Cline recognized by law-enforcement group

Del. Ben L. Cline received the Outstanding Legislative Service Award by the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association. He was one of two delegates selected by the Association to receive this prestigious award because of his support for sheriffs and deputy sheriffs across the Commonwealth.

“Because of Del. Cline’s commitment to public safety, to his sheriffs, and to citizens across Virginia, the Association has chosen to recognize him this year with the Outstanding Legislative Service Award for the House of Delegates. Del. Cline commands the respect of the other members of the General Assembly. His legislative actions have contributed to making our communities a safer place in which to live,” said John W. Jones, executive director of the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association.

Cline has demonstrated time and time again his support in the legislative process to enhance public safety for citizens not only in his district, but across the Commonwealth. He has successfully secured passage of bills relating to increasing penalties for nursing home abuse and identification theft.

Cline introduced legislation to require that juveniles convicted of underage alcohol possession must ride the bus to school; increased penalties for multiple offenses of DUI’s; created an I-81 safety task force; increased penalties for elder abuse; misuse of public assets and trademark counterfeiting. More recently, Cline secured passage of legislation relating to: driving privileges for delinquent children; possession or consuming alcohol while operating a school bus; strangulation; and methamphetamine pre-cursors. The methamphetamine bill was introduced at the request of the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association and will allow the public to continue to use common cold remedies while restricting those individuals that would purchase these products to produce methamphetamine.

The Virginia Sheriffs’ Association represents more than 8,500 sheriffs and deputies across Virginia, and each year recognizes certain legislators who have demonstrated their willingness to support law enforcement legislative initiatives in the Virginia General Assembly.