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2009 SESSION


CHAPTER 78
An Act to amend and reenact §§ 36-4 and 36-4.1 of the Code of Virginia, relating to housing authorities; referendum.
[H 1890]
Approved February 25, 2009

 

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1.  That §§ 36-4 and 36-4.1 of the Code of Virginia are amended and reenacted as follows:

§ 36-4. Creation of redevelopment and housing authorities.

In each locality there is hereby created a political subdivision of the Commonwealth, with such public and corporate powers as are set forth in this chapter, to be known respectively as the ".................................. (insert name of locality) Redevelopment and Housing Authority" (hereinafter referred to as "authority"); provided, however, that any authority not now activated shall not transact any business or exercise any powers authorized under this chapter until or unless the qualified voters of such locality shall by a majority vote of such qualified voters voting in a referendum held as provided in § 36-4.1, have indicated a need for an authority to function in such locality. The referendum to determine whether or not there is a need for an authority to function (i) may be called by the governing body by resolution or (ii) shall be called by the governing body upon the filing of a petition signed by at least 100 two percent of the qualified voters registered in the jurisdiction, asserting that there is need for an authority to function in such locality and requesting the governing body to call such referendum.

The governing body may by resolution call for a referendum to determine whether there is need for an authority in the locality if the governing body believes it is appropriate for one of the reasons set out in § 36-2. In the case of a town located within the county, the town council shall first obtain the concurrence of the governing body of the county and the county redevelopment and housing authority prior to scheduling a referendum.

In any suit, action or proceeding involving the validity or enforcement of or relating to any contract of the authority, the authority shall be conclusively deemed to have become established and authorized to transact business and exercise its powers hereunder if the voters of the locality have so indicated in a referendum held pursuant to § 36-4.1, that there is need for the authority.

§ 36-4.1. Holding of referendum; effect.

A. If a referendum is called for under § 36-4, either by resolution of the governing body or upon the petition of 100 at least two percent of the qualified voters as therein provided, the referendum shall be held at the next regularly scheduled election in the locality. The question on the ballot in such referendum shall be:

Is there a need for the redevelopment and housing authority to be activated in the county (or city or town) of . . . . . . . . . . . ?

The ballots shall be printed, the returns canvassed, and the results certified as provided in § 24.2-684.

B. If a majority of the qualified voters in such referendum shall indicate that there is a need for such authority, then the same shall be empowered to transact business and exercise the powers conferred by this chapter.

C. Once a referendum has been held, no other referendum on the same question shall be held in the county, city, or town within five years of the date of the prior referendum.