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Senate committee hears bill to exempt some private-property conduct from DUI law; bill tabled
Summary
Senators debated Senate Bill 9-18, which would bar DUI charges for people operating vehicles on their residential property, drawing testimony from law-enforcement and safety groups before the panel laid the bill on the table 8-0.
Richmond — The Senate Courts Subcommittee on Criminal Law on Tuesday considered Senate Bill 9-18, a measure from Senator Stewart that would remove a prohibition on charging a person with driving under the influence while operating a motor vehicle on their residential property.
Supporters of the change said the bill restores an understanding of private property rights they said existed before a Virginia Supreme Court decision. "Senate Bill 9-18, very simply, would remove, a prohibition from drinking and driving on your private property," Senator Stewart told the committee, adding the bill would not affect driving on public roads.
Opponents, including public-safety groups and prosecutors, told the panel the change could leave victims and…
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