House Rejects Bill On Secondhand Sales

The House of Delegates overwhelmingly rejected legislation yesterday intended to help police crack down on the sale of stolen property.

The bill, sponsored by Sen. Kenneth W. Stolle (R-Virginia Beach), would have regulated dealers of secondhand merchandise in the same way that pawnbrokers are. It would have exempted garage or yard sales and gun shows.

Del. John A. Cosgrove (R-Chesapeake) said the measure targeted "cash converters" -- people who buy property with no questions asked, then resell it. Cosgrove said law enforcement officials requested the bill.

But Del. R. Lee Ware Jr. (R- Powhatan) said it would be a burden on people who make a little extra money by fixing up and selling old lawnmowers or bicycles.

-- Associated Press

Broader Trademark-Infringement Law Approved

Selling knockoff Nikes could soon land you in jail for up to a year.

The Senate voted unanimously yesterday to send a bill sponsored by Majority Leader Ri chard L. Saslaw (D-Fairfax) to the governor.

It would broaden the state's trademark-infringement laws to include counterfeit goods and make selling them a misdemeanor. Currently, the law applies to infringements only on advertisements, labels, signs and other packaging.

The House voted unanimously in favor of the measure Wednesday.

Those convicted more than once would be guilty of a Class 6 felony, punishable by as much as five years in prison.

Those in possession of more than 100 identical counterfeit items or of goods valued at $200 or more would receive the same punishment.

-- Associated Press

Homeowner Foreclosure Reprieve Advances

A House committee endorsed legislation yesterday to give a 30-day reprieve to some homeowners facing foreclosure.

The Commerce and Labor Committee voted 19 to 3 to send a revised version of Gov. Timothy M. Kaine's proposal to the House floor.

The measure would affect people with high-interest, subprime loans that have been largely responsible for a spike in foreclosures.

It requires lenders to give borrowers contact information for at least three counseling agencies, plus an additional 30 days before acting on a loan.

Opponents of the bill said most lenders go to great lengths to work with borrowers to avoid foreclosure. But supporters said the new requirements would not burden the lenders and might help some borrowers.

-- Associated Press