Subcommittee weighs optional public campaign financing for local elections; bill carried to 2027

Delegate Simon told the House subcommittee that House Bill 162 would give localities the option to create public-financing systems for local elections, administered locally and not requiring state funds. "This bill would allow localities that wanted to, to create a system of public finance to be administered by the local treasurer," he said, explaining that participation would be voluntary for both jurisdictions and candidates.

Supporters at the hearing said the change would reduce time spent on fundraising and open opportunities for candidates who lack wealthy networks. Wes Gobar of Clean Virginia said public financing is a "tested solution to change that dynamic," noting research showing small donors are likelier to be low-income and people of color and pointing to programs in 14 states and 25 localities. Nancy Morgan of Big Money Out called it a tried mechanism to "amplify the voice of average citizens over corporate funding," and student Jackson Kidwell described the measure as a way to make government feel more reachable to younger voters.

Patron Delegate Simon and committee members discussed safeguards and mechanics. He told members the bill does not mandate state spending and leaves localities free to decide funding sources, caps, and eligibility rules; he cited examples from other jurisdictions where local funds come from small property tax add-ons or fines but said those choices rest with each locality. Committee members asked whether the program could be flooded by many candidates and dilute available funds; Simon and others pointed to common eligibility tools — such as minimum signature or seed-donation thresholds and per-candidate caps — that other local programs use to prevent gaming.

The patron said there is no state fiscal impact from the enabling language as drafted, but that local impacts would depend on each locality's choices. After public testimony and committee questions, Delegate Lavere Bowling moved to carry the bill over to the 2027 session; the motion was seconded and the committee, by voice vote, carried HB 162 over to 2027.

The measure as presented is enabling only — it would not compel any locality to adopt public financing or require immediate spending. The committee recorded interest in studying eligibility rules and funding models further before returning to the substance of how local ordinances would be structured.