Constitutional amendment (second 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provision defining marriage as only a union between one man and one woman as well as the related provisions that are no longer valid as a result of the United States Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, 576 U.S. 644 (2015).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.
Del. Patrick Hope
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill is a commemorative resolution honoring the life of Nancy Thumma Bowles. It does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves to recognize her contributions and legacy. The resolution has been passed by both the Senate and the House and is now ready for final approval. Such bills are typically symbolic and do not have direct regulatory or financial impacts.
Maddy summaryThis bill formally commends Nelson Smith, a gesture of recognition without creating new laws or policies. It directly affects only the legislative record by documenting the commendation. The bill was passed by both the Senate and House through voice votes, meaning no formal debate or recorded votes were taken. No substantive policy changes or funding allocations are included in this measure.
Maddy summaryThis bill honors the life of Christian A. Jurgensen III through a legislative resolution. It does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves as a formal recognition of his contributions. The measure was passed by both the Senate and House in March 2026.
Restorative justice practices. Provides that participation in a restorative justice practice, as defined in the bill, shall not be used as evidence or as an admission of guilt, delinquency, or civil liability in current or subsequent legal proceedings against any participant. The bill also provides that restorative justice communications, defined in the bill, are not admissible in, or subject to discovery for, any legal proceeding, and disclosure of such communications shall not be compelled in any judicial or administrative proceeding, arbitration, or mediation. The bill prohibits any person involved in a restorative justice practice, as defined in the bill, from testifying about any phase of such practice in any judicial or administrative proceeding, arbitration, or mediation except in certain circumstances enumerated in the bill. Lastly, the bill provides civil immunity for any person, who in good faith, discloses any restorative justice communication based on his belief that such disclosure is allowed pursuant to such provisions, provided that such disclosure was limited to solely address any such allowable disclosure.
Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes John W. Haun, Ed.D., with a resolution of commendation. It does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves as an official acknowledgment of his contributions. The measure was passed by the House of Representatives through a voice vote and is now in its final stages. Such resolutions are typically ceremonial and do not have legal or regulatory effects.
Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes the Virginia Young Democrats Disability Caucus, a group within the Democratic Party that advocates for the interests of people with disabilities. It does not create new laws or change policies but serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of the caucus's work. The measure was approved by the House of Representatives through a voice vote, indicating broad support for the recognition.
Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes and commends Daniel Webster Marshall III, a member of the House of Representatives. It does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves as an official acknowledgment of his service. The measure was passed by the House through a voice vote and is now awaiting further legislative steps.
Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes the John Marshall High School boys' basketball team. It does not change any laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of the team's achievements. The measure was passed by the House through a voice vote and is a non-binding resolution with no legal effect.
A BILL to amend and reenact §§ 8.01-413.01, 8.01-622.1, 18.2-369, 32.1-127, 32.1-127.1:03, 32.1-138.1, 32.1-162.16, 32.1-162.18, 32.1-291.21, 32.1-309.1, 32.1-325, 37.2-804.2, as it is currently effective and as it shall become effective, 37.2-805.1, 37.2-817.01, 37.2-817.1, 37.2-837, 37.2-838, 37.2-1101, 37.2-1108, 53.1-133.04, 54.1-2807.02, 54.1-2818.1, 54.1-2818.5, 54.1-2970.1, 54.1-2987.1, 54.1-2988.1, 54.1-2993.1, 54.1-2995, 63.2-501, 63.2-1605, 64.2-2000, 64.2-2002, 64.2-2003, 64.2-2009, and 64.2-2019 of the Code of Virginia; to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Chapter 29 of Title 54.1 an article numbered 8.1, consisting of sections numbered 54.1-2993.2 through 54.1-2993.31; and to repeal §§ 54.1-2981, 54.1-2982, 54.1-2983, 54.1-2983.2 through 54.1-2987, 54.1-2988, and 54.1-2989 through 54.1-2993 of the Code of Virginia, relating to Uniform Health Care Decisions Act; civil penalty.