VirginiaHB9402026 Regular SessionHouse

Suffolk, City of; amending charter, clarifying membership of city council.

Sponsored By: Nadarius E. Clark (Democratic)

Became Law

Summary

Charter; City of Suffolk. Corrects an error in the existing charter of the City of Suffolk to clarify that the city council shall consist of eight members to reflect the addition of the directly elected mayor to the city council. The bill also removes obsolete language to clarify the appointment process and responsibilities of the city clerk. Finally, the bill updates language to reflect the city manager's direct responsibility for the department directors, consistent with the City of Suffolk's established management and reporting structure. This bill is identical to SB 303.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

City council now has eight members

The City of Suffolk council now has eight members, up from seven. This adds one council seat for candidates. The change affects local representation and elections.

Clear rules for the city clerk

City council appoints the city clerk to four-year terms. The clerk serves as clerk of council and keeps the city seal, and can use it to authenticate records. All records in the clerk’s office are public and open during regular business hours. Council sets the clerk’s pay, and all money the clerk collects goes to the city treasury. The clerk keeps city papers not assigned elsewhere and must do other tasks set by the charter or council.

City manager oversees most departments

Each city department has a director. One person may lead more than one department. For most departments—except law, education, the city clerk, and the city assessor—the city manager appoints the director and can remove them at any time. The council may name the manager or the manager’s deputies to serve as a director. Directors must have strong executive ability and relevant experience, and they report to the manager and provide reports when required.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Nadarius E. Clark

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 218 • 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

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 (CHAP0243)

    4/6/2026Governor
  2. Approved by Governor-Chapter 243 (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 (HB940ER)

    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. Read second time and engrossed

    2/4/2026House
  19. Read first time

    2/3/2026House
  20. Reported from Counties, Cities and Towns (21-Y 0-N)

    1/30/2026House
  21. Subcommittee recommends reporting (7-Y 0-N)

    1/30/2026House
  22. Assigned HCCT sub: Subcommittee #1

    1/28/2026House
  23. Referred to Committee on Counties, Cities and Towns

    1/13/2026House
  24. Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26101864D

    1/13/2026House

Bill Text

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