MARTINSVILLE, Va. – Virginia lawmakers are considering a bill that would require Martinsville citizens to vote whether or not they want the city to revert to a town.
House Bill No. 1511 passed through the Virginia House Counties, Cities, and Towns Committee to the House of Delegates.
The bill, presented by Delegate Eric Phillips, addresses a request from City Council that was included in this year’s legislative agenda. The amendment requires a majority vote in favor of reversion before filing to do so with the Virginia Supreme Court.
A current law requires a referendum vote for Martinsville to revert to a town, but that law expires in 2026. So, the new bill would ensure voters have a say in the future.
This comes after a years-long reversion effort was called off by city leaders last year.
Martinsville City Manager Aretha Ferrell-Benavides says if passed, this would put the power into the hands of citizens.
“What we are now working on is how we can go about ensuring that if this process starts again, that the citizens are part of the discussion,” said Ferrell-Benavides.
Next, the bill heads to the House floor for a vote.