commissioner upon request to any person acting as counsel for the accused. If such counsel is from the public defender's office or has been appointed by the court, such records shall be provided free of charge.

§ 46.2-623. Statements in application.

A. Every application for a certificate of title shall contain (i) a statement of the applicant's title and of all liens or encumbrances on the vehicle and the names and addresses of all persons having any interest in the vehicle and the nature of every interest in the vehicle. The application shall also contain; (ii) the Social Security number, if any, of the owner and, if the application is in the name of an employer for a business vehicle, the employer's identification number assigned by the United States Internal Revenue Service.

Every application for a certificate of title shall contain; and (iii) a brief description of the vehicle to be registered, including the name of the maker, the vehicle identification or serial number and, when registering a new vehicle, the date of sale by the manufacturer or dealer to the person first operating the vehicle.

B. Not later than July 15, 1998, the lessor of a qualifying vehicle, as defined in § 58.1-3523, shall send a report to the Department for each such qualifying vehicle it was leasing as of July 1, 1998, and has leased between January 1, 1998, and June 30, 1998, containing (i) the name and address of the lessee as it appears in the lease contract; (ii) the social security number of the lessee; and (iii) the registration number of the vehicle as described under Article 1 (§ 46.2-600 et seq.) of Chapter 6 of Title 46.2.

C. Beginning with August 1998, such lessor shall send a monthly report to the Department, by the fifteenth day of the month or such later day as may be prescribed in the guidelines promulgated under § 58.1-3532, listing any changes, additions or deletions to the information provided under subsection B as of the last day of the preceding month.

D. The application shall contain whatever such additional information as may be required by the Department.

CHAPTER 35.1.
PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX RELIEF ACT OF 1998.

§ 58.1-3523. Definitions.

As used in this chapter:

"Commissioner" means the Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles.

"Commissioner of the revenue" means the same as that set forth in § 58.1-3100. For purposes of this chapter, in a county or city which does not have an elected commissioner of the revenue, "commissioner of the revenue" means the officer who is primarily responsible for assessing motor vehicles for the purposes of tangible personal property taxation.

"Department" means the Department of Motor Vehicles.

"Effective tax rate" means the tax rate imposed by a locality on tangible personal property on the applicable class of tangible personal property multiplied by the assessment ratio.

"Leased" means leased by a natural person as lessee and used for nonbusiness purposes.

"Percentage level" means the percentage of the reimbursable amount to be reimbursed or paid by the Commonwealth.

"Privately owned" means owned by a natural person and used for nonbusiness purposes.

"Qualifying vehicle" means any passenger car, motorcycle, and pickup or panel truck, as those terms are defined in § 46.2-100, that is determined by the commissioner of the revenue of the county or city in which the vehicle has situs as provided by § 58.1-3511 to be (i) privately owned or (ii) leased pursuant to a contract requiring the lessee to pay the tangible personal property tax on such vehicle. In determining whether a vehicle is a qualifying vehicle, the commissioner of revenue may rely on the registration of such vehicle with the Department pursuant to Chapter 6 (§ 46.2-600 et seq.) of Title 46.2.

"Reimbursable amount" means the value of a qualifying vehicle, up to the first $20,000 of value, multiplied by the effective tax rate in effect in the locality on August 1, 1997.

"Tangible personal property tax" means the tax levied pursuant to Article 1 (§ 58.1-3500 et seq.) of Chapter 35 of Title 58.1.

"Treasurer" means the same as that set forth in § 58.1-3123, when used herein with respect to a county or city. When used herein with respect to a town, "treasurer" means the officer who is primarily responsible for the billing and collection of tangible personal property taxes levied upon motor vehicles by such town, and means the treasurer of the county or counties in which such town is located if such functions are performed for the town by the county treasurer or treasurers.

"Used for nonbusiness purposes" means the preponderance of use is for other than business purposes. The preponderance of use for other than business purposes shall be deemed not to be satisfied if: (i) the motor vehicle is expensed on the taxpayer's federal income tax return pursuant to Internal Revenue Code § 179; (ii) more than fifty percent of the basis for depreciation of the motor vehicle is depreciated for federal income tax purposes; or (iii) the allowable expense of total annual mileage in excess of fifty percent is deductible for federal income tax purposes or reimbursed pursuant to an arrangement between an employer and employee.

