| RICHMOND, VA — Senator Aaron Rouse (D–Virginia Beach), Chair of the Senate Privileges and Elections Committee, has introduced Senate Bill 49, legislation to reform Virginia’s gubernatorial appointment process and ensure that individuals appointed to positions requiring confirmation by the General Assembly may not serve until they are fully confirmed. The bill strengthens transparency and accountability while protecting Virginia’s institutions of higher education from political interference.
Senate Bill 49 clarifies the meaning of “appointed and qualified” for any office filled by gubernatorial appointment that requires confirmation by the General Assembly. Under the legislation, an appointee would be considered “appointed and qualified” only after satisfying all statutory requirements, taking the oath of office, and being confirmed by the General Assembly.
“This bill is about restoring checks and balances,” said Senator Aaron Rouse. “No Governor, Democrat or Republican, should be able to bypass the General Assembly and place unconfirmed appointees into powerful roles, especially on boards that oversee our public universities.”
“Governor Spanberger has recently appointed 27 individuals to boards at the University of Virginia, George Mason University, and Virginia Military Institute and ordered a review of the appointments process,” Rouse added. “I look forward to working with her administration to confirm these appointments quickly so our boards can be fully staffed and focused on their mission.”
Boards of Visitors play a critical role in governing Virginia’s public colleges and universities, including setting policy, overseeing leadership, and safeguarding academic independence. Senate Bill 49 ensures these boards operate with duly confirmed members and reinforces the General Assembly’s constitutional role in the appointments process.
Senate Bill 49 has been referred to the Senate Privileges and Elections Committee, which Senator Rouse serves as Chair.
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