The Virginia General Assembly will start their next session later this month, and some legislators have already submitted some bills related to transportation, according to The Free-Lance Star.

Homeowners should be aware of various bills that will be introduced over the next few weeks that could affect their lifestyle, property values and transportation.

Highlights include:

• Drivers may have to use hands-free cell devices
• Seat belt use could become a primary traffic violation (meaning law enforcement officials could make a traffic stop for this violation)
• Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission could charge higher Virginia Railway Express fares to passengers living in localities that do not belong to VRE

"The legislature won't officially be in session until Wednesday, Jan. 13, but some eager legislators always file bills early, giving the public a peek at some of the topics that will be up for discussion."

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