2025 SESSION
SENATE SUBSTITUTE
25108428D
SENATE BILL NO. 940
AMENDMENT IN THE NATURE OF A SUBSTITUTE
(Proposed by the Governor
on March 24, 2025)
(Patron Prior to SubstituteSenator Surovell)
A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Chapter 5 of Title 24.2 an article numbered 8, consisting of a section numbered 24.2-546, relating to elections; candidates for office; challenges to candidate qualifications.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Chapter 5 of Title 24.2 an article numbered 8, consisting of a section numbered 24.2-546, as follows:
Article 8.
Challenges to Candidate Qualifications.
24.2-546. Challenges to candidate qualifications.
A. Any legal action relating to a person's eligibility to have his name printed on the ballot for any election on the basis that such person failed to meet all qualifications or to fulfill all requirements for candidacy shall be filed in a circuit court and served on all parties.
B. In any district-based election where the district contains multiple circuit court jurisdictions, the legal action shall be filed in the jurisdiction that makes up the largest portion of the district by registered voters. Any legal action relating to a candidate's eligibility shall be given precedence on the docket. Any notice of appeal shall be filed within seven days of the circuit court's final order, and all appeals shall be given precedence on the docket.
C. Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit challenges to an elected official's qualification to serve based upon Article IV, Section 4 of the Constitution of Virginia or 24.2-500.