We are a local business here in Richmond, Virginia, and we work with the Movie/TV production companies that come into town when they are filming, and we greatly benefit from them coming the Richmond, they rent a lot of vehicles from us when they are here for two months or six months, I hope you and your fellow legislators can get them back, because it helps us, and so many other small businesses in the Richmond and surrounding cities, thanks for your time, Nieves Guzman

Definitely we need registration. Please pass.

I am the Legislative Affairs Co-Chair for the North Virginia Beach Civic League. Our civic league supports this bill that would provide greater accountability to Short-Term Rental platforms to comply with local ordinances and substantiate occupancy taxes. As of early January, STR platforms had listings for over 700 unpermitted Short-Term Rental units in Virginia Beach alone. The authority that this bill gives to Commissioners of the Revenue to require platforms to remove non-compliant listings would give localities an authority that they desperately need to effectively curtail STR non-compliance and provide more effective deterrence to non-compliance. We ask that you report this bill.

I am in favor of this bill which adjusts the thresholds for the nonjudicial sale of tax-delinquent properties in Virginia. Here's why: Increased Revenue Recovery: By raising the threshold for nonjudicial sales from $10,000 to $15,000 and adjusting other ranges, this bill allows local governments to recover delinquent taxes more efficiently from properties within these new limits, enhancing local revenue streams. Streamlined Process: This change streamlines the process of dealing with tax-delinquent properties, reducing the administrative burden on local treasurers by allowing them to address a broader range of properties without the need for judicial proceedings, which can be time-consuming and costly. Encourages Property Maintenance: Higher thresholds might encourage property owners to maintain their tax payments or address delinquency sooner, knowing that the risk of losing their property through nonjudicial sale has been expanded to include more valuable properties. Urban Revitalization: Specifically increasing the threshold for properties in urban redevelopment or revitalization zones from $25,000-$40,000 to $30,000-$40,000 supports urban renewal efforts by allowing for quicker action on tax-delinquent, unimproved parcels, which can hinder community development. Fairness in Tax Collection: Adjusting these thresholds creates a more equitable system where properties of similar value are treated consistently, ensuring fairness in how tax delinquency is managed across different property values. Economic Efficiency: By facilitating the sale of more properties through nonjudicial means, this legislation could lead to quicker property turnover, potentially bringing underutilized or abandoned properties back into productive use, which benefits local economies. I support this legislation for its potential to improve local tax collection efficiency, support urban redevelopment, ensure fairness in tax enforcement, and contribute to economic revitalization by addressing property delinquency more effectively.

We are proud to submit the local tax option for electric and battery lawn equipment. This has not state revenue impact. But allows localities to incentivize environmentally friendly equipment.

I am in favor of this bill which revises the local real property tax exemption and deferral program for elderly and disabled individuals in Virginia. Here's why: Flexibility in Payment: By allowing localities to set terms for elderly and disabled individuals to pay off delinquent taxes through options like full payment, installment agreements, or settlements, this bill provides much-needed financial flexibility, reducing the immediate burden on those with fixed or limited incomes. Long-Term Payment Plans: The provision to extend payment plans up to 72 months ensures that individuals who are eligible for exemptions or deferrals can manage their tax debts over a reasonable period, preventing financial hardship and potential loss of property. Settlement Options: Offering the possibility to settle for less than the full amount of delinquent taxes acknowledges the financial constraints of elderly and disabled taxpayers, providing a compassionate approach to tax collection. Enhanced Communication: Including information about the exemption and deferral program in assessment change notices and posting it on the locality's website increases awareness and accessibility of these benefits, ensuring more eligible individuals can take advantage of the program. Prorated Benefits: Allowing for prorated exemptions or deferrals for the part of the year before an application is filed ensures fairness, as individuals who qualify mid-year are not penalized for the delay in applying, which might be due to unawareness or administrative delays. Support for Vulnerable Populations: This bill directly supports elderly and disabled residents by making tax relief more accessible and manageable, promoting stability and dignity in their living situations. Local Control: By giving localities the authority to implement these provisions, the legislation respects local governance, allowing tailored solutions that fit the economic and social context of each community. I support this legislation for its compassionate approach to tax relief, enhancing accessibility, providing payment flexibility, and ensuring that local governments can support their elderly and disabled populations in a manner that is both fair and considerate of their financial situations.

HB 424 - Exempt Disabled Veterans From Tolls Can we hurry up an pass this. The VA is in DC. Traffic is a nightmare. Tolls insanely expensive, for veterans on a fixed income. Other states have this, why is rich Virginia so slow to implement this.

Madame Chair and members of the committee, Thank you for the opportunity to speak to this bill. Commissioner Todd Divers of the City of Charlottesville and I have worked with representatives of Airbnb for several years on the issues surrounding transient occupancy tax and the provision of information needed by Commissioners of Revenue to accurately perform our duties under Virginia Code section 58.1-3826. We appreciate the opportunity to provide our input throughout this process. We support HB2383 as presented. Respectfully submitted, Maggie Ragon, Commissioner of Revenue, City of Staunton.