Purcellville, VA — Recent legislation mandating new governance requirements for specific Northern Virginia towns has successfully passed both chambers of the Virginia General Assembly. If signed by the governor, the new rules are expected to take effect on July 1, 2026.
This legislative package includes House Bill 505, introduced by Delegate John McAuliff, and Senate Bill 648, introduced by State Senator Russet Perry, who represents the area encompassing Purcellville. Both bills are identical and have received approval in the Virginia House of Delegates and Senate.
Key aspects of the legislation create a new section in the Code of Virginia (§ 15.2-1535.1), which addresses potential conflicts of interest for members of local governing bodies. According to this provision, any governing body member who has previously worked for a government agency under that governing body will be considered to have a continuing personal interest in that agency for a period of two years after their employment ends.
Additionally, the legislation outlines procedures for the temporary suspension of local officials charged with felony offenses in towns located within Planning District 8, which includes communities with populations between 8,000 and 10,000 residents. Should felony charges be brought against a town official in a qualifying municipality, the court would be required to suspend the official during the criminal proceedings. During the suspension, the court may appoint a substitute to fulfill the official’s duties, and the official’s pay would be withheld until the conclusion of the case.
The legislation also mandates a study evaluating the financial conditions and infrastructure needs of towns within the specified population criteria. This study, to be conducted by a public institution of higher education in consultation with local officials, must be finalized by July 1, 2027. It is expected to cover municipal debt, utilities, infrastructure systems, and potential liabilities and may suggest financial priorities and charter changes.
Meeting and voting protocols are also affected by this legislation. Town councils in the qualifying municipalities are required to publish their meeting agendas at least three days prior to meetings, limiting votes to only those items listed unless a three-fourths majority approves the addition of a new item. Residents will have the right to challenge council votes in court if they suspect violations of agenda requirements or conflict-of-interest laws, and prevailing residents may recover attorney’s fees.
In addition, the bill stipulates that full-time town managers in affected towns must reside in Virginia unless a majority of the town council votes to waive this requirement.
Senator Perry, following the bills’ passage, stated, “Tonight the Senate and the House passed SB648 & HB505, delivering important reforms that help ensure transparency, accountability, and fiscal stability for the people of Purcellville. I was proud to champion this legislation from its conception to getting it across the finish line, having heard from hundreds of Purcellville residents who raised serious concerns about what was happening in their town and within their town council. Their voices made clear that the community wanted stronger guardrails to ensure their local government operates openly, responsibly, and in accordance with the town’s state-granted charter.
“The residents of Purcellville deserve a local government they can trust—one that respects taxpayer dollars, follows the structure and responsibilities laid out in its charter, and makes decisions with transparency and accountability. Good governance isn’t partisan—it’s about restoring confidence and ensuring that the people who elected their local leaders know their government is working for them. I’m grateful to my colleagues for recognizing the importance of these reforms and helping ensure that Purcellville’s residents have a local government that reflects the standards they expect and deserve. Now our identical bills head to Governor Spanberger’s desk for her signature, and I look forward to her signing them into law.”
The provisions concerning suspension procedures, study requirements, and meeting rules are set to expire on July 1, 2028, unless further action is taken by the General Assembly to extend them. The legislation now awaits review and approval from Governor Abigail Spanberger.
