(The Center Square) – Local officials in parts of Virginia are pushing back against collective bargaining legislation now on the governor’s desk, warning the changes could increase costs and limit local control as counties finalize their budgets.
In Bedford County, the Board of Supervisors voted 7-0 on Tuesday to adopt a resolution opposing Senate Bill 378 and House Bill 1263. Those would establish a statewide collective bargaining framework for public employees and replace the current system that allows local governments to opt in.
The resolution says the legislation would replace Virginia’s current system, which allows local governments to decide whether to engage in collective bargaining, with a state-run model overseen by a Public Employee Relations Board.
County officials described the proposal as an unfunded mandate, warning it could increase administrative costs, create legal and arbitration-related expenses and lead to long-term financial obligations for taxpayers.
The resolution also states the changes could divert funding from core services and lead to higher costs for local taxpayers or service reductions.
Bedford County Administrator Robert Hiss said the measure is part of a broader statewide effort supported by the Virginia Association of Counties, which has raised similar concerns about the legislation’s impact on local governments.
Rockingham County has taken similar action, approving a resolution opposing the legislation and citing concerns about costs and the loss of local decision-making authority.
In Stafford County, supervisors also discussed opposition to the bills during a recent meeting and raised concerns about potential financial impacts.
The Virginia Association of Counties has also urged opposition to the legislation.
In a statement to The Center Square, VACo said current law allows local governments to decide whether and how to engage in collective bargaining based on their financial capacity, workforce needs and community priorities.
The group said the proposed legislation would replace that locally driven approach with a single statewide framework and warned the change could lead to significant negative fiscal impacts for counties.
In a separate letter to Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger, VACo outlined additional concerns, saying the bills could shift decision-making authority away from local governing bodies while creating new fiscal, legal and administrative burdens.
The group also raised concerns about binding arbitration provisions, which could require local governments to fund compensation or staffing decisions regardless of local budget constraints.
VACo said arbitration outcomes could create unpredictable financial obligations, particularly for smaller or rural counties with limited revenue options.
The bills passed the General Assembly and are now awaiting action from Gov. Abigail Spanberger. A spokesperson for the governor said she is “carefully reviewing and considering all legislation on her desk.”
If signed into law, the measures would implement a statewide system over time, potentially reshaping how local governments manage employee relations and budget planning.
