Committee amends bill to raise Virginia State Bar cap to $350, sends measure forward
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Summary
After extensive debate, the Senate committee adopted an amendment raising the statutory cap on Virginia State Bar dues by $100 (to $350) rather than removing the cap entirely; VSB leaders said the change is needed to avoid insolvency and preserve self‑regulation.
Brett Marsden, president of the Virginia State Bar, told the Senate Courts of Justice Committee HB276 would give the Supreme Court greater authority over bar dues to ensure the Bar’s financial solvency. "HB 276 ensures financial solvency for the Virginia State Bar so that it can continue to protect the public and regulate the legal profession without taxpayer funding," Marsden said, citing rising costs and a multi‑year deficit.
Marsden and Cameron Rountree, executive director of the Virginia State Bar, said the cap on dues had not changed in 25 years; they told senators an increase in the range of $50 per member would stabilize finances. Several senators expressed concern about removing the statutory cap entirely and preferred a fixed increase with oversight. After substitute motions and debate, the committee adopted an amendment to increase the cap by $100 (bringing the statutory limit from $250 to $350) and voted to report the bill as amended.
Senator Stewart, among others, said he was willing to offer an amendment for a limited increase but was uneasy with an uncapped authority. Supporters argued that established internal VSB processes and Supreme Court review provide guardrails against sudden or abusive dues increases.
The committee recorded a roll‑call vote after adopting the amendment and reported the bill to proceed. The recorded vote showed broad support for the amended approach to addressing the Bar’s budgetary pressures.