VirginiaSB5812026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Fairfax, City of; amending charter, elections, compensation for members of boards or commissions.

Sponsored By: Saddam Azlan Salim (Democratic)

Became Law

Summary

Charter; City of Fairfax; financial powers; elections; compensation for members of boards or commissions. Amends the charter for the City of Fairfax by replacing a cap on the transient occupancy tax with a reference to general law. The bill also amends the charter to align it with current law requiring municipal elections to be held at the November general election. Finally, the bill removes the limit of $50 per meeting for compensation of members of boards and commissions and provides that such compensation is in such amounts as established by the City Council. This bill is identical to HB 1342.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 3 mixed.

Local property taxes in Fairfax

The City can levy property taxes on real estate, business personal property, and machinery and tools. Property owners and businesses in Fairfax must pay these local taxes. The law does not set the tax rate.

Local licenses and taxes for businesses

The City requires a local license to run a business, profession, or trade unless barred by state law. It can tax those licenses for activities not covered by property tax. Operating without a license is prohibited. The law does not set license tax amounts.

City can raise local taxes

The City Council can raise money by local taxes and assessments as state law allows. The money pays city debts and expenses. If the Council sets new taxes or fees, Fairfax households and businesses pay them.

Emergency spending up to 10% cap

The City Council can budget, borrow, and spend up to 10% of the prior year’s General Fund to meet a public emergency. Two-thirds of the full Council must vote yes. The ordinance must clearly state the nature and extent of the emergency.

Taxes on tickets, rooms, and utilities

The City can add a tax to event tickets, which operators collect with the price. It can charge a hotel room tax up to 4% of the room charge; stays of 30 or more continuous days are exempt. It can require a local license or tax to use city streets with a vehicle. It can tax utility gross receipts, and utilities may pass these costs onto bills.

Pay rules for mayor, staff, boards

The Council can set the Mayor’s pay under state law. It can give extra pay to certain elected officials’ deputies and employees, but only up to state-law caps. Pay for board and commission members is limited to no more than $50 per meeting.

City elections shift to November

Starting with the November 8, 2022 election, Fairfax holds city elections in November. The Mayor and Council now start their terms on January 1 after the election. Past elections under the old schedule remain valid.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Saddam Azlan Salim

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 431 • No: 112

Senate vote 3/3/2026

Conference report agreed to by Senate

Yes: 28 • No: 12

House vote 3/2/2026

Conference report agreed to by House

Yes: 92 • No: 6

Senate vote 2/23/2026

Senate acceded to request

Yes: 38 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/18/2026

House substitute rejected by Senate

Yes: 0 • No: 38

House vote 2/16/2026

Passed House with substitute

Yes: 75 • No: 22

House vote 2/13/2026

Reported from Counties, Cities and Towns with substitute

Yes: 16 • No: 5

Senate vote 1/29/2026

Read third time and passed Senate

Yes: 33 • No: 7

Senate vote 1/29/2026

Read third time and defeated by Senate

Yes: 24 • No: 16

Senate vote 1/29/2026

Reconsideration of defeated action agreed to by 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 1/28/2026

Engrossed by Senate (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: 8 • No: 6

Actions Timeline

  1. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0303)

    4/6/2026Governor
  2. Approved by Governor-Chapter 303 (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 (SB581ER)

    3/9/2026Senate
  6. Enrolled

    3/9/2026Senate
  7. Signed by President

    3/9/2026Senate
  8. Signed by Speaker

    3/9/2026House
  9. Conference report agreed to by Senate (28-Y 12-N 0-A)

    3/3/2026Senate
  10. Conference report agreed to by House (92-Y 6-N 0-A)

    3/2/2026House
  11. Conference Report released

    3/2/2026
  12. House Conferees: Bulova, Shin, McNamara

    2/24/2026House
  13. Conferees appointed by House

    2/24/2026House
  14. Senate acceded to request (38-Y 0-N 0-A)

    2/23/2026Senate
  15. Senate Conferees: Salim, Pekarsky, Diggs

    2/23/2026Senate
  16. Conferees appointed by Senate

    2/23/2026Senate
  17. House requested conference committee

    2/19/2026House
  18. House insisted on substitute

    2/19/2026House
  19. House substitute rejected by Senate

    2/18/2026Senate
  20. Passed House with substitute (75-Y 22-N 0-A)

    2/16/2026House
  21. Engrossed by House - committee substitute

    2/16/2026House
  22. committee substitute agreed to

    2/16/2026House
  23. Read third time

    2/16/2026House
  24. Read second time

    2/15/2026House
  25. Committee substitute printed 26107970D-H1

    2/13/2026House

Bill Text

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