Bill > HB792

This bill amends the charter of the City of Lexington by updating several provisions. It changes the timing of the council's organizational meeting from the end of the fiscal year to the end of the calendar year, clarifies that council meetings are public except when secrecy is required by the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, and modifies the publication requirements for ordinances, allowing for emergency ordinances to be adopted without prior advertisement. The bill also adjusts the role of the city attorney, giving them discretion rather than mandating certain actions in civil proceedings and ordinance violation prosecutions, and allows for the consolidation of Lexington's General District Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court with those of Rockbridge County. Crucially, it removes outdated provisions related to a formerly appointed school board, changing the method of selecting school board members from appointment by the city council to election for four-year staggered terms that coincide with mayoral and council elections, and removes the requirement for council approval for the school board's contractual relationships.

Government Affairs

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB792