Del. Laura Jane Cohen

Autism Advisory Council; name change; membership; staffing; powers and duties. Provides for the Autism Advisory Council to be reconstituted as a permanent, independently staffed agency in the legislative branch of state government. Currently, the Autism Advisory Council is set to expire on July 1, 2027. The bill repeals the expiration date and renames the agency as the Autism Commission. The bill also modifies the membership of the Commission to more closely align with the membership makeup of other independently staffed legislative agencies and directs the Commission to appoint and employ an executive director and other staff to assist in carrying out the duties of the Commission.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes Union Baptist Church through a commendation resolution. It does not change laws, allocate funds, or affect public policy. The measure simply acknowledges the church's contributions and was passed by the House of Representatives.

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 Wendy Henley through a commendation resolution. It does not create new laws, allocate funds, or change existing policies. The measure serves as an official acknowledgment of her contributions and is presented in a ceremonial manner. No substantive policy changes or operational impacts result from this legislation.

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 commends the Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis, a nonpartisan research organization that provides budget and fiscal analysis to state government officials. The resolution does not create new laws, allocate funding, or change any policies; it serves solely as an expression of appreciation for the institute's work. Passed by voice vote in the House, the measure has no legal effect beyond symbolic recognition of the organization's contributions to fiscal transparency.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes Claude W. Harrison through a congressional commendation. It does not create any new laws, regulations, or policy changes. The measure simply expresses appreciation for Harrison's contributions and is symbolic in nature. It affects no individuals or organizations beyond acknowledging Harrison's legacy.

Additional local sales and use tax to support schools; referendum. Authorizes all counties and cities to impose an additional local sales and use tax at a rate not to exceed one percent with the revenue used only for capital projects for the construction or renovation of schools if such levy is approved in a voter referendum. The bill removes the requirement that such a tax must have an expiration date on either (i) the date of the repayment of any bonds or loans used for such capital projects or (ii) a date chosen by the governing body. Under current law, only Charlotte, Gloucester, Halifax, Henry, Mecklenburg, Northampton, Patrick, and Pittsylvania Counties and the City of Danville are authorized to impose such a tax.

Military leaves of absence for employees of the Commonwealth or political subdivisions; law-enforcement officers. Provides that any person who is employed by the Commonwealth or a political subdivision of the Commonwealth as a law-enforcement officer shall receive paid leaves of absence for up to 388 hours for which a leave of absence is required, during which such person is engaged in federally funded military duty, to include training duty, or is called forth by the Governor for military duty.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SJ 130) honors the life and legacy of Eddie L. Radden, Jr., a specific individual. It is a non-binding commemorative measure passed by both the Senate and House in 2026, expressing collective recognition for his contributions. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies or groups.