Text of letter:

Dear Governor Kaine:

As you know, there has been significant public outcry and opposition to the “abusive driver fee” portion of House Bill 3202 – legislation you signed into law, which became effective July 1. While many of us have supported the concept of penalizing the worst of the worst drivers on our roadways in the Commonwealth, I believe the abuser fee provisions enacted by the General Assembly this year to be egregious and excessive.

In addition, the fact that these fees apply only to drivers holding a Virginia driver’s license (i.e. Virginia citizens and legal residents) is of major concern. We are elected to serve the people of our Commonwealth; it is inexcusable that we would penalize our own citizens more than we would those who we do not represent, or worse, illegal aliens present in Virginia who are guilty of traffic infractions.

Tens of thousands of Virginians have signed petitions and contacted their legislators demanding the repeal of this legislation, and I agree. Because this legislation is now law, I believe it is imperative that we act swiftly. This matter cannot – and should not – wait until January to be addressed.

Therefore, I respectfully request that, by authority of Article IV, Section 6 of the Constitution of Virginia, that you immediately call a special session of the General Assembly to repeal the abuser fee provisions of HB 3202.

I hope you will take this opportunity to respond to the wishes – and demands – of the people of Virginia. I look forward to your response.