Public Comments for: HB1344 - License plates, special; repeals issuance for Sons of Confederate Veterans and Robert E. Lee.
I am writing in support of HB1344. This Bill is a meaningful step toward ensuring that state-issued symbols reflect shared civic values and foster a sense of community for all peoples, rather than honoring figures and organizations tied to a legacy of division and racial injustice. By repealing the issuance of special license plates for the Sons of Confederate Veterans and Robert E. Lee, the bill affirms that government resources should not be used to endorse or normalize symbols associated with the Confederacy and its defense of slavery. This change does not erase history; instead, it recognizes that history can be taught and examined without being celebrated on official state property. HB1344 promotes inclusivity, mutual respect, and unity, helping create public spaces where all residents can feel acknowledged, valued, and part of a shared civic community.
Honorable Delegate, I respectfully object to HB1344 currently before the House Committee. I realize I live in a different state however I had family whom fought and died for the state of VA. It is my heritage, not hatred! Thank you
Honorable Delegates, I respectfully object to HB 1344 currently before the House Finance Committee. My wife and I possess the Robert E. Lee License Plate, and this bill is an act of aggression and will cause greater division among Virginians than any perceived benefit to the Commonwealth.
I'm writing to oppose HB1344. There is nothing offensive about these license plates. People should be able to buy Robert E Lee plates if they want to. Members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans should be allowed to buy their custom plates too but only if they can document their membership.
I respectfully write to express my opposition to pending House legislation including HB 167, HB 1344, HB 1377, and HB 1374, which remove monuments, penalize heritage organizations, or defund or alter historic institutions such as the Virginia Military Institute. I make this statement solely on behalf of myself and my family. This is not a partisan issue, but a matter of historical preservation, fairness, and civic duty. I respectfully ask that you oppose these bills and carefully consider the concerns of Virginians who believe our shared heritage deserves thoughtful and respectful treatment.
1344 due to its Tyrannical attempt to silence me and ignore my 1st amendment Rights! I like Robert E LEE recognize slavery as nothing but evil! This bill. My Confederate ancestors fought to defend the Great State of Virginia from a Unconstitutional attack. Lee was against secession and spoke against the institution of slavery before the state was invaded while refusing a position of general in the union army to take up defense of Virginia. Seems that State Democrats
This is blatant bias and unfair. This is just another attempt for democrats to erase anything they don’t agree with or like.
HB 1344 Removing these plates helps Virginia how exactly..? This will only serve to further divide, and alienate. Why aren't things like this ever put to the voters..? Rhetorical question, because voters would reject it. It's sad that with all the issues facing Virginians today, there are legislators more concerned with putting their thumb on people and creating permanent enemies among their constituents. The day will come when something (seemingly insignificant) that you care about ends up on the chopping block. You will be able to look back at this action as the, reaping what you sow moment. Leave our plates alone. Please. The unintended consequences will NOT help Virginia moving forward.
Please make it make sense; a realtor or any other group can have a special plate but a descendant of a confederate veteran cannot? History should not be erased & you should be ashamed.
I support Virginia House Bill 1344 because it ends the state’s official issuance of special license plates honoring symbols that are tied to a past rooted in slavery and secession. This isn’t about erasing history, it’s about not celebrating people who fought to defend and uphold the institution of slavery and traitors who committed acts of terror against United States soldiers.