Virginia Fees For "Abusive Drivers" Go Into Effect, and Cause Lawsuits and Uproar

Virginia set into law driver fines that charge "abusive drivers" up to thousands of dollars per violation.

The law is getting hit left and right with lawsuits. But I think a better place to start this debate is exactly what Virginia thinks is "abusive." Any citizen could support laws against nightmare repeat DUI's. But this law is so broad. E.g.,Reckless driving causes a $1,050 fee, but reckless driving is caused only by driving more than 20 MPH over the limit.

Culosi Prosecutor Retiring

Longtime Fairfax (Va.) County prosecutor Robert F. Horan Jr., famous for never bringing charges against a police officer during his 40 years on the job, gives a birthday present to The Agitator. He's retiring.

Virginia's Brroooaaad Smoking Ban Under Attack from Legislature

Because it apparently would ban smoking just about everywhere.

Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D) may have inadvertently proposed a restaurant smoking ban that is so broad it will prohibit smoking in virtually any place where food is served, including street festivals, catered weddings, county fairs and hotel rooms, a top House Republican leader said today.

House Majority Leader H. Morgan Griffith (R-Salem) said Kaine's proposed ban fails to make an exception for catering services, push carts, hot dog stands and other food preparation operations.

"If the amendment is adopted, the effect would be to make it illegal to smoke anywhere where food is served outside of your residence," said Griffith, adding that a groom wouldn't even be able to smoke a cigar at his wedding if it is catered.

More here. The Stogie Guys, as we noted before, noted this before.

Smokefree Alexandria?

Alexandria, Va. anti-smoking zealots think they have figured out a way to get around a state law that prohibits municipalities from banning smoking.

Under the plan, the city would require a bar or restaurant to be smoke-free in order to get a permit.

Restaurants that already have permits would have to agree to go smoke-free in three months or risk future restrictions or even closure.

If this idiocy comes to fruition, I suggest the state counter by passing a law that offers special, free, state-issued operating permits to bars and restaurants in Alexandria. Better still, the state could pass a law that says no bar or restaurant in Alexandria need have a permit to operate.