Notwithstanding the provisions of § 58.1-3532, the Tax Commissioner shall promulgate guidelines by May 15, 1998, consistent with this section which shall be utilized by the commissioners of the revenue in ascertaining for the purposes of this chapter whether a vehicle is used for business purposes.

"Value" means the fair market value determined by the method prescribed in § 58.1-3503 and used by the locality as of August 1, 1997, in valuing the qualifying vehicle.

§ 58.1-3524. Reimbursement of tangible personal property taxes; deduction on tangible personal property tax bills.

A. For tax year 1998, the Commonwealth shall directly reimburse taxpayers, for tangible personal property tax levies paid on any qualifying vehicle, a percentage of the reimbursable amount determined pursuant to subdivision B 1, as provided in § 58.1-3525. For tax year 1999 and tax years thereafter, the Commonwealth shall pay to treasurers a percentage of the reimbursable amount determined pursuant to subdivisions B 2 through B 5 on any qualifying vehicle, as provided in § 58.1-3526.

B. Subject to the conditions of subsections C and D, the amount of the reimbursement to taxpayers for tax year 1998 and the amount of the payments to treasurers for tax years after 1998 shall be 100 percent for qualifying vehicles with a value of one thousand dollars or less and for each qualifying vehicle with a value of more than one thousand dollars shall be as follows:

                                              Percentage Level
1.  For any tax year beginning in     12.5 percent of the reimbursable
calendar year 1998                    amount for each qualifying vehicle
2.  For any tax year beginning in     27.5 percent of the reimbursable
calendar year 1999                    amount for each qualifying vehicle
3.  For any tax year beginning in     47.5 percent of the reimbursable
calendar year 2000                    amount for each qualifying vehicle
4.  For any tax year beginning in     70 percent of the reimbursable
calendar year 2001                    amount for each qualifying vehicle
5.  For any tax year beginning in     100 percent of the reimbursable
calendar year 2002 and tax            amount for each qualifying vehicle
years thereafter

Any locality which has a tax year which begins on July 1 rather than January 1 shall be eligible for reimbursement for the taxes paid beginning January 1, 1998, through June 30, 1998, as if such tax year began in calendar year 1998.

C. Notwithstanding the schedule set forth in subsection B, the percentage level for each qualifying vehicle to be paid by the Commonwealth for a tax year shall not be increased at the beginning of any calendar year above the percentage level paid by the Commonwealth in the preceding tax year if:

1. Actual general fund revenues for a fiscal year, including transfers, are less than the projected general fund revenues, as reported in the general appropriation act in effect at that time, by [ one one-half ] percent or more of the amount of actual general fund revenues for such fiscal year;

2. The general fund revenue forecast provided by the Governor in December pursuant to § 2.1-393 indicates that general fund revenues, excluding transfers, for any fiscal year will be less than five percent greater than general fund revenues for the immediately preceding fiscal year; or

3. The general fund revenue forecast provided by the Governor in December pursuant to § 2.1-393 indicates that total general fund revenues available for appropriation, including transfers, for either of the fiscal years covered by the general appropriation act in effect at that time will be less than the general fund appropriations for such fiscal year or years.

D. If the percentage level remains the same for consecutive tax years, the percentage level to be used in the following tax year shall remain the same unless the conditions described in subsection C have occurred, in which event the amount to be paid by the Commonwealth for the immediately following tax year shall be equal to the next highest percentage level listed in subsection B.

E. An amount equal to the percentage of the reimbursable amount as determined under subdivisions B 2 through B 5 shall appear as a deduction on the tangible personal property tax bill for qualifying vehicles, as provided by subsection E of § 58.1-3912.

1. In the event the General Assembly changes the percentage of the reimbursable amount as described under subsection B for the current tax year and a locality has already printed its tangible personal property tax bills for qualifying vehicles for the year that the percentage is changed, the following procedures shall apply:

a. If the percentage of the reimbursable amount is decreased for the current tax year and the taxpayer has paid the assessment, the locality may (i) levy an additional amount for the amount of the difference between the percentage of the reimbursable amount for the tax year reflected on the original assessment and the percentage of the reimbursable amount for the tax year as modified by the General Assembly in the current year or (ii) carry forward the additional levy and include it on the subsequent tax bill, provided such levy is not subject to penalty and interest.

b. If the percentage of the reimbursable amount is increased for the current tax year and the taxpayer has paid the assessment, the locality shall issue a refund to the taxpayer for the amount of the difference between the percentage of the reimbursable amount for the tax year reflected on the original assessment and the percentage of the reimbursable amount for the tax year as modified by the General Assembly in the current tax year. Such refunds shall be issued by the treasurer no later than thirty days after receipt of the payment from the Commonwealth pursuant to § 58.1-3526.

