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provision defining marriage as only a union between one man and one woman as well as the related provisions that are no longer valid as a result of the United States Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, 576 U.S. 644 (2015).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.
Del. Vivian Watts
Sponsored bills
Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Act; report. Directs the Department of Health, in collaboration with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services and the Department of Education, to convene a work group to develop a plan to (i) create a mental health screening and assessment tool for children in early childhood care and (ii) provide mental health consultation resources and training to early childhood education providers, pediatric health providers, and families. The work group shall report its findings and recommendations to the Chairs of the House Committee on Appropriations and the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations by November 1, 2025.
Notifying defendant of consequences criminal proceedings can have on immigration. Requires that upon the defendant's first appearance for any misdemeanor or felony, the court shall advise the defendant of the following: The outcome of criminal proceedings may have federal immigration and naturalization consequences.
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.
Maddy summaryHJ 625 is a ceremonial resolution commending the Honorable G. Glenn Oder for his service. It does not create new laws or affect any policies, programs, or individuals. The resolution formally recognizes Oder's contributions, as approved by both the House and Senate through voice votes in February 2025. This is a procedural, non-binding expression of appreciation.
Maddy summaryHJ 628 is a ceremonial joint resolution commending the Children's Home Society of Virginia for its work supporting children and families in Virginia. It does not create new laws, change policies, or directly affect any individuals or organizations beyond expressing legislative appreciation. The resolution passed both the House and Senate by voice vote in early 2025 and was formally adopted. As a non-binding expression of support, it has no practical impact on services, funding, or regulations.
Maddy summaryHJ 633 is a ceremonial resolution formally recognizing and commending the passage of the Older Americans Act. It does not create new laws, alter policies, or directly affect any individuals or programs. The bill serves only as a symbolic expression of support from the legislature, with no substantive policy changes or implementation mechanisms. This type of resolution is standard practice for acknowledging significant federal legislation.
Maddy summaryHJ 630 is a ceremonial resolution celebrating the life of Bonnie Sue Neighbour. It does not create new policies, alter laws, or affect any specific group or individual through legislative action. The resolution serves as a formal expression of remembrance by the legislature. It passed both the House and Senate in early 2025 and was signed into law as a symbolic gesture. This is a procedural bill with no substantive policy changes.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial joint resolution honoring Matthew Robert Chiaverotti. It has no policy provisions or direct impact on legislation, citizens, or government operations. The resolution formally celebrates his life and legacy through a symbolic gesture by the legislature. As a commemorative measure, it does not create new laws or alter existing policies.
Department of Corrections; Department of Workforce Development and Advancement; post-release job search assistance services. Provides that the Department of Corrections shall work with the Department of Workforce Development and Advancement to provide post-release job search assistance services to assist individuals in finding employment upon release from incarceration and refer such individuals to case management services where eligible from such funds as are available. The bill also requires the Department of Workforce Development and Advancement to coordinate implementation and delivery of such post-release job search assistance services with Virginia Workforce System partners, including local workforce development boards. This bill is identical to SB 877.