The House Finance Committee reported Senate Bill 14 (McPike) yesterday afternoon by a vote of 13-8 after committee members amended the legislation to include the unincorporated towns that operate a school division in the legislation that authorizes all counties and cities to impose an additional local sales and use tax at a rate not to exceed one percent with the revenue used only for capital projects for the construction or renovation of schools if such levy is approved in a voter referendum. Under current law, only Charlotte, Gloucester, Halifax, Henry, Mecklenburg, Northampton, Patrick, and Pittsylvania Counties and the City of Danville are authorized to impose such a tax.
The bill will not move to the House floor for debate and a vote early next week. The House companion to SB 14, HB 805, passed in the House earlier this month. VSBA's Government Relations team will continue to update you on this, and other, pieces of legislation of importance to school board members throughout the session which is scheduled to adjourn Sine Die on March 9, 2024.
