Virginia House Bill HB48

Virginia 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/31/21
• Refer: 12/31/21

Caption

Local advisory referenda; exception to rule that prohibits referendum from being placed on ballot.

Impact

The enactment of HB48 will amend §24.2-684 of the Code of Virginia, shifting how localities can manage and conduct advisory referenda. By allowing local governments to initiate advisory votes through ordinances, this bill promotes greater participation from citizens in democratic processes at the local level. This change could potentially enhance transparency and accountability within local governments as they seek to address issues of interest to their communities directly.

Summary

House Bill 48 introduces an exception to existing regulations regarding local advisory referenda, permitting localities to hold such referenda through an ordinance. This change allows for a more direct engagement of the electorate in local governance and aims to provide a mechanism for citizens to express their opinions on various issues through advisory votes. Specifically, the bill limits the frequency of these advisory referenda to once per calendar year, ensuring that localities can still gauge public sentiment without overwhelming the electoral process with frequent votes.

Contention

While the legislation has supporters who view it as an opportunity for increased local engagement and responsiveness, there may be concerns regarding the implications of frequent advisory referenda on local governance. Critics could argue that allowing such measures might complicate the decision-making process in local governments, leading to possible inconsistencies and challenges in implementing public policy. The debates around this bill likely reflect broader discussions on the balance between grassroots democracy and structured governance.