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Bill

SB 649

Real property tax; special assessment on basis of use, notice requirements.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mark Obenshain

Virginia bill establishes uniform use-based property tax assessment standards and strengthens notice requirements for local tax assessments affecting all property owners.

Signed by President
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Bill Summary · SB 649

Legislative bill overview

SB 649 modifies Virginia's real property tax assessment procedures by establishing special assessment protocols based on property use classifications and enhancing notice requirements for affected property owners. The bill appears to standardize how local governments can apply differential tax rates or assessments depending on whether land is used for agricultural, residential, commercial, or other purposes.

Why is this important

Property tax assessments represent a significant portion of local government revenue and directly affect homeowners', farmers', and business owners' tax bills. Changes to assessment methodology and notice requirements can substantially impact property values, housing affordability, and agricultural land preservation—particularly in rural areas where use-based assessments traditionally protect farmland from speculative development pressures.

Potential points of contention

  • Assessment standardization vs. local control: The bill may limit counties' flexibility in determining assessment methodology, potentially creating uniform rules that don't account for regional economic differences
  • Notice requirements and compliance burden: Enhanced notification procedures could increase administrative costs for local assessors while potentially delaying assessments or creating procedural challenges
  • Impact on different property classes: Agricultural and open-space properties may face reassessment changes that either benefit or burden rural landowners, while commercial properties might see different treatment affecting business competitiveness

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

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