New Laws
for 2013
By John G. “Chip” Dicks, VAR Legislative Counsel The 2013 session of the General Assembly was dominated by transportation — the bill that finally passed will, hopefully, provide much-needed funds for areas of the commonwealth where roads and public transit options need the most work.
VAR spent a good deal of effort on that bill, working with legislators and the governor’s office to ensure that Virginia’s transportation needs were addressed, while not unduly burdening homeowners with the cost of the current and future projects we need. The state’s aging transportation infrastructure has already been having an effect on businesses, and it was clear more money was needed — and that everyone would benefit from the improvements. VAR members put this legislation at the top of the list with more than 3,500 “call to action” responses and more than 400 Realtors contacting their legislators as part of the Day on the Hill. Participation counts and VAR members made a big difference in getting the transportation legislation passed. The final bill signed by Governor McDonnell isn’t perfect — no legislation this complex (and affecting so many) will be. But we’re confident it’s a major step forward. While transportation got the most airtime, VAR also passed a number of other bills involving the business of real estate. Some of them will have a significant impact, while others are more technical. All are designed to make Virginia’s Realtors’ jobs a little easier. 30 JUNE/JULY 2013
www.VARealtor.com