2. In the event the General Assembly changes the percentage of the reimbursable amount as described under subsection B before a locality has printed its tangible personal property tax bills for qualifying vehicles, the following procedures shall apply:

a. If the percentage of the reimbursable amount is decreased for the current tax year, the locality may adjust each taxpayer's tangible personal property tax bill to reflect the changes made by the General Assembly to the percentage of the reimbursable amount.

b. If the percentage of the reimbursable amount is increased for the current tax year, the locality shall adjust each taxpayer's tangible personal property tax bill to reflect the changes made by the General Assembly to the percentage of the reimbursable amount.

§ 58.1-3525. Reimbursement to taxpayers for tax year 1998 levies.

A. For tax year 1998 tangible personal property tax levies paid on qualifying vehicles, the Commonwealth shall reimburse to the taxpayer the amount specified in subdivision B 1 of § 58.1-3524. If such amount is less than one dollar, the Commonwealth shall not make a reimbursement to the taxpayer.

B. Reimbursements shall be made according to the following schedule:

1. The reimbursement relating to tax year 1998 levies paid by taxpayers between January 1, 1998, and June 30, 1998, shall be sent to taxpayers by United States mail on or before November 15, 1998.

a. On or before July 31, 1998, the commissioner of revenue shall certify the value of each qualifying vehicle to the treasurer of the locality. No further certification shall be required if the Commissioner has, within the certified property book provided to the treasurer pursuant to § 58.1-3118, identified each qualifying vehicle and its value, as defined in this chapter.

b. On or before August 31, 1998, the treasurer shall certify to the Department, in the manner prescribed by the Department, the amount as determined under subdivision B 1 of § 58.1-3524 to be reimbursed to each taxpayer.

c. On or before September 30, 1998, after a review of the certifications submitted by the treasurers, the Commissioner shall certify the amount to be reimbursed to each taxpayer and shall make a written request to the Comptroller for payment.

2. The reimbursement relating to tax year 1998 levies paid by taxpayers between July 1, 1998, and December 31, 1998, shall be sent to taxpayers by United States mail on or before May 15, 1999.

a. On or before January 31, 1999, the commissioner of revenue shall certify the value of each qualifying vehicle to the treasurer of the locality. No further certification shall be required if the Commissioner has, within the certified property book provided to the treasurer pursuant to § 58.1-3118, identified each qualifying vehicle and its value, as defined in this chapter.

b. On or before February 28, 1999, the treasurer shall certify to the Department, in the manner prescribed by the Department, the amount as determined under subdivision B 1 of § 58.1-3524 to be reimbursed to each taxpayer.

c. On or before March 31, 1999, after a review of the certifications submitted by the treasurers, the Commissioner shall certify the amount to be reimbursed to each taxpayer and shall make a written request to the Comptroller for payment.

3. The reimbursement relating to tax year 1998 levies paid by taxpayers after December 31, 1998, shall be sent by United States mail to taxpayers within 100 days of payment.

a. Within thirty days of receipt of payment, the treasurer shall certify to the Department, in the manner prescribed by the Department, the amount as determined under subdivision B 1 of § 58.1-3524 to be reimbursed to each taxpayer.

b. After a review of the certifications submitted by the treasurers and within thirty days of receipt of a treasurer's certification, the Commissioner shall certify the amount to be reimbursed to each taxpayer and shall make a written request to the Comptroller for payment.

4. In each instance, the treasurer shall also include the commissioner of revenue's certification along with any certification he is required to send to the Department.

C. If (i) the situs for the assessment and taxation of a qualifying vehicle, as determined pursuant to § 58.1-3511, changes in tax year 1998 and (ii) the county, city, or town in which the qualifying vehicle first had situs in tax year 1998 levied a tangible personal property tax on such vehicle for all twelve months of tax year 1998, the reimbursement under this section shall be made only for tangible personal property taxes paid to such county, city, or town.

