Gov. Abigail Spanberger on April 13 vetoed HB 1288 and SB 17, legislation that would have raised the vehicle valuation threshold from $12,500 to $17,000 and allowed towing companies, garage operators, mechanics, and self-storage facilities to auction vehicles through an administrative process instead of a court order, according to the Office of the Governor of Virginia. In her veto message, Spanberger said Virginians "should not have to worry that the company with temporary possession of their vehicle can sell it without their permission or a court order."
Operator takeaway
Virginia just preserved the court-order requirement for tow-lot auctions. Operators in states considering similar administrative lien-sale expansions should expect this veto to be cited by consumer advocates, and owners with Virginia yards should confirm their release and sale procedures still run through the court process.