VirginiaHB8872026 Regular SessionHouse

Herndon, Town of; amending charter, clarifies duties of town council.

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

Became Law

Summary

Charter; Town of Herndon. Updates the charter for the Town of Herndon in Fairfax County to permit greater flexibility for the town council to contract with the town manager regarding the location of his residence, clarifies the duties of the town manager relative to employees, clarifies that the town council has the authority to appoint two officers: the town manager and town attorney, and establishes that the town manager has the authority to employ any deputies or assistants for the two appointed offices. The bill also removes outdated or duplicative provisions that occur as a result of the changes to the town manager's duties and authority and an obsolete reference to a Town of Herndon school board. This bill is identical to SB 343.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Town manager handles budget and audits

The town manager must attend council meetings and advise the council, but does not vote. The manager keeps the council updated on town finances and needs. The manager prepares and submits the annual budget and runs it after adoption. Each September, the manager presents a clear financial and activity report for the prior fiscal year. The manager arranges an annual audit by a certified public accountant that the council approves.

New hiring and residency rules for town staff

Town council appoints the town manager and town attorney. These officers serve at the council’s pleasure and must post any bonds the council requires. The manager must live in town while serving unless the council allows otherwise by contract. The manager hires department heads and most staff, supervises the town clerk, and can make short‑term transfers between departments. The manager cannot appoint, move, or remove the town attorney or deputy town attorneys. The council can let the manager appoint other officers and can appoint deputies and assistants; it fills vacancies, and one person may hold two offices (not the town attorney). Most appointed officers and employees may live outside town unless the charter, state law, or a contract requires residency.

Old Herndon charter rules repealed

The law repeals Sections 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 6.1:2, and 7.5 of the town’s 1968 charter. This aligns the charter with the town‑manager system. Any rules in those sections no longer apply.

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: 219 • No: 0

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 Block Vote

Yes: 14 • No: 0

House vote 2/5/2026

Read third time and passed House Block Vote

Yes: 97 • No: 0

House vote 1/30/2026

Reported from Counties, Cities and Towns with substitute

Yes: 21 • No: 0

House vote 1/29/2026

Subcommittee recommends reporting with substitute

Yes: 8 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0691)

    4/13/2026Governor
  2. Approved by Governor-Chapter 691 (effective 7/1/2026)

    4/13/2026Governor
  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 (HB887ER)

    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 Block Vote (14-Y 0-N)

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

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

    2/6/2026Senate
  17. Read third time and passed House Block Vote (97-Y 0-N 0-A)

    2/5/2026House
  18. Engrossed by House - committee substitute

    2/4/2026House
  19. committee substitute agreed to

    2/4/2026House
  20. Read second time

    2/4/2026House
  21. Read first time

    2/3/2026House
  22. Committee substitute printed 26106601D-H1

    1/30/2026House
  23. Reported from Counties, Cities and Towns with substitute (21-Y 0-N)

    1/30/2026House
  24. House subcommittee offered

    1/29/2026House
  25. Subcommittee recommends reporting with substitute (8-Y 0-N)

    1/29/2026House

Bill Text

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