HOV Law for Hybrid Vehicles Extended - But Hybrids on I-66 Capped Come July 1, 2011

Drivers of hybrid vehicles with the required clean fuel license plates will continue to be able to use the Interstate 95, 395, 66 and Dulles Toll Road High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes until June 30, 2012.  However, come July 1, 2011, there is an important change on I-66.  The new law states that only hybrid vehicleds with clean fuel plates issued prior to July 1, 2011, will be permitted to use the I-66 HOV lanes during rush hours.  Police will ticket any hybrid vehicle that does not have a clean fuel plate issued before July 1, 2011.  A similar law took effect on I-95 and I-395 five years ago - only hybrids with clean fuel plates issued before July 1, 2006, are permitted to use the I-95/395 HOV lanes during rush hours.  Beginning July 1, 2011, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles will issue a clean fuel license plate with a different design so that police can easily spot violators in the HOV lanes.  In order for a hybrid vehicle to use Virginia's HOV lanes during the morning and afternoon rush hours, the vehicle must have a clean special fuel plate issued by DMV.  Not all hybrids qualify for clean fuel license plates.  Go to www.dmvnow.com for an updated list of eligible hybrids.

General Assembly Increases Accessible Housing Options

The Virginia Livable Home Tax Credit (LHTC) program provides state tax credits for building, purchasing, or remodeling homes and incorporating accessibility and universal design features.  This year, the Virginia General Assembly increased the LHTC from $2,000 to $5,000 and expanded eligibility for the credit to include home builders to further encourage expansion of accessible housing opportunities.  Delegate Ken Plum was a sponsor of one of the bills.  To qualify for the tax credit, a new home must include at least three universal design features; an existing home must include at least one universal design feature.  All applications must be filed by February 28 of the year after the tax year in which the purchase, updating, or building was completed.  Supporting documentation must be submitted with the applicaiton for the tax credit.  To apply for the Virginia Livable Home Tax Credit, visit www.dhcd.virginia.gov/housingpreservationrehabilitation/PDFs/LHTC%20Application_Guidelines_2010.pdf.

Share Your Ancestors' Stories in New Book

William Connery is a long-time resident of the Bush Hill community of Fairfax County.  You might have read some of his articles in The Civil War Courier or The Washington Times  He is looking for human interest stories for his new book.  If you have an ancestor from that period and would like to share his or her story, please contact Mr. Connery at william.connery@verizon.net.

SCC's Bureau of Insurance Expands Services to Non-English Speaking Virginians

The State Corporation Commission's Bureau of Insurance (Bureau) can now assist Virginia consumers with questions or concerns about insurance, even if they speak little or no English.  In an effort to expand its outreach and facilitate access to insurance-related information by all Virginians, the bureau has implemented a new telephone translation service that will enable its consumer services representatives to help Virginians who do not speak English or have limited English speaking skills.  Acording to the latest estimates by Modern Language Association, an organization dedicated to strengthening the study and teaching of language and literature, 2.7 percent of Virginia's population - or more than 180,000 people - speak English "not well" or "not at all."  Non-English speaking consumers may call the Bureau's toll-free consumer servies telephone number at 1-877-310-6560.