Bill > SB495

This bill provides for the removal of certain elected and appointed officers in Virginia through a recall referendum process. The key provisions are: 1. Allows for the recall of elected Commonwealth, constitutional, and local officers, except those whose removal is specifically provided for in the Virginia Constitution. This includes officers appointed to fill a vacancy in an elective office. 2. Requires a recall petition to be signed by at least 30% of the total number of votes cast at the last election for the office sought to be recalled, based on grounds such as conviction of a crime or incompetence. 3. Establishes a process for submitting and verifying recall petition applications and petitions, including requirements for the content and circulation of the petitions. 4. Directs the circuit court to order a recall referendum election within 90-150 days if the petition is certified as sufficient. The referendum asks voters whether the officer should be removed from office. 5. Provides that if the majority vote is to recall the officer, the office becomes vacant and the vacancy is filled as provided by law. The bill also makes changes to the procedures for removing appointed officers from office by the courts or the State Board of Elections.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?231+sum+SB495