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As we approach crossover, time is getting tight and everybody is working hard to get various pieces of legislation through. I have had many of my bills pass the full Senate, including quite a few bills that I am co-sponsoring with other Senators.
I thought I would highlight a few of my bills that have passed the Senate this past week. First is Senate Bill 907 which gives the authority to fiduciaries or executors of someone’s estate under a will the ability to place an open space easement on property passing under the will. This, of course, would require consent of the beneficiary, but could allow the estate to receive the beneficial tax advantages from an open space easement. We all know the benefits that open space easements give us.
Second, Senate Bill 952 is a bill that makes it a class 1 misdemeanor for school children to sell any over-the-counter medicine containing dextromethorphan on school grounds. This has become a very serious matter with school children. Many are now purchasing this anti-tussive medication and using it for its hallucinogenic affect. Some are developing complications and even death as a result of that. I was very pleased that this measure passed the full Senate and look forward to its full passage in the House.
Next, Senate Bill 978 is a bill that would change the way income tax is collected on owner-financed sales of property. Currently under the tax code, if you are considered a dealer in real estate, which means that is your primary livelihood, when you sell a piece of real estate you pay all of the taxes in the first year of the sale. This is even true if you finance the sale over a period of years. What this means is dealers in real estate were not owner-financing because they would have to pay all of the tax in the first year and they may not get their money because people default on loans. Therefore, I put in a bill to change this so that you pay the tax over the life of the loan, and, thus, I believe this will encourage more installment sales or owner-financing. I thought this bill was particularly important because the credit markets are so tight and people can’t get loans to purchase homes or land from a bank. This will make it a little easier and, hopefully, help encourage the rebound of the real estate market.
Next, Senate Bill 979 essentially adds a $10 fee to any traffic ordinance that local sheriff’s or police departments write. As you are aware, public safety is getting cut significantly. Currently, it is estimated that we will lose 360 deputy sheriffs across the State of Virginia due to budget cuts. This bill was a very creative way on my part to try to get some money to the local sheriff’s offices and town police departments. When they write a citation, the court will impose a $10 fee which goes directly to the sheriff or town police department to establish a fuel fund to buy fuel for the police cars. I believe this to be a very important measure because, as we all know when we need the police, we want them to be able to get there to help us.
Finally, I was very pleased to see that Senate Joint Resolution 305 passed. This resolution would designate September 14, 2009, and thereafter, as Steamboat Era Day in the State of Virginia. This was done specifically in honor of our Steamboat Era Museum in Lancaster County. I do believe it is important for everyone to recognize what an impact the steamboat had on our region of the country.
These are just a few of the bills that I worked through this past week. As you can see, it is a very busy time over here.
As always, I appreciate the opportunity you have given me to serve you in the State Senate. If I can be of any service, I can be reached at my senate office, 804-698-7528, P. O. Box 396, Richmond, Virginia 23218 or my district office, 804-493-8892, P. O. Box 1146, Montross, Virginia 22520, or by email at
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