This past Friday, Del. Eileen Filler-Corn’s (D-41) amendment cleared its first hurdle towards being added to Virginia’s Constitution. HJ 676 would provide that one motor vehicle of a veteran who has a 100 percent service-connected, permanent, and total disability shall be exempt from state and local taxes. The amendment would also provide that only automobiles and pickup trucks qualify for the exemption. This legislation was a major priority of Virginia’s Joint Leadership Council of Veterans Services Organizations and was a bipartisan effort.
“I consider it a privilege to carry legislation for such important potential change to our constitution,” said Filler-Corn. “My district is home to a large military and veteran population. Ensuring that my constituents and other Virginians who have made tremendous sacrifices to defend our freedom can have the independence they deserve is a top priority for me.” The Delegate, a member of the General Assembly Military and Veterans Caucus and Leader of the House Democrats has also been a longtime champion of disability-related issues.
In order to change the Virginia Constitution, amendments must first pass the House and Senate during two consecutive legislative sessions. The language cannot change. Following General Assembly action, the amendment becomes a referendum and is added as a question on the ballot. If a majority of voters approve the initiative, then the amendment to the constitution is ratified. The earliest this amendment could appear on a Virginia ballot is the November 2020 election.