VirginiaHB13422026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Fairfax, City of; amending charter, elections, compensation for members of boards or commissions.

Sponsored By: Gretchen M. Bulova (Democratic)

Became Law

Summary

Charter; City of Fairfax; financial powers; elections; compensation for members of boards or commissions. Amends the charter for the City of Fairfax by replacing a cap on the transient occupancy tax with a reference to general law. The bill also amends the charter to align it with current law requiring municipal elections to be held at the November general election. Finally, the bill removes the limit of $50 per meeting for compensation of members of boards and commissions and provides that such compensation is in such amounts as established by the City Council. This bill is identical to SB 581.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.

City taxes on homes, utilities, tickets

The City can tax real estate in the City. It can tax utility company receipts, which can raise your monthly bills. Tickets for shows and sports can include a local admission tax added to the price. Hotel and motel stays can be taxed up to 4% of the room price. Stays of 30 days or more are not taxed.

Business licenses and local taxes

The City can require business licenses to operate and charge license taxes. It can require licenses for owners of vehicles of all kinds to use City streets and public places, and bar use without a license. The Council can set other local taxes and assessments each year as allowed by state law.

Pay rules for officials and boards

The Council can give extra pay to deputies and employees of elected officials. The Mayor and Council members cannot get this extra pay. The Mayor’s pay follows state law § 15.2-1414.6. The City can pay board and commission members up to $50 per meeting.

Emergency spending limit for crises

The Council can spend up to 10% of last year’s General Fund to meet a public emergency. It must pass an ordinance that clearly states the emergency and get two‑thirds of all Council members to vote yes.

City elections move to November

Starting with the 2022 election, City general elections are in November instead of May. Terms for the Mayor and Council now begin on January 1 after the election. Elections held before this change remain valid.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Gretchen M. Bulova

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 357 • No: 42

House vote 3/2/2026

Senate substitute agreed to by House

Yes: 93 • No: 6

Senate vote 2/26/2026

Passed Senate with substitute

Yes: 34 • No: 6

Senate vote 2/25/2026

Passed Senate with substitute

Yes: 24 • No: 16

Senate vote 2/25/2026

Local Government Substitute agreed to

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/25/2026

Reconsideration of Senate passage rejected by Senate

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/24/2026

Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/24/2026

Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading)

Yes: 39 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/23/2026

Reported from Local Government with substitute

Yes: 10 • No: 5

House vote 2/5/2026

Read third time and passed House

Yes: 89 • No: 9

House vote 1/30/2026

Subcommittee recommends reporting

Yes: 7 • No: 0

House vote 1/30/2026

Reported from Counties, Cities and Towns

Yes: 21 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0302)

    4/6/2026Governor
  2. Approved by Governor-Chapter 302 (effective 7/1/2026)

    4/6/2026Governor
  3. Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026

    3/10/2026Governor
  4. Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 10, 2026

    3/10/2026House
  5. Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB1342ER)

    3/9/2026House
  6. Enrolled

    3/9/2026House
  7. Signed by President

    3/9/2026Senate
  8. Signed by Speaker

    3/9/2026House
  9. Senate substitute agreed to by House (93-Y 6-N 0-A)

    3/2/2026House
  10. Passed Senate with substitute (34-Y 6-N 0-A)

    2/26/2026Senate
  11. Reconsideration of Senate passage rejected by Senate (40-Y 0-N 0-A)

    2/25/2026Senate
  12. Passed Senate with substitute (24-Y 16-N 0-A)

    2/25/2026Senate
  13. Local Government Substitute agreed to

    2/25/2026Senate
  14. Defeated by Senate (24-Y 16-N 0-A)

    2/25/2026Senate
  15. Passed by for the day

    2/25/2026Senate
  16. Read third time

    2/25/2026Senate
  17. Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

    2/24/2026Senate
  18. Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading) (39-Y 0-N 0-A)

    2/24/2026Senate
  19. Rules suspended

    2/24/2026Senate
  20. Committee substitute printed 26108413D-S1

    2/23/2026Senate
  21. Senate committee offered

    2/23/2026Senate
  22. Reported from Local Government with substitute (10-Y 5-N)

    2/23/2026Senate
  23. Referred to Committee on Local Government

    2/6/2026Senate
  24. Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading)

    2/6/2026Senate
  25. Read third time and passed House (89-Y 9-N 0-A)

    2/5/2026House

Bill Text

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