Virginia Senate Bill SB274

Virginia 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22
• Report Pass: 1/31/22
• Engrossed: 2/2/22
• Refer: 2/21/22
• Report Pass: 2/25/22
• Enrolled: 3/7/22
• Chaptered: 4/11/22
• Passed: 4/11/22

Caption

Virginia Beach, City of; amending charter, expands board of equalization.

Impact

The amendment proposed in SB274 would primarily affect how real estate assessments are conducted for local taxation in Virginia Beach. By allowing local councils to set their own procedures for property assessments, the bill empowers local government to tailor taxation processes according to their specific needs and community contexts. Additionally, it strengthens the role and powers of local boards of equalization by allowing for revised regulations that could streamline the assessment and appeal process, which may enhance taxpayer engagement and satisfaction.

Summary

SB274 focuses on amending the charter of the City of Virginia Beach, particularly concerning the board of equalization that oversees the assessment of real estate. The bill allows the city council to provide local ordinances for assessing real estate taxes, which may replace the traditional methods mandated by general law. It grants the council the ability to appoint assessors who will conduct these assessments based on state requirements, thereby introducing flexibility into local tax assessment practices. This change is aimed at improving the efficiency and responsiveness of real estate evaluations within the city.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding SB274 appears to be predominantly positive, especially among local government officials who view it as a means to increase local control over taxation issues and improve operational efficiency. However, there could be concerns regarding the potential for inconsistencies in tax assessments if different localities adopt vastly different practices. While the local governance sentiment is generally favorable, some community members might express apprehension about the quality and fairness of assessments under a more localized system.

Contention

A potential point of contention regarding SB274 may arise from the increased authority granted to local city councils in managing property assessments. Critics might argue that having a more flexible system could lead to disparities in how taxes are assessed and enforced across different regions, which could be perceived as inequitable. Furthermore, the bill's impact on existing state regulations and how it interacts with broader taxation frameworks could become a topic of debate, particularly if there are notable implications for state tax revenues.