VirginiaHB5522026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Williamsburg, City of; amending charter, change of municipal elections.

Sponsored By: Jessica L. Anderson (Democratic)

Became Law

Summary

Charter; City of Williamsburg. Amends the charter for the City of Williamsburg to reflect the change of municipal elections from May to November as required by general law. The bill also replaces numerous references to "director of finance" with "chief financial officer" and clarifies language related to the transfer of unencumbered appropriated balances between funds. This bill is identical to SB 179.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Annual July 1 property assessments

The city creates a real estate assessment division. All property is valued at fair market value as of July 1 each year. The city manager appoints the assessor, who works under the CFO. Property already assessed by the State Corporation Commission is excluded.

Stronger city tax liens and collections

A city tax collector now collects all money due to the city. City real estate taxes become a lien from the start of the tax year and come before other liens. The city can seize and sell goods to cover unpaid taxes, interest, and penalties, even if those goods are under a mortgage. The tax collector is bonded.

Stronger city finance and purchasing rules

The city creates a Department of Finance led by a CFO. The CFO is bonded, controls cash handling, checks contracts and bills, and files monthly and yearly reports, including for schools. An accounting division encumbers purchases right away. A purchasing agent must confirm money is available and use competition. Unspent funds can be moved within or between departments with required reporting.

New schedule for City Council elections

Williamsburg sets staggered council elections. Two members are elected in 2026 and every four years after. Three members are elected in 2028 and every four years after. Each member serves a four‑year term starting January 1 after the election. This keeps the council a continuing body.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Jessica L. Anderson

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 213 • No: 5

Senate vote 2/25/2026

Passed Senate Block Vote

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/24/2026

Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading)

Yes: 39 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/24/2026

Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/23/2026

Reported from Local Government

Yes: 15 • No: 0

House vote 1/29/2026

Read third time and passed House

Yes: 94 • No: 4

House vote 1/23/2026

Subcommittee recommends reporting

Yes: 6 • No: 0

House vote 1/23/2026

Reported from Counties, Cities and Towns

Yes: 19 • No: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0169)

    4/6/2026Governor
  2. Approved by Governor-Chapter 169 (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 (HB552ER)

    3/2/2026House
  6. Enrolled

    3/2/2026House
  7. Signed by President

    3/2/2026Senate
  8. Signed by Speaker

    3/2/2026House
  9. Passed Senate Block Vote (40-Y 0-N 0-A)

    2/25/2026Senate
  10. Read third time

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

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

    2/24/2026Senate
  13. Rules suspended

    2/24/2026Senate
  14. Reported from Local Government (15-Y 0-N)

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

    1/30/2026Senate
  16. Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading)

    1/30/2026Senate
  17. Read third time and passed House (94-Y 4-N 0-A)

    1/29/2026House
  18. Read second time and engrossed

    1/28/2026House
  19. Read first time

    1/27/2026House
  20. Reported from Counties, Cities and Towns (19-Y 1-N)

    1/23/2026House
  21. Subcommittee recommends reporting (6-Y 0-N)

    1/23/2026House
  22. Assigned HCCT sub: Subcommittee #1

    1/20/2026House
  23. Referred to Committee on Counties, Cities and Towns

    1/13/2026House
  24. Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26102451D

    1/13/2026House

Bill Text

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