VirginiaSB3432026 Regular SessionSenate

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

Sponsored By: Jennifer B. Boysko (Democratic)

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 The bill also removes outdated or duplicative provisions that occur as a result of the changes to the town manager's duties and authority and an obsolete reference to a Town of Herndon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 HB 887.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 4 mixed.

Most town hires can live elsewhere

Appointive officers and employees do not have to live in the town. Residency can be required only if the charter or general law says so, or if the council requires it by contract.

Council appoints manager; residency rule

The town council appoints a town manager and a town attorney. Both serve at the council’s pleasure. The council sets the manager’s pay and may delegate duties. The town manager must live in Herndon while serving, unless the council agrees otherwise in a contract.

Old charter sections are repealed

The law repeals Sections 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 6.1:2, and 7.5 of the 1968 charter. This cleans up obsolete parts and does not change direct household benefits.

Rules for town officers and bonds

Officers appointed by the council answer to the council and the mayor. They must do duties required by law and by the charter or council. Officers must execute any bonds the council sets. If the council does not name a successor, incumbents stay until removed. One person may hold two offices, but not the town attorney’s office.

Town manager runs hiring and budgets

The town manager appoints department heads and other staff, and appoints and supervises the town clerk. The manager must attend all council meetings to advise, but cannot vote. The manager prepares the annual budget, runs it after adoption, files a concise report each September, and arranges an annual audit approved by the council. The manager may temporarily reassign employees when the town’s interests require. The manager cannot appoint, transfer, or remove the town attorney or deputy attorneys. The council may let the manager appoint other officers and hire deputies and assistants.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Jennifer B. Boysko

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 211 • No: 0

House vote 2/25/2026

Passed House Block Vote

Yes: 97 • No: 0

House vote 2/20/2026

Reported from Counties, Cities and Towns

Yes: 21 • No: 0

Senate vote 1/29/2026

Read third time and passed Senate Block Vote

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Senate vote 1/28/2026

Engrossed by Senate Block Vote (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 1/27/2026

Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 1st reading)

Yes: 39 • No: 0

Senate vote 1/27/2026

Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 1/26/2026

Reported from Local Government

Yes: 14 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0692)

    4/13/2026Governor
  2. Approved by Governor-Chapter 692 (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

    3/10/2026Senate
  5. Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB343ER)

    2/27/2026Senate
  6. Enrolled

    2/27/2026Senate
  7. Signed by President

    2/27/2026Senate
  8. Signed by Speaker

    2/27/2026House
  9. Passed House Block Vote (97-Y 0-N 0-A)

    2/25/2026House
  10. Read third time

    2/25/2026House
  11. Read second time

    2/24/2026House
  12. Reported from Counties, Cities and Towns (21-Y 0-N)

    2/20/2026House
  13. Referred to Committee on Counties, Cities and Towns

    2/4/2026House
  14. Read first time

    2/4/2026House
  15. Placed on Calendar

    2/4/2026House
  16. Read third time and passed Senate Block Vote (40-Y 0-N 0-A)

    1/29/2026Senate
  17. Engrossed by Senate Block Vote (Voice Vote)

    1/28/2026Senate
  18. Read second time

    1/28/2026Senate
  19. Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

    1/27/2026Senate
  20. Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 1st reading) (39-Y 0-N 0-A)

    1/27/2026Senate
  21. Read first time

    1/27/2026Senate
  22. Passed by for the day

    1/27/2026Senate
  23. Rules suspended

    1/27/2026Senate
  24. Reported from Local Government (14-Y 0-N)

    1/26/2026Senate
  25. Referred to Committee on Local Government

    1/13/2026Senate

Bill Text

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