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SR 2001

2026 Special Session I operating resolution.

2026, 1st Special Session Introduced by Mamie Locke

The resolution sets financial and procedural rules for Virginia’s 2026 Special Session I, including funding contingent expenses, per diem eligibility, and authorizing recesses with

Bill text as passed Senate (SR2001ER)
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Bill Summary · SR 2001

Summary of Virginia Senate Resolution 2001 (SR 2001), 2026 Special Session I Operating Resolution

Overview

  • Type: Senate Resolution (operating resolution)
  • Session: 2026 Special Session I
  • Jurisdiction: Virginia Senate
  • Title: 2026 Special Session I operating resolution
  • Introduced: April 23, 2026
  • Sponsor: Primary — Senator Locke; Co-sponsor — Senator Mamie Locke
  • Referral: Committee on Rules

Purpose and intent

SR 2001 directs how the Senate will operate financially and procedurally during the 2026 Special Session I. The resolution provides for payment and compensation procedures for Senate operations and outlines temporary procedural flexibility for the duration of the special session.

Key provisions

1) Contingent and incidental expenses funding

  • Directive to Comptroller: The Comptroller is directed to issue warrants on the Treasurer.
  • Source of funds: Payments to accomplish the work of the Senate will be paid from the Senate’s contingent fund.
  • Certification: Necessary payments to cover contingent and incidental expenses must be certified by the Clerk of the Senate or the Clerk’s designee.

2) Per diem and mileage for members

  • Session attendance payments: Members of the Senate may receive session per diem and mileage reimbursement for any day they attend a scheduled floor session where an attendance roll call is taken.
  • Exclusions: Session per diem is not allowed for legislative assistants.
  • Recess rules: Session per diem is not allowed for members during a recess of the Special Session.
  • Recess compensation (existing framework): Members may receive compensation while the General Assembly is in recess under the framework provided by:
    • Virginia Code § 30-19.12, and
    • The 2024-2026 Appropriation Act,
    • Specific eligibility includes:
    • Members of any standing committee authorized by the Senate and the Committee on Rules;
    • Members of any committee of conference; and
    • Members of any legislative committee, commission, or council established by the General Assembly.

3) Recess authority with notice

  • Temporary recess power: After the Special Session is convened for the first time, the Senate may stand in recess from time to time.
  • Notice requirement: Recesses may occur with at least 48 hours’ notice, by call of the Chair of the Senate Committee on Rules.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Adoption/Action: The resolution was introduced and referred to the Committee on Rules. Rules were suspended on April 23, 2026, allowing consideration and passage in the same session day.
  • Operational window: Applies specifically to the 2026 Special Session I operating period.
  • Flexibility aim: Creates a framework to fund Senate operations and compensate members during the special session, while granting the Chair of the Rules Committee authority to call recesses with advance notice.

Impact on stakeholders

  • Senate leadership and staff: Provides a clear mechanism for funding contingencies and reimbursing per diem and mileage for floor-session attendance.
  • Senate members: Establishes eligibility for compensation during recess periods, subject to statutory and appropriation act constraints.
  • General public/ taxpayers: Ensures that Senate operations during the special session are funded through the contingent fund with defined certification controls.

Bottom line

SR 2001 establishes financial and procedural parameters for the Senate’s operations during Virginia’s 2026 Special Session I, including funding for contingent expenses, per diem and mileage eligibility for attending members (with recess limitations), and authority for the Rules Committee Chair to call recesses with 48 hours’ notice.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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