Del. Laura Jane Cohen

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution formally commends the Lake Braddock Secondary School theater program for winning "Best Play" and "Best Props Design" awards at the 2024 Fairfax County Public Schools Critics and Awards Program gala. The House of Delegates recognized the school's production of Romeo and Juliet, which earned 15 nominations and attracted over 3,500 attendees, highlighting the efforts of the students, teachers, and community involved. The bill directs the Clerk of the House to prepare and present a copy of the resolution to the school as an official expression of appreciation for these achievements.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution formally commends Districts 7610 and 7620 of Rotary International for their humanitarian work and commitment to community service. It recognizes the upcoming joint conference where members will collaborate on projects and share leadership practices to improve local and global communities. The measure directs the House Clerk to prepare a copy of the resolution to present to the Rotary representatives as a gesture of gratitude. This action serves as an official acknowledgment of the organization's contributions to peace, health, and education rather than establishing new laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that formally commends the Robinson Secondary School boys' lacrosse team for winning the 2024 Virginia High School League Class 6 state championship. The text highlights the team's undefeated 22-0 season and their 15-7 victory over the Battlefield High School Bobcats, noting the contributions of players and coaches. As a ceremonial measure, the resolution directs the Clerk of the House to present a copy of the document to head coach Matt Curran as an expression of appreciation for the team's athletic achievements.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution officially commends the Lake Braddock Secondary School gymnastics team for winning their third consecutive state title in 2024. The document highlights the team's specific achievements, including their high scores across all four events and their decisive victory over the runner-up. As a procedural measure, the House of Delegates directs the Clerk to present a copy of this resolution to the team's head coach, Michael Cooper, as a formal expression of appreciation for their athletic success.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution formally commends the Lake Braddock Secondary School girls' second four crew team for winning the Thomas V. Dowd Trophy at the 2024 Stotesbury Cup Regatta. The measure recognizes the team's first-place finish in their division and honors the athletes, coaches, and school community for their achievement in the largest high school rowing event in the United States. As a procedural resolution, it directs the Clerk of the House to prepare a copy of the document for presentation to the team's coaches, Augene Lee and Lilya Fenjiro.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution honors the memory of Donald R. Craig, a community activist and Democratic Party member who passed away in April 2024. The document acknowledges his contributions to local organizations, including the NAACP, the Democratic Party, and various voter registration and climate initiatives. It formally records the House of Delegates' sadness over his death and directs the Clerk to present a copy of the resolution to his family as a gesture of respect.

Teacher and support staff compensation; at orabove national average. Requires that public school teachersbe compensated at a rