Greetings, Honorable Members, House of Delegates. I am writing on behalf of the Virginia Coalition of Latino Organizations, in support of HB911. Beatriz Amberman, Chair

Public Safety Enhancement: The implementation of the Driver Privilege Card (DPC) makes Virginia roads safer by ensuring more drivers are tested, licensed, and insured, reducing the number of unlicensed drivers. Economic Benefits: Allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain driver privilege cards is projected to benefit the state's economy and potentially boost revenue through new title fees, sales tax receipts, license plate fees, and new car registrations. Increased Security and Reduced Fear: The DPC offers immigrant communities, including undocumented individuals, a sense of security and reduces fear of being stopped by law enforcement, while helping them commute to work and school.

I am writing in support of the extension of drivers privilege cards for immigrants. Continuing this privilege ensures increased safety on Virginia roads, as individuals will be required to be familiar with the driving laws of Virginia. In addition, a secondary benefit is increased revenue for Virginia from those migrant residents of VA applying for the license in VA rather than going without or seeking a license in another state.

Honorable Delegates, I respectfully object to HB 1344. This is another anti Virginia heritage effort that is motivated by the mistaken belief that Virginia's secession in 1861 was motivated by the preservation of slavery. The truth is it was President Lincoln's call for 75,000 troops to invade the cotton states. Two votes were taken in April 1861 regarding secession. The first vote on April 4th defeated secession. Two weeks later on April 17th that vote was reversed. Certainly the status of slavery did not change, what changed was the call to invade the cotton states by Lincoln. At the time Virginia seceded there were as many slave states in the Union as in the Confederacy. Neither side went to war to end slavery as evidenced by both the Corwin Amendment and Crittenden-Johnson Resolution. It's also true that slavery continued in the Union after the last Virginia forces surrendered.

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.

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.

Honorable Delegates, I respectfully object to HB 1371. This is another anti Virginia heritage effort that is motivated by the mistaken belief that Virginia's secession in 1861 was motivated by the preservation of slavery. The truth is it was President Lincoln's call for 75,000 troops to invade the cotton states. Two votes were taken in April 1861 regarding secession. The first vote on April 4th defeated secession. Two weeks later on April 17th that vote was reversed. Certainly the status of slavery did not change, what changed was the call to invade the cotton states by Lincoln. At the time Virginia seceded there were as many slave states in the Union as in the Confederacy. Neither side went to war to end slavery as evidenced by both the Corwin Amendment and Crittenden-Johnson Resolution. It's also true that slavery continued in the Union after the last Virginia forces surrendered.