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HJ 65

Roads maintained/managed by VDOT & localities; JLARC to study rate of accidents that cause fatality.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Irene Shin

Would have directed an interim legislative DUI study to gather data and testimony, informing future policy on enforcement, prosecutions, sentencing, and treatment.

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Bill Summary · HJ 65

Summary — HJ 65: Request interim study of DUI

Overview / Purpose

HJ 65 is a joint resolution that would have directed the Legislature to undertake an interim study of issues related to driving under the influence (DUI). The stated subject areas include courts, crimes, criminal procedure, law enforcement, and legislative interim studies. The resolution was introduced by Representative Melody Cunningham.

The bill did not become law; its final status is “Died in Process.”

Key provisions

  • As a joint resolution, HJ 65’s primary action was to request/authorize an interim study (conducted between legislative sessions) focused on DUI-related matters.
  • The text does not appear in the summary to prescribe statutory changes; rather it seeks fact-finding and review by the appropriate legislative committee(s) — typically Judiciary — to collect information, hear testimony, and produce findings or recommendations for the next legislative session.
  • The resolution likely intended the study to examine topics commonly associated with DUI policy (enforcement, prosecution, court procedures, sentencing, treatment and rehabilitation, repeat offenses, impaired-driving technology, and resource needs), although the bill summary does not list specific study topics.

Who would be affected

  • Legislative committees (primarily the Judiciary committees of the House and Senate) and legislative staff who would conduct the study.
  • Courts, prosecutors, public defenders, and law enforcement agencies that would be asked to provide data or testimony.
  • Drivers, victims, and advocacy groups (public-safety and defense) who might participate in hearings or be affected by any future policy recommendations.
  • State agencies that track DUI statistics or implement related programs.

Legislative history & timeline (key actions)

  • Introduced (LC drafter assigned): 2024-11-11
  • House introduced & 1st reading: 2025-04-18; House Judiciary hearing and committee passed: 2025-04-22
  • House 2nd reading passed: 2025-04-24; House 3rd reading passed: 2025-04-25
  • Transmitted to Senate and referred to Senate Judiciary: 2025-04-25–04-28
  • Senate Judiciary adopted committee action and the resolution had readings on 04-28 to 04-29; scheduled for 3rd reading 04-30, but the 3rd reading failed on 2025-04-30
  • Final status: Died in Process (05-22-2025)

Potential impact (had it passed)

  • Would have produced a formal legislative record, data, stakeholder testimony, and recommendations on DUI policy to inform future legislation.
  • Could have led to proposed statutory reforms, funding requests, or administrative changes in enforcement, courts, or treatment programs depending on study findings.

Other

  • Primary sponsor: Melody Cunningham
  • Related bill/draft: LC 1065 (replaces)

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

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