Senator McDougle’s Annual Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday Legislation Hits 4 Year Milestone

– Individuals and families continue to save on needed school supplies –

Richmond, Virginia – Virginia’s back-to-school sales tax holiday kicks off again for its fourth year beginning Friday, August 7 and running through Sunday August 9, 2009. With families and individuals facing such challenging economic times, this sales tax holiday is a needed relief for people who buy supplies before going back to classes.

In 2006 Senator Ryan McDougle (R-Hanover) sponsored the back-to-school sales tax holiday legislation and worked hard to successfully pass his bill through the General Assembly. Virginia residents and visitors have been benefiting from Virginia’s sales tax holiday on school related items since McDougle’s legislation passed in 2006. Examples of items that continue to result in 5% savings include school supplies valued at $20 or less per item and footwear and clothing valued at $100 or less per item/pair. A tax discount during the critical back-to-school shopping season will stimulate retail sales and contribute significantly to the Virginia economy. A list of the exempt items and guidelines for the sales tax holiday can be found at www.tax.virginia.gov.

All Virginia taxpayers can take advantage of the sales tax holiday, in addition to families with school aged children who need supplies. Retailers may also choose to absorb the sales tax on “non-exempt” merchandise. Stores that do not sell school-related items may voluntarily participate in this program. As a result of the sales tax holiday this year, it is estimated that Virginia taxpayers will save $4 million in sales tax.

“During such tough economic times, every nickel helps and I’m pleased Virginia is able to continue to offer this sales tax holiday to its citizens. The weekend has been a big success in past years and we hope everyone will take advantage of this great time to save!” said McDougle.

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New Laws May Have Broad Impact for Virginians:

**Significant changes to take effect July 1, 2009**

As always, the legislative session yields many changes to Virginia law, the scope of which varies widely. Though the budget was the central issue of the 2009 session, there were several wide-reaching policies enacted by the General Assembly and approved by the Governor this year. Unless otherwise outlined in the legislation, new laws take effect on July 1st. Below is a reminder of some important new changes forthcoming in the Commonwealth.

Text messaging while driving (Prohibition)

The new law prohibits operation of a motor vehicle while using a cell phone or other handheld personal communications device to send or receive text messages. The statute exempts global positioning systems (GPS), reading caller identification information, and using a wireless telecommunications device to report an emergency. The provisions of this law do not apply to operators of emergency vehicles, nor do they apply to a driver that is lawfully parked or stopped. The prohibition is considered a “secondary” offense, meaning that a citation may only be issued if the officer has already stopped the driver for another moving violation or for violation of a criminal statute. The fine is $20 for a first offense; $50 for a second or subsequent offense.

Virginia Indoor Clean Air Act (Smoking Ban)

The new law bans smoking in all indoor restaurants and bar and lounge areas in Virginia, requires the posing of “No Smoking” signs, and sets a $25 civil penalty for a violation of the provisions. There are several exemptions from the smoking prohibition, including private clubs or restaurants that have structurally separate areas for smoking and non-smoking and separate ventilation systems. This law will take effect December 1, 2009.

Sale of recalled children’s products (Prohibition)

** Introduced by Senator McDougle**

The new law, pursuant to the Virginia Consumer Protection Act, prohibits the sale or manufacture of children’s products that a supplier believes has been recalled by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. The law does not apply to used/secondhand goods. The U.S. has received numerous recalled goods from China that contain dangerous lead and mercury, and the new statute outlaws the sale of any such items in Virginia.

Virginia Tax Amnesty Program for 2009-2010

The new law allows the State Tax Commissioner to operate a tax forgiveness program during anytime between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010. The program would be open to any individual, corporation, estate, trust, or partnership that is required but failed to file a state income tax return or to pay any state income tax that was due for any taxable year before January 1, 2008. All civil and criminal penalties, as well as one half of the interest assessed or assessable, would be waived upon payment of the taxes and interest. For more information, check with the Virginia Department of Taxation at http://www.tax.virginia.gov/.

As your Senator, I will continue to advance and support initiatives that reduce costs and promote government efficiency. During these challenging economic times, our focus should be on common sense solutions that create jobs and safeguard Virginia’s business-friendly climate. I appreciate all of your feedback, and I hope you will continue to contact me with your thoughts and comments. I can be reached at my district office at (804) 730-1026 or via email at district04@senate.virginia.gov. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you in the Senate of Virginia.