Sen. Perry’s SB648 clears both chambers, imposes study mandates and governance restrictions on select towns

A measure from State Sen. Russet Perry, now passed, introduces requirements for towns in Planning District 8 to undertake specific studies, suspend indicted officers, and restrict council voting procedures, as reported by the Virginia State Senate.

The bill was enrolled as of March 30, 2026, after winning 70-26 in the House and 30-9 in the Senate.

Filed as SB648 on Jan. 14, 2026, during the regular legislative session, the state summarized the proposal: “Counties, cities, & towns; members of governing body, continuing personal interest in transactions.”

Below is a summary, with clarifying interpretation provided, based on the bill text.

This legislation targets towns in Planning District 8 with populations from 8,000 to 10,000, requiring courts to suspend officers if charged with a felony—placing pay in escrow until potential acquittal. These towns must contract a study by July 1, 2027, covering financial obligations, infrastructure, utilities, and related liabilities, then create a financial plan that safeguards the town’s bond rating. Council votes are confined to items correctly included on meeting notices or approved by a supermajority. Residents are granted standing to contest votes taken in error, with recovery of legal costs allowed for successful challenges. The measures sunset July 1, 2028.

The House approved the measure with 62 Democrats and eight Republicans voting for it, while 26 Republicans voted against it.

In the Senate, 21 Democrats joined nine Republicans in support, with opposition from nine Republicans.

Sen. Russet Perry (Democrat, 31st District) served as the legislation’s sole sponsor.

Perry holds degrees from George Washington University and Georgetown University, earning a JD from the latter.

She won election to the state Senate in 2024, representing the 31st district following Barbara Favola.

In Virginia, the legislative process starts when a bill is filed in either chamber. Assigned to committees, it advances upon approval for further debate and voting on the floors of both the House and Senate. Passed bills are delivered to the governor for signature, veto or to take effect without signature. The General Assembly’s regular session begins annually on the second Monday in January, with lawmakers introducing hundreds of bills each session; only some become law.

Information in this article was sourced from the Virginia State Senate. Refer to the original data here.