Subcommittee tables bill strengthening enforcement against unpermitted commercial use of public space

A House subcommittee voted 5-3 to lay on the table HB 19 66, a bill intended to update enforcement for unauthorized commercial activity in public spaces.

Delegate Anferro Tatum, the bill's patron, told the committee the measure would let localities adopt ordinances addressing misuse of public space without approval and establish an enforcement structure where the first violation would not exceed $500 and subsequent penalties would increase by $500 each occurrence.

Brent McKenzie of the City of Virginia Beach said the ordinance stemmed from the resort's advisory committee and cited public-safety and fairness concerns; unlicensed vendors and businesses spilling merchandise onto sidewalks create hazards and competitive imbalance, he said.

The bill received supportive testimony from city officials and the resort advisory committee; no opposition testimony was recorded in the transcript. After motions to table, the clerk recorded the vote as 5-3 to table the bill.