Committee advances dozens of local-government bills, including housing and charter measures
January 24, 2026 | 2026 Legislature VA, Virginia
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The Committee of Counties, Cities and Towns met to hear subcommittee reports and voted to advance a wide package of local-government legislation, including bills on housing policy, zoning changes, and multiple municipal charter updates.
Most measures were reported out of committee after subcommittee recommendations. Notable actions included reporting House Bill 153 (site-assessment requirement for "high energy use" facilities) with a substitute (committee report cited 17–2), reporting House Bill 135 to extend a Virginia Code Commission work group's deadline (19–0), and reporting multiple charter bills for towns and cities, several unanimously. The committee also continued other bills to the 2027 session and incorporated several measures into omnibus bills before reporting.
Why it matters: The committee's actions clear several bills for further consideration in the legislative process, shaping how localities may regulate land use, housing supply and municipal governance. A tabled charter bill also underscored constitutional constraints on local term limits.
Votes at a glance: House Bill 727 — referred to HHS (referred by committee). House Bill 598 — subcommittee struck from docket (no full-committee roll). House Bill 509 — continued to 2027. House Bill 511 — incorporated into HB 153. House Bill 153 — reported with substitute (committee vote reported 17–2). House Bill 135 — reported (19–0). House Bill 164 — reported with amendments (16–3). House Bill 352 — reported (18–1). House Bill 594 — reported (19–0). House Bill 804 — reported (14–5). House Bill 816 — committee and technical amendments adopted; amended bill reported. House Bill 62 — reported (19–0). House Bill 98 — reported unanimously. House Bill 187 — reported with subcommittee amendments (14–3). House Bill 552 — reported (18–1). House Bill 655 — incorporated HB 418 and HB 801 and reported with substitute (19–0). House Bill 764 — reported unanimously. House Bill 732 — laid on the table (recorded vote 17–1). House Bill 657 — reported out (20–0).
Committee process and next steps: Many bills moved on with substitutes or amendments and will proceed to further committee work or floor consideration as prescribed by the legislative calendar. Several items were continued to 2027 for additional review. The committee rose for caucus and adjourned for the day.
The committee provided specific policy details for several measures that will shape local planning and housing rules if enacted.
Most measures were reported out of committee after subcommittee recommendations. Notable actions included reporting House Bill 153 (site-assessment requirement for "high energy use" facilities) with a substitute (committee report cited 17–2), reporting House Bill 135 to extend a Virginia Code Commission work group's deadline (19–0), and reporting multiple charter bills for towns and cities, several unanimously. The committee also continued other bills to the 2027 session and incorporated several measures into omnibus bills before reporting.
Why it matters: The committee's actions clear several bills for further consideration in the legislative process, shaping how localities may regulate land use, housing supply and municipal governance. A tabled charter bill also underscored constitutional constraints on local term limits.
Votes at a glance: House Bill 727 — referred to HHS (referred by committee). House Bill 598 — subcommittee struck from docket (no full-committee roll). House Bill 509 — continued to 2027. House Bill 511 — incorporated into HB 153. House Bill 153 — reported with substitute (committee vote reported 17–2). House Bill 135 — reported (19–0). House Bill 164 — reported with amendments (16–3). House Bill 352 — reported (18–1). House Bill 594 — reported (19–0). House Bill 804 — reported (14–5). House Bill 816 — committee and technical amendments adopted; amended bill reported. House Bill 62 — reported (19–0). House Bill 98 — reported unanimously. House Bill 187 — reported with subcommittee amendments (14–3). House Bill 552 — reported (18–1). House Bill 655 — incorporated HB 418 and HB 801 and reported with substitute (19–0). House Bill 764 — reported unanimously. House Bill 732 — laid on the table (recorded vote 17–1). House Bill 657 — reported out (20–0).
Committee process and next steps: Many bills moved on with substitutes or amendments and will proceed to further committee work or floor consideration as prescribed by the legislative calendar. Several items were continued to 2027 for additional review. The committee rose for caucus and adjourned for the day.
The committee provided specific policy details for several measures that will shape local planning and housing rules if enacted.
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