Why 4/5: The bill contains an emergency clause, meaning it would take effect immediately upon enactment, and mandates redistricting for affected localities.
This bill requires large Virginia localities (population 400,000+) to elect their governing body members from individual single-member districts, rather than at-large or other systems. Localities not currently meeting this requirement must establish new districts and reapportion representation, potentially changing how voters are grouped and represented.
Passed a chamber
Signed by Speaker
Passed a chamber
Signed by President
Update
Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB51)
Enrolled
Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on February 26, 2026
Sent to the Governor
Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., March 05, 2026
Line-item veto
Governor's recommendation received by Senate
Update
Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (20-Y 19-N 0-A)
Update
House concurred in Governor's recommendation (67-Y 29-N 0-A)
Signed into law
Governor's recommendation adopted
This bill has passed its votes and is headed to the Governor's desk. You still have a say — the Governor's office reads messages before deciding whether to sign.
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Summarized from the official bill text (“Election of certain governing bodies; conversion to single-member districts.”) · Read the actual bill →
Enrolled
Reenrolled
Enrolled
Reenrolled bill text (SB51ER2)
Passed a chamber
Signed by Speaker
Passed a chamber
Signed by President
Signed into law
Approved by Governor-Chapter 8 (Effective 3/9/2026)
Update
Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0008)