HJ 659 is a ceremonial resolution commending Mekhi Becton, Sr., for his contributions to the community. It does not create new laws, alter policies, or directly affect any individuals or groups beyond expressing legislative recognition. The resolution passed unanimously in the Senate via voice vote after being introduced and quickly advanced through procedural steps. As a non-binding resolution, it serves only to honor an individual and has no legal or practical impact on governance or public policy.
Constitutional amendment (first reference); qualifications of voters; right to vote; persons not entitled to vote. Provides that every person who meets the qualifications of voters set forth in the Constitution of Virginia shall have the fundamental right to vote in the Commonwealth and that such right shall not be abridged by law, except for persons who have been convicted of a felony and persons who have been adjudicated to lack the capacity to understand the act of voting. The amendment provides that a person who has been convicted of a felony shall not be entitled to vote during any period of incarceration for such felony conviction, but upon release from incarceration for that felony conviction and without further action required of him, such person shall be invested with all political rights, including the right to vote. Currently, in order to be qualified to vote a person convicted of a felony must have his civil rights restored by the Governor or other appropriate authority. The amendment also provides that a person adjudicated by a court of competent jurisdiction as lacking the capacity to understand the act of voting shall not be entitled to vote during this period of incapacity until his capacity has been reestablished as prescribed by law. Currently, the Constitution of Virginia provides that a person who has been adjudicated to be mentally incompetent is not qualified to vote until his competency is reestablished.
Constitutional amendment (first reference); marriage between two individuals; repeal of same-sex marriage prohibition; affirmative right to marry. Repeals the constitutional provision defining marriage as only a union between one man and one woman as well as the related provisions that are no longer valid as a result of the United States Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, 576 U.S. 644 (2015). The amendment provides that the right to marry is a fundamental right inherent in the liberty of persons and prohibits the Commonwealth and its political subdivisions from denying the issuance of a marriage license to two parties contemplating a lawful marriage on the basis of the sex, gender, or race of such parties. The Commonwealth and its political subdivisions are required to recognize any lawful marriage between two parties and to treat such marriages equally under the law, regardless of the sex, gender, or race of such parties. The amendment provides that religious organizations and clergy acting in their religious capacity have the right to refuse to perform any marriage.
Constitutional amendment (first reference); marriage between two adult persons; repeal of same-sex marriage prohibition; affirmative right to marry. Repeals the constitutional provision defining marriage as only a union between one man and one woman as well as the related provisions that are no longer valid as a result of the United States Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, 576 U.S. 644 (2015). The amendment prohibits the Commonwealth and its political subdivisions from denying the issuance of a marriage license to two adult persons seeking a lawful marriage on the basis of the sex, gender, or race of such persons. The Commonwealth and its political subdivisions are required to recognize any lawful marriage between two adult persons and to treat such marriages equally under the law, regardless of the sex, gender, or race of such persons.
Constitutional amendment; fundamental right to reproductive freedom (first reference). Provides that every individual has the fundamental right to reproductive freedom and that such right shall not be, directly or indirectly, denied, burdened, or infringed upon unless justified by a compelling state interest, as defined in the amendment, and achieved by the least restrictive means. The amendment specifies that, notwithstanding the other provisions of amendment, the Commonwealth may regulate the provision of abortion care in the third trimester, provided that in no circumstance shall the Commonwealth prohibit an abortion (i) that in the professional judgment of a physician is medically indicated to protect the life or physical or mental health of the pregnant individual or (ii) when in the professional judgment of a physician the fetus is not viable.
HJ 648 is a ceremonial resolution commending Patricia Miller for her contributions. It does not create new laws or affect policies, as it is a non-binding expression of appreciation. The bill passed unanimously in both the House and Senate by voice vote and is now finalized. This type of resolution typically honors individuals for community service, achievements, or other notable work without altering legal obligations.
HJ 629 is a non-binding resolution commending Patricia Healy for her contributions. It does not create new laws or affect any policies, as it is purely a ceremonial expression of recognition by the legislature. The resolution passed both the House and Senate by voice vote in February 2025.
HJ 622 is a ceremonial resolution commending the South Hill Longbeards Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation for its conservation efforts. It does not create new laws or affect any policies, rights, or obligations. The resolution formally recognizes the chapter's work through a vote of appreciation by both legislative chambers. This type of resolution is purely symbolic and has no practical impact on legislation or constituents.
This is a ceremonial resolution (HJ 642) honoring Robert Evans Talbott. It formally commemorates his life and legacy through a joint resolution passed by both the House and Senate. The bill has no substantive policy provisions or direct impact on laws, regulations, or specific groups; it serves solely as a formal tribute.
HJ 620 is a ceremonial resolution commending *NORTH of the JAMES* magazine for its contributions. It does not create new laws or affect any policies, regulations, or specific individuals. The resolution formally recognizes the magazine's work through a vote by both the House and Senate, passing by voice vote in February 2025. As a procedural measure, it has no binding effect on government actions or funding.
HJ 640 is a ceremonial resolution commending Lawrence Distributing Company, Inc. for its contributions to the community. It does not create any new laws, alter rights, or affect any individuals or entities beyond expressing formal recognition. The bill passed both chambers by voice vote and was enacted without substantive policy changes. This type of resolution is purely symbolic and has no practical impact on legislation or regulations.
HJ 623 is a ceremonial resolution commending the Drakes Branch Volunteer Fire Department for its service. It directly recognizes the fire department's contributions but does not create new laws or allocate funds. The resolution passed unanimously in both the House and Senate by voice vote in February 2025. It serves solely as a formal expression of appreciation from the legislature.
