Virginia House Bill HB1117

Virginia 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/12/22
• Refer: 1/12/22

Caption

Portsmouth, City of; amending charter, various changes to process for recall of elective officers.

Impact

The enactment of HB 1117 would significantly modify the existing framework for recall elections within Portsmouth. By defining the grounds for removal and the required petition thresholds, the bill aims to create a clearer and more structured process for the recall of local officials. This reform is intended to enhance accountability among elected officials while ensuring that the community has a mechanism for addressing misconduct or inability to fulfill duties effectively.

Summary

House Bill 1117 is aimed at amending the charter of the City of Portsmouth regarding the process for recalling elective officers. The bill establishes specific grounds under which an elected official may be removed from office, including neglect of duty, misuse of office, incompetence, or conviction of a misdemeanor that materially affects the conduct of the office. It outlines the conditions necessary for a successful removal petition, requiring support from at least 30% of the city's electors who voted in the last gubernatorial election.

Contention

Notably, the bill may raise concerns about the thresholds set for petitions, as some could argue that requiring 30% of electors might limit the ability of constituents to hold officials accountable in a timely manner. Moreover, the legislation may lead to debates regarding the definitions provided for grounds of removal, specifically around what constitutes material adverse effects on the operations of the office. This could result in differing interpretations and potential challenges in applying the new standards during actual recall efforts.