HB 1406 (Anderson) seeks to eliminate the requirement for citizens in a locality to pay a licensing fee for registering their dog or cat with the locality. Further, this legislation would eliminate the misdemeanor penalty for failing to pay this licensing fee. VACo believes this legislation eliminates existing authority held by localities while curtailing a local revenue source which will ultimately reduce local animal control funding. VACo staff spoke in opposition to HB 1406 and the measure was recommended to be laid on the table by a 10-0 vote.
SB 999 (Mason) requires the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation to issue a reciprocal license in Virginia for waterworks and wastewater works operators licensed in another state. Such license is to be issued, without examination, for the highest Virginia classification that is generally comparable to the applicant’s existing license or certificate with appropriate credit given for an applicant’s education and experience. This bill helps localities with recruitment and retention of these necessary public works employees in every corner of the Commonwealth.
VACo supports SB 999.
VACo Contact: James Hutzler