HD3 - Driver's License Suspension; Use as Collection Method for Unpaid Court Fines and Costs


    Executive Summary:
    House Joint Resolution No. 69 was introduced in the 2016 Session of the General Assembly by Delegate Loupassi. The resolution, as it passed both houses, established a joint subcommittee to study the use of driver's license suspension as a collection method for unpaid court fines and costs and make recommendations for improvements to the current law regarding unpaid court fines and costs. The joint subcommittee was directed to complete its meetings by November 30, 2016, and to submit an executive summary of its findings and recommendations by the first day of the 2016 Regular Session.

    The joint subcommittee did not meet during the 2016 interim due to pending litigation. Stinnie v. Holcomb, filed by the Legal Aid Justice Center, challenges the constitutionality of Virginia's use of driver's license suspension as a collection method for unpaid court fines and costs. The complaint was filed on July 6, 2016, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia.

    The joint subcommittee does not intend to submit a report of its findings and recommendations for publication as a House document.