D. Payments to taxpayers under this section shall be made by the State Treasurer on warrants issued by the Comptroller.

E. The reimbursement provided under this section for a qualifying vehicle which is leased shall be paid directly to the lessee of such vehicle.

§ 58.1-3526. Payment to treasurers for tax year 1999 and thereafter.

A. For tax year 1999 and tax years thereafter, the Commonwealth shall pay to treasurers the amount specified in subdivisions B 2 through B 5 of § 58.1-3524 for each qualifying vehicle, if the conditions of this section are satisfied.

B. As provided by subsection E of § 58.1-3912, the treasurer shall include such amount as a deduction on the face of tangible personal property tax bills for qualifying vehicles and shall clearly designate such deduction as an amount to be paid by the Commonwealth. In addition to tangible personal property taxes levied on property other than qualifying vehicles, the taxpayer shall pay to the treasurer any payment due for the difference between tangible personal property taxes levied on a qualifying vehicle and such deduction. Within the certified personal property tax book provided to the treasurer pursuant to § 58.1-3118, the commissioner of the revenue shall identify each qualifying vehicle and its value, as defined in this chapter.

C. Except as provided by subsection B of § 58.1-3528, upon full payment of the tangible personal property tax levied on a qualifying vehicle, less the amount of the deduction, as described in subsection B of this section, the treasurer shall make a request to the Commonwealth for payment of the amount equal to the amount specified in subdivisions B 2 through B 5 of § 58.1-3524 for the qualifying vehicle. Such request shall include a summary of the information appearing on the related tangible personal property tax bill. The summary information to be included in the request and the form of such request shall be prescribed by the Comptroller. Upon receipt of such information, the Comptroller shall issue the proper warrant for payment by the State Treasurer. If the Comptroller determines that a treasurer is unable to provide the summary information, he shall issue a warrant for payment to such treasurer in an amount equal to the estimate made by the Department under § 58.1-3529. Provided that the request for payment is received by the deadlines established and in the format prescribed by the Comptroller, he shall issue the warrant for payment no later than two business days after the receipt of the request from the treasurer.

D. 1. If a taxpayer is required to make a payment for the difference between the tangible personal property tax levied on a qualifying vehicle and the deduction as described in subsection B, the amount as determined under subdivisions B 2 through B 5 of § 58.1-3524 for such qualifying vehicle shall be paid by the Commonwealth to the treasurer at such times as are consistent with the treasurer's receipt of tangible personal property tax payments on qualifying vehicles as of January 1, 1998.

2. Except as provided in subdivision D 3, if a taxpayer is not required to return to the treasurer any payment of tangible personal property tax for a qualifying vehicle, the amount as determined under subdivisions B 2 through B 5 of § 58.1-3524 for such qualifying vehicle shall be paid by the Commonwealth to the treasurer over a four-week period. There shall be one equal payment in each week. The first payment shall be made four weeks prior to the county, city, or town's due date for tangible personal property taxes on qualifying vehicles as of January 1, 1998. However, the Comptroller shall not issue a warrant for payment unless he has received the certification described in § 58.1-3916.01.

3. If (i) a taxpayer is not required to return to the treasurer any payment of tangible personal property tax for a qualifying vehicle and (ii) the tangible personal property tax levy on such vehicle has been made as authorized under § 58.1-3516, the amount as determined under subdivisions B 2 through B 5 of § 58.1-3524 for such qualifying vehicle shall be paid by the Commonwealth to the treasurer at such times as are consistent with the treasurer's receipt of tangible personal property tax payments on qualifying vehicles as of January 1, 1998.

E. In addition to the summary information described in subsection C, the treasurer shall provide any additional information related to qualifying vehicles to the Department. Such additional information shall be prescribed in the guidelines promulgated under § 58.1-3532.

§ 58.1-3527. Reconciliation of amounts paid to counties, cities, and towns.

For tax years 1999 and tax years thereafter, the Department and each treasurer shall reconcile the amount paid by the Commonwealth to such treasurer. The Department may use the information described in subsections C and E of § 58.1-3526 and any other source or data it deems appropriate in making such a reconciliation. If the Department determines that the correct amount has not been paid to such treasurer, the Department shall (i) for any underpayments, make a written request to the Comptroller to make a payment for any underpayment; or (ii) for any overpayment, direct the Comptroller to reduce the respective county, city, or town's next payment or payments, in the current or succeeding years, under § 58.1-3526 accordingly. The guidelines promulgated under § 58.1-3532 shall establish procedures for such reconciliations.

