Governor Kaine Announces Action On Tax Relief, "Abraham's Law" Legislation

Press Release

Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced action on tax-related measures adopted by the 2007 General Assembly, several of which were part of his legislative package. The Governor also announced that he has signed a measure giving parents and children more say in how a child is medically treated.

The Governor is required under the Virginia Constitution to complete action by midnight on March 26th on the 958 bills passed by the 2007 Assembly.
Tax Relief

Governor Kaine signed HB 3022 (Cline/Melvin) / SB 778 (Stosch), a part of his legislative package, which removes more than 275,000 Virginians from the tax rolls by expanding the filing threshold for state income tax from $7,000 for individuals and $12,000 for couples to $11,950 and $23,900, respectively. The bill also increases the personal exemption from $900 to $930.

"This legislation creates tax relief for many Virginians who need it most," Governor Kaine said. "I am pleased that there was strong bipartisan support for our initiative. We have worked together to significantly reduce the tax burden on working Virginians."

The Governor also signed HB 1640 (Wright) that creates a tax exemption for home heating stoves that burn alternative fuels, and HB 1678 (Cosgrove) / SB 867 (Watkins), which creates a four-day sales tax holiday in October for purchase of energy efficient appliances.

"As we are working to craft a comprehensive energy plan for Virginia, it is important to give consumers incentives to conserve and use energy wisely," Governor Kaine said. "This legislation will offer Virginians further encouragement to make environmentally sound choices about their home appliances."

The Governor also signed four bills that were part of his legislative package. HB 1695 (Purkey / SB 772 (Watkins) prevent imposition of the business, professional, and occupational license (BPOL) tax on motor fuels tax payments. HB 2181 (Saxman ) / SB 1151 (Wagner) make taxation of machinery and tools used by manufacturers more consistent. These two bills represent a compromise between manufacturers and local government groups in discussions mediated by the Governor's Office.

The Governor signed SB 1167 (Stolle), which creates a weeklong sales tax holiday each May (beginning in 2008) for the purchase of certain supplies and equipment, such as generators, to help Virginia families prepare for hurricane season.

Governor Kaine also signed HB 2220 (Amundson), which provides a tax deduction of up to $5,000 for expenses associated with organ donation.
Abraham's Law

House Bill 2319 (Welch) / Senate Bill 905 (Rerras) is the "Abraham's Law" legislation. The bill allows children 14 or older, jointly with their parents, to make a decision to refuse medical treatment, provided that the child has sufficient maturity, that all treatment options have been considered, and the parents believe that refusal of a particular treatment is in the child's best interest.

"I believe this measure strikes the appropriate balance between the rights of parents and a mature child to make informed medical decisions, and the responsibility of the state to protect the health and safety of children," Governor Kaine said. "This is significant legislation for health freedom in Virginia, and could serve as a model law for other states."

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