VirginiaHB6572026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Louisa, Town of; new charter, previous charter repealed.

Sponsored By: Jen Kiggans - to resign 12/31 (Republican)

Became Law

Summary

Charter; Town of Louisa. Establishes a new charter for the Town of Louisa in Louisa County and repeals the current charter, which was created in 1972. The new charter sets out the organization of the town's government and contains powers typically granted to towns. This bill is identical to SB 462.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Local police department and authority

The Council can set up the Police Department and appoint a Chief of Police. The Chief manages law‑enforcement work and reports administratively to the Town Manager. Officers have constable powers under state and town law. This supports public safety in the town.

Town taxes, budget year, and borrowing

The Council can assess, levy, and collect taxes and fees allowed by Virginia law. The fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30. The town may issue bonds and notes within state limits. Local taxes and future debt payments can raise costs for homeowners and renters.

Town Manager runs operations and pay

The Town Manager is the chief executive. The Manager prepares the annual budget, gives reports, leads emergency management, and runs daily staff decisions. The Council can appoint needed officers, combine roles when state law allows, and remove appointed officers at any time. The Manager can hire, suspend, and remove employees. The Council can require employee bonds and may pay the premiums. The Council sets pay and can let the Manager set pay for some jobs within the budget.

Town attorney, clerk, and treasurer roles

The Town Clerk keeps meeting records, ordinances, and the town seal. The Town Attorney advises the Council and may handle cases when asked; the town can use the county prosecutor for ordinance crimes. The Town Treasurer keeps financial records and collects town taxes and licenses.

Council meetings, quorum, and continuity rules

The Council meets at least once a month and gives reasonable notice for special meetings. Three members make a quorum unless state law says otherwise. The Council adopts meeting rules that follow common parliamentary practice. Council actions and contracts do not end when members leave. Existing town ordinances stay in place unless they conflict with this charter. The Council keeps all powers state law gives it.

Louisa town status and borders set

The law keeps Louisa as a legal town with perpetual powers. It sets the town’s boundaries using prior state acts and a recorded plat. The town has all powers that Virginia law gives to towns.

Town elections, terms, and leadership rules

Voters elect a Mayor and five at‑large council members. All elections follow Virginia law. The Mayor and council members serve four‑year terms; council terms are staggered. Officials must take an oath before serving. The Council picks a Vice‑Mayor, and the Vice‑Mayor or an Acting Mayor fills in when needed. The Mayor leads meetings and breaks ties.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Jen Kiggans - to resign 12/31

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 212 • No: 1

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 1/30/2026

Read third time and passed House

Yes: 93 • No: 1

House vote 1/23/2026

Subcommittee recommends reporting

Yes: 5 • No: 0

House vote 1/23/2026

Reported from Counties, Cities and Towns

Yes: 20 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0194)

    4/6/2026Governor
  2. Approved by Governor-Chapter 194 (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 (HB657ER)

    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

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

    2/2/2026Senate
  17. Read third time and passed House (93-Y 1-N 0-A)

    1/30/2026House
  18. Read second time and engrossed

    1/29/2026House
  19. Moved from Uncontested Calendar to Regular Calendar

    1/29/2026House
  20. Passed by for the day

    1/28/2026House
  21. Read first time

    1/27/2026House
  22. Reported from Counties, Cities and Towns (20-Y 0-N)

    1/23/2026House
  23. Subcommittee recommends reporting (5-Y 0-N)

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

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

    1/13/2026House

Bill Text

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