§ 58.1-3528. Interest; Commonwealth to make payments when taxes paid in full.

A. Payments to taxpayers and treasurers under this chapter shall not include interest.

B. The Commonwealth shall not make the reimbursement to a taxpayer, as provided under § 58.1-3525, unless the tangible personal property taxes for the related qualifying vehicle have been paid in full.

C. The Commonwealth shall not make the reimbursement to a treasurer, as provided under subsection C of § 58.1-3526, unless the tangible personal property taxes for the related qualifying vehicle, if in excess of five dollars, have been paid in full.

D. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections B and C of this section, if a county, city, or town has entered into an agreement with a taxpayer under which such taxpayer is allowed to satisfy the tangible personal property tax liability on a qualifying vehicle in installment payments, due to financial hardship, the Commonwealth shall pay the respective amount specified in subdivisions B 2 through B 5 of § 58.1-3524 for such vehicle to the treasurer if the taxpayer has paid at least fifty percent of such tangible personal property tax liability.

§ 58.1-3529. Estimate of payments to be made by the Commonwealth.

On November 1 of each year, the Department shall estimate the amount to be paid by the Commonwealth under this chapter for the upcoming tax year and shall provide a report to the Governor of the same. Upon the request of the Comptroller, the Department shall also make an estimate of the amount to be paid by the Commonwealth in any tax year to an individual county, city, or town and shall report the estimated amount to the Comptroller.

§ 58.1-3530. Payments to taxpayers subject to Setoff Debt Collection Act.

Any amount to be reimbursed to a taxpayer for tax year 1998 levies paid on qualifying vehicles pursuant to § 58.1-3525 shall be subject to the Setoff Debt Collection Act (§ 58.1-520 et seq.).

§ 58.1-3531. Full payment of tangible personal property tax on qualifying vehicles not made.

Beginning in tax year 1999, notwithstanding any other provision of law, general and special, including the provisions of the charter of any county, city, or town:

1. If a taxpayer fails to make the payment described in subsection B of § 58.1-3526 by its due date or fails to comply with the filing requirements for qualifying vehicles under §§ 58.1-3518 and 58.1-3518.1, no interest may be imposed on any amount to be paid by the Commonwealth as determined under subdivisions B 2 through B 5 of § 58.1-3524. In calculating penalties to be imposed on the taxpayer for failure to make the payment described in subsection B of § 58.1-3526 by its due date or for failure of the taxpayer to comply with the filing requirements for qualifying vehicles under §§ 58.1-3518 and 58.1-3518.1, the treasurer may take into consideration the full amount of the tangible personal property tax levied including any amount to be paid by the Commonwealth as determined under subdivisions B 2 through B 5 of § 58.1-3524 and any other relevant information.

2. If a taxpayer (i) fails to comply with the filing requirements for a qualifying vehicle under §§ 58.1-3518 and 58.1-3518.1 and (ii) is not required to return to the treasurer any payment of tangible personal property tax for such vehicle, no new or replacement local motor vehicle license for such vehicle, as described in Article 11 (§ 46.2-750 et seq.) of Chapter 6 of Title 46.2 shall be issued until the taxpayer complies with such filing requirements.

§ 58.1-3532. Department to promulgate guidelines.

The Department shall promulgate guidelines for the use of local governments in administering the provisions of this chapter. In preparing such guidelines, the Department shall not be subject to the provisions of the Administrative Process Act (§ 9-6.14:1 et seq.) for guidelines promulgated on or before July 1, 2001, but shall cooperate with and seek the counsel of local officials and interested groups. Such guidelines shall be available for distribution to local governments on July 1, 1998. Thereafter, the guidelines shall be updated annually.

§ 58.1-3533. Personal Property Tax Relief Fund.

A. There is hereby created on the books of the Comptroller in the Department of the Treasury a special nonreverting fund which shall be known as the Personal Property Tax Relief Fund. The Fund shall consist of such funds as may be appropriated by the General Assembly from time to time. These funds shall be used exclusively for the payments to taxpayers and treasurers described in this chapter.

B. The Commissioner shall annually, on or before November 1, make and deliver to the Governor and the Secretary of Finance a certificate stating the sum necessary to fund the payments to taxpayers and treasurers described in this chapter.

C. In the event the funds appropriated to the Fund are insufficient, or projected to be insufficient, to make payments to taxpayers or treasurers in the first year of a biennium, the Governor is authorized to transfer moneys from the second year to the first year to effect the payment.

In the event the funds appropriated to the Fund are insufficient, or projected to be insufficient, to make payments to treasurers in the second year of a biennium, the Governor is hereby directed to submit to the presiding officer of each house of the General Assembly, at its next regularly scheduled session, printed copies of a budget including the sum, if any, required to restore the Fund to a level sufficient to make payments to treasurers for the purpose set forth in this chapter.

§ 58.1-3534. Department to furnish information to commissioners of revenue.

The Department shall provide to the commissioners of revenue such data or information it has available which is needed for the commissioners of revenue to comply with the provisions of this chapter. Such data or information shall be made available in a manner which will allow for compliance with the provisions of this chapter.

§ 58.1-3535. Commissioner of the revenue to furnish information to the treasurer.

The commissioner of the revenue shall timely provide to the treasurer such data or information as may be required for the treasurer to comply with the provisions of this chapter.

§ 58.1-3536. Limitation on payments to treasurers.

A. The Governor shall not submit any budget bill pursuant to subsection A of § 2.1-399 or any amendments to a general appropriation act pursuant to subsection B of § 2.1-399 for fiscal year 2000-2001 or any fiscal year thereafter that propose the appropriation of an amount that exceeds a total of eight and one-half percent of the amount of total general fund revenues available for appropriation for payments in any fiscal year (i) to treasurers pursuant to § 58.1-3526 and (ii) for principal and interest upon bonds issued by the Virginia Public School Authority pursuant to § 22.1-175.2.

B. If a general fund revenue forecast provided by the Governor in December of any year pursuant to § 2.1-393 indicates that the appropriation of funds for payments (i) to treasurers at the level stated in the Commissioner's certificate made pursuant to subsection B of § 58.1-3533 and (ii) for principal and interest upon bonds issued by the Virginia Public School Authority pursuant to § 22.1-175.2 would exceed such eight and one-half percent limitation, then the percentage amount determined under subsection B of § 58.1-3524 shall be reduced to a percentage of the reimbursable amount of each qualifying vehicle, to be determined by the Department, that would require the amount to be paid by the Commonwealth to treasurers for payments to treasurers to not exceed such eight and one-half percent limitation. Upon determining such reduced percentage, the Department shall notify treasurers of the reduced percentage.

C. For any tax year corresponding to the fiscal year for which the percentage of payment is reduced as provided in subsection B, the Commonwealth shall pay to treasurers the reduced percentage of the reimbursable amount of each qualifying vehicle, if the conditions of subsections B through E of § 58.1-3526 are satisfied.

D. Treasurers shall include the product obtained by multiplying the reduced percentage by the reimbursable amount for the qualifying vehicle as a deduction on tangible personal property tax bills for such tax year. However, if the percentage for the current tax year is reduced after a locality has printed its tangible personal property tax bills for qualifying vehicles for such tax year, the locality may issue an additional assessment for the amount of the difference between the percentage amount for the tax year reflected on the original assessment and the reduced amount of the deduction. If the percentage for the current tax year is reduced before a locality has mailed its tangible personal property tax bills for qualifying vehicles for such tax year, the locality may adjust each taxpayer's tangible personal property tax bill to reflect the reduced amount of the deduction.

§ 58.1-3912. Treasurers to mail certain bills to taxpayers; penalties.

A. The treasurer of every city and county shall, as soon as reasonably possible in each year, but not later than fourteen days prior to the due date of the taxes, send or cause to be sent by United States mail to each taxpayer assessed with taxes and levies for that year amounting to five dollars or more as shown by an assessment book in such treasurer's office, a bill or bills setting forth the amounts due. The treasurer may employ the services of a mailing service or other vendor for fulfilling the requirements of this section. The failure of any such treasurer to comply with this section shall be a Class 4 misdemeanor. Such treasurer shall be deemed in compliance with this section as to any taxes due on real estate if, upon certification by the obligee of any note or other evidence of debt secured by a mortgage or deed of trust on such real estate that an agreement has been made with the obligor in writing within the mortgage or deed of trust instrument that such arrangements be made, he mails the bill for such taxes to the obligee thereof. Upon nonpayment of taxes by either the obligee or obligor, a past-due tax bill will be sent to the taxpayer. No governing body shall publish the name of a taxpayer in connection with a tax debt for which a bill was not sent, without first sending a notice of deficiency to his last known address at least two weeks before such publication.

B. The governing body of any county, city or town may attach to or mail with all real estate and tangible personal property tax bills, prepared for taxpayers in such locality, information indicating how the tax rate charged upon such property and revenue derived therefrom is apportioned among the various services and governmental functions provided by the locality.

C. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A of this section, in any county which has adopted the urban county executive form of government, and in any county contiguous thereto which has adopted the county executive form of government, tangible personal property tax bills shall be mailed not later than thirty days prior to the due date of such taxes.

D. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A of this section, any county and town, the governing bodies of which mutually agree, shall be allowed to send, to each taxpayer assessed with taxes, by United States mail no later than fourteen days prior to the due date of the taxes, a single real property tax bill and a single tangible personal property tax bill.

E. Beginning with tax year 1999, in addition to all other information currently appearing on tangible personal property tax bills, each such bill shall state on its face (i) whether the vehicle is a qualifying vehicle as defined in § 58.1-3523; (ii) a deduction for the amount to be paid by the Commonwealth as determined by § 58.1-3524; (iii) the vehicle's registration number pursuant to § 46.2-604; (iv) the amount of tangible personal property tax levied on the vehicle; and (v) if the locality prorates personal property tax pursuant to § 58.1-3516, the number of months for which a bill is being sent.

F. Beginning with tax year 1999 and through the end of tax year 2002, the treasurer shall include a statement, prepared by the Department, with or as part of the tangible personal property tax bills for such qualifying vehicles. The statement shall explain how the deduction for the percentage of the reimbursable amount was calculated, how the deduction shall be calculated in future years, and the taxpayer's liability for tangible personal property taxes on qualifying vehicles.

§ 58.1-3916.01. Billing and due dates for personal property tax on qualifying vehicles.

Notwithstanding any changes a county, city, or town may adopt regarding its billing date or due date for tangible personal property tax or any proration ordinance which may be adopted pursuant to § 58.1-3516 or § 58.1-3516.1, payment by the Commonwealth for qualifying vehicles as defined in § 58.1-3523 to any county, city, or town shall be made in accordance with the provisions of § 58.1-3526 at such times as are consistent with each locality's billing date or due date in effect on January 1, 1998, for tangible personal property tax. The treasurer shall certify such billing dates and due dates in effect on January 1, 1998, to the Comptroller by January 1, 1999.

[ § 58.1-4022. State Lottery Fund.

A. All moneys received from the sale of lottery tickets or shares, less payment for prizes and compensation of agents as authorized by regulation and any other revenues received under this chapter, shall be placed in a special fund known as the "State Lottery Fund." Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, interest earned from moneys in the State Lottery Fund shall accrue to the benefit of such Fund.

B. The total costs for the operation and administration of the lottery shall be funded from the State Lottery Fund and shall be in such amount as provided in the general appropriation act. Appropriations to the Department during any fiscal year beginning on and after July 1, 1989, exclusive of agent compensation, shall at no time exceed ten percent of the total annual estimated gross revenues to be generated from lottery sales. However, should it be anticipated at any time by the Director that such operational and administrative costs for a fiscal year will exceed the limitation provided herein, the Director shall immediately report such information to the Board, the Governor and the Chairmen of Senate Finance and House Appropriations Committees. From the moneys in the Fund, the Comptroller shall establish a special reserve fund in such amount as shall be provided by regulation of the Department for (i) operation of the lottery, (ii) use if the game's pay-out liabilities exceed its cash on hand, or (iii) enhancement of the prize pool with income derived from lending securities held for payment of prize installments, which lending of securities shall be conducted in accordance with lending programs approved by the Department of the Treasury.

C. Any start-up sums appropriated from the general fund of the Commonwealth necessary to commence operation of a state lottery shall be repaid within the first twelve months of initial lottery sales.

D. Appropriation of lottery revenues shall be made only upon actual and audited collections as transferred to the general fund and shall in no event be predicated upon an estimation of such revenues. No later than ten days after receipt of the audit report required by § 58.1-4023, the Comptroller shall transfer to the general fund, less the special reserve fund, the audited balances of the State Lottery Fund. In addition to such other funds as may be appropriated, 100 percent of the lottery revenues transferred to the general fund shall be appropriated entirely and solely for the purpose of public education in the Commonwealth, which purposes shall include, but not be limited to, those programs specified in § 22.1-199.1.

Of the lottery revenues transferred to the general fund and appropriated entirely and solely for the purpose of public education in the Commonwealth, such funds shall be deposited in the Virginia Public School Construction Grants Fund as follows: (i) twenty percent shall be deposited in fiscal year 2001; (ii) thirty percent shall be deposited in fiscal year 2002; (iii) forty percent shall be deposited in fiscal year 2003; and (iv) fifty percent shall be deposited in fiscal year 2004 and thereafter. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the percentage level of the lottery revenues deposited in the Virginia Public School Construction Grants Fund shall not be increased in any fiscal year (i) in which any one of the three conditions in subsection C of § 58.1-3524 are in effect with regard to the Personal Property Tax Relief Act of 1998 or (ii) if in any fiscal year the aggregate of the total amount of payments to treasurers for personal property tax relief pursuant to Chapter 35.1 (§ 58.1-3523 et seq.) of Title 58.1 and the total lottery revenues to be deposited in the Virginia Public School Construction Grants Fund exceeds the percentage of total general fund revenues available for appropriation established as a limitation upon payments to treasurers in § 58.1-3536.

E. As a function of the administration of this chapter, funds may be expended for the purposes of reasonably informing the public concerning (i) the facts embraced in the subjects contained in subdivisions 1 through 7 of subsection A of § 58.1-4007 and (ii) the fact that the net proceeds are paid into the general fund of the Commonwealth; but no funds shall be expended for the primary purpose of inducing persons to participate in the lottery.

2. That there shall be appropriated and distributed to the Virginia Public School Construction Grants Fund no less than $62.5 million in each fiscal year of the 1998-2000 biennium. ]

[ 3. § 1. That the Commission on State Funding of Public School Construction is hereby established. The Commission shall be composed of 12 members, which shall include 7 legislative members and 5 nonlegislative citizen members as follows: the Co-Chairmen of the House Committee on Appropriations, or their respective designees, the Co-Chairmen of the House Committee on Finance, or their respective designees; the Co-Chairs of the Senate Committee on Finance, or their respective designees, one additional member of the Senate, to be appointed by the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections; and five citizen members, who may or may not be employees of the Commonwealth, to be appointed by the Governor.

§ 2. The Commission shall recommend to the General Assembly (i) a statewide method for assessing and quantifying the public school construction and renovation needs of local governments and (ii) specific eligibility and needs criteria to govern the disbursement and apportionment of funds to local school divisions under the Virginia Public School Construction Grants Program. The eligibility and needs criteria shall include, but need not be limited to, provisions which address the following: (i) factors to be applied to all localities to measure actual need; (ii) factors to be applied to all localities to measure local effort to meet actual need; (iii) factors to be applied to all localities to measure local ability to pay for actual need; (iv) factors to be applied to all localities to recognize local innovations and activities to improve the quality of and options for education, including, but not limited to, efforts to reduce class sizes; (v) appropriate combinations of funding resources for the eligible projects, including grant funds, local funds, Literary Fund loans, and bonds or other funding through the Virginia Public School Authority, and moneys obtained from any other public or private funding sources; (vi) restrictions on the use of grant funds, if any; (vii) requirements for the availability and pledge of local matching funds; and (viii) procedures for determining priority for awarding grants to qualifying school divisions.

§ 3. The House Committee on Appropriations, the Senate Committee on Finance, and the Division of Legislative Services shall provide staff support for the Commission. All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the Commission, upon request.

§ 4. The Commission shall complete its work in time to submit its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 1999 Session of the General Assembly.

4. That, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the provisions of this act relating to the Virginia Public School Construction Grants Program shall be deemed to constitute the plan for school construction funding contained in the 1998-2000 Appropriation Act. ]

[ 5. That, for all taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 1999, the State Tax Commissioner shall include in the instructions for the preparation of the Virginia Individual Income Tax return the percentage of the local tangible personal property tax which was paid to the locality on behalf of the taxpayer by the Commonwealth of Virginia. ]