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Bill

SB 445

Motor Vehicles, Department of; release of data to certain institutions of higher education, fees.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lamont Bagby

Virginia DMV gains authority to share motor vehicle data with colleges and universities in exchange for fees, advancing research while raising privacy oversight questions.

Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0275)
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Bill Summary · SB 445

Legislative bill overview

SB 445 allows Virginia's Department of Motor Vehicles to release certain data to institutions of higher education and establishes fees for this data access. The bill has already passed the Virginia Senate unanimously and is now in the House Committee on Transportation for consideration.

Why is this important

Universities and research institutions often need vehicle registration and driver data for legitimate purposes like transportation studies, safety research, and urban planning. This bill creates a formal framework and revenue mechanism for data sharing while potentially raising questions about data privacy protections and oversight standards.

Potential points of contention

  • Data privacy safeguards: The bill's text doesn't specify what types of data can be released, de-identification requirements, or how institutions must protect sensitive personal information
  • Fee structure and access equity: Higher education institutions with larger budgets may gain easier access to valuable datasets, potentially disadvantaging smaller colleges or under-resourced research programs
  • Accountability mechanisms: Unclear what oversight exists to prevent misuse of motor vehicle data once it's released to third parties, or how violations would be addressed

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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