Governor Terry McAuliffe has agreed to amend the budget and remove the fines and fees language that diverts local fine money to the state. The Governor will submit a budget amendment at the Veto Session to remove Item 3-6.05 of the conference budget submitted by the General Assembly.
Item 3-6.05 continues the practice of the state’s seizure of a portion of local fines and forfeitures. It impacts 33 localities statewide. Large and small, all affected localities share one common thread – the enforcement of traffic laws.
This action by Governor McAuliffe conforms the budget to HB 537 (Minchew), which directs that local fines remain with localities.
This is a one-time opportunity to have this language removed. It is urgent that all localities voice support to ensure the amendment’s passage.
TALKING POINTS
VACo Members – please contact your Delegates and Senators and encourage them to support Governor McAuliffe’s amendment removing state seizure of local fines and fees.
– Without the Governor’s amendment passing at the April 20 Veto Session, the state share of fines revenue will continue to increase.
– This language impacts 33 localities statewide, both large and small, who enforce state traffic laws.
– Removing this language from the budget is a VACo priority and is also a top priority of the Governor’s Task Force for Local Government Mandate Review.
KEY CONTACTS
VACo Contacts: Beau Blevins and Dean Lynch, CAE