RICHMOND, Va. – The General Assembly is expected to deliberate on bills that directly impact Virginia National Guard Soldiers and Airmen this week.
“With thousands of Virginia [National] Guard Soldiers and Airmen serving in the district right now, it makes these bills incredibly relevant,” explained Maj. Andrew J. Czaplicki, VNGA president. “Our Guard deploys in a moment’s notice to every kind of emergency and does so with professionalism and courage.”
House Bill 2261, which removes the fee for issuance of special license plates to members of the Virginia National Guard, is expected to be debated during the House Appropriations’ Transportation and Public Safety Sub-Committee on Friday, Jan. 29, 2021 beginning at 11:00 a.m.
H.B. 2261, introduced by Del. Scott Wyatt (R-97), and co-patroned by Del. Glenn Davis (R-84), Del. Hyland “Buddy” Fowler, Jr. (R-55), Del. John J. McGuire, III (R-56), Del. Robert Orrock, Sr. (R-54) and Del. Bill Wiley (R-29), removes the registration fee for Guardsmen using the Virginia National Guard specialty plates. Currently, the benefit is for one-half the registration fee, up to two vehicles. If passed, the new benefit would be for no fees for only one vehicle.
See the full text of H.B. 2261 here. Take action on H.B. 2261 here.
Also expected to be debated on the transportation and public safety sub-committee on Friday is a similar bill but for retirees listed as H.B. 1796.
Another bill is working through a sub-committee as well. H.B. 1771, provides a state tax credit for employers of National Guard members and is scheduled to be discussed in the House Finance Subcommittee #2 on Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021, beginning at 7:00 a.m.
H.B. 1771, introduced by Del. Nicholas J. Frietas (R-30) and Del. Mark L. Cole (R-88), creates a tax credit for employers of and self-employed members of the Virginia National Guard. The credit is either 25 percent or 15 percent depending on how many days the Soldier or Airmen had been activated. If activated for 65 days or more then the employer would receive 25 percent, if more than 44 but less than 65, only 15 percent.
See the full text of H.B. 1771 here. Take action on H.B. 1771 here.
“I encourage every Virginian to contact our delegates and senators to advocate on behalf of the Commonwealth’s Guardian,” Czaplicki said.
The association aims to educate and inform members of the General Assembly to assist with their formulation, debate and ultimate vote to enact these changes.
Reporters, Editors & Producers: Leaders are available for interviews or to appear as subject matter experts on issues related to the Virginia National Guard Association. Email contact@vnga.us to schedule an interview or appearance.
About VNGA: Established in 1960, the Virginia National Guard Association is a recognized non-profit 501(c)(19) veterans’ service association representing over 10,000 Service Members of all ranks and status; enlisted, warrant and officer; traditional, active duty and retired.