Driving without a license; person may be placed under arrest if previously convicted of offense. (HB1695)
Introduced By
Del. Dave Albo (R-Springfield)
Progress
√ |
Introduced |
X |
Passed Committee |
√ |
Passed House |
☐ |
Passed Senate |
☐ |
Signed by Governor |
☐ |
Became Law |
Description
Driving without an operator's license. Provides that any person who drives without an operator's license may be placed under arrest, fingerprinted and the arrest reported to the Central Criminal Records Exchange if the general district court for the jurisdiction has approved arrest for the offense of driving without an operator's license. The bill also provides for administrative impoundment of the vehicle of a person who drives without an operator's license if he has been previously convicted of the offense. Amends § 19.2-390 (“Reports to be made by local law-enforcement officers, conservators of the peace, clerks of court, Secretary of the Commonwealth and Corrections officials to State Police; material submitted by other agencies.”), § 46.2-301.1 (“Administrative impoundment of motor vehicle for certain driving while license suspended or revoked offenses; judicial impoundment upon conviction; penalty for permitting violation with one\u2019s vehicle.”), § 46.2-936 (“Arrest for misdemeanor; release on summons and promise to appear; right to demand hearing immediately or within twenty-four hours; issuance of warrant on request of officer for violations of \u00a7\u00a7 46.2-301 and 46.2-302; refusal to promise to appear; violatio”), of the Code of Virginia. View Full Text »
Status
02/23/2009: Failed to Pass in Committee
View Bill's History
Comments
This is a VACOLAO legislative priority. VACOLAO opposes this bill which invites bias-based policing.
The Virginia Interfaith Center opposes this bill.
The problem with this proposed law and all others like it is that is unfairly punishes the driver. It will also use up police resources that could otherwise be used to deal with criminals.
I think I understand the frustration behind the idea of this bill, but it seems to jump past the problem just to create new problems.
This is a naked invitation to police to engage in discriminatory enforcement. Just say no!
Opposed.
Excuse me but how exactly does this invite "bias-based" policing or "discriminatory enforcement"? Are you implying that people of certain races or backgrounds are more likely to break the law and drive without a license ??
What this bill does is give cops out there risking their lives greater power to keep the streets clean of dangerous people who are not licensed to drive, particularly repeat offenders. I'm all for it.