VirginiaSB4622026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Louisa, Town of; new charter, previous charter repealed.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 HB 657.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Local police department and powers

The council may appoint a Chief of Police and create a police department. The Town Manager handles administration, but the Chief directs law‑enforcement work. Town police officers have constable powers under Virginia law to enforce criminal laws and town ordinances.

Mayor and council rules and meetings

The town has a Mayor and five at‑large council members, each serving four‑year terms. The council elects a Vice‑Mayor for two years. The Mayor runs meetings and can break tie votes; the Vice‑Mayor or an Acting Mayor fills in when needed. The council meets at least monthly, sets its own rules, and three members make a quorum. Members take an oath, elections follow Virginia law, and council business and contracts continue even when members change.

Town taxes, fees, and borrowing rules

The Town Council may levy and collect taxes and fees that Virginia law allows. The Town Treasurer keeps financial records and collects town taxes and licenses. The town’s fiscal year runs July 1 through June 30. The town may issue bonds and borrow within state limits to fund projects, which can mean future debt payments supported by taxes or fees.

New charter sets town powers and borders

This law repeals the old 1972 charter and replaces it. It keeps Louisa as an incorporated town with full powers under Virginia law. It fixes the town’s borders using earlier state acts, a 1955 court order, and a recorded plat. Current town ordinances stay in effect unless they conflict with this charter. If your home or business is inside these lines, you get town services, vote in town races, and follow town taxes and rules.

Town manager, hiring, and pay rules

The council can appoint a Town Manager, Clerk, Attorney, Treasurer, and Police Chief. The Town Manager runs daily operations, hires and supervises staff, prepares the budget, presents an annual audit, and leads emergency management. Appointed officers serve at the council’s pleasure. One person may hold more than one office only if state law allows. The Clerk keeps records and the town seal. The Attorney advises the town, and the county prosecutor may handle ordinance cases. The council sets pay, may create a pay scale, and may let the Manager set some salaries within the budget. The council may require employee bonds and pay the insurance premiums.

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: 324 • No: 4

House vote 2/26/2026

Passed House

Yes: 93 • No: 4

House vote 2/20/2026

Reported from Counties, Cities and Towns

Yes: 21 • No: 0

Senate vote 1/29/2026

Reconsideration of passage agreed to by Senate

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Senate vote 1/29/2026

Read third time and passed Senate

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Senate vote 1/29/2026

Reconsideration of Passed by for the day agreed to Block Vote

Yes: 38 • No: 0

Senate vote 1/29/2026

Read third time and passed Senate

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Senate vote 1/28/2026

Engrossed by Senate (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 1/27/2026

Passed by for the day 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 1/26/2026

Reported from Local Government

Yes: 13 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0195)

    4/6/2026Governor
  2. Approved by Governor-Chapter 195 (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

    3/10/2026Senate
  5. Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB462ER)

    3/2/2026Senate
  6. Enrolled

    3/2/2026Senate
  7. Signed by President

    3/2/2026Senate
  8. Signed by Speaker

    3/2/2026House
  9. Passed House (93-Y 4-N 0-A)

    2/26/2026House
  10. Read third time

    2/26/2026House
  11. Moved from Uncontested Calendar to Regular Calendar

    2/26/2026House
  12. Passed by for the day

    2/25/2026House
  13. Read second time

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

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

    2/4/2026House
  16. Read first time

    2/4/2026House
  17. Placed on Calendar

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

    1/29/2026Senate
  19. Reconsideration of Passed by for the day agreed to Block Vote

    1/29/2026Senate
  20. Reconsideration of passage agreed to by Senate (40-Y 0-N 0-A)

    1/29/2026Senate
  21. Read third time and passed Senate (40-Y 0-N 0-A)

    1/29/2026Senate
  22. Passed by for the day

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

    1/28/2026Senate
  24. Read second time

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

    1/27/2026Senate

Bill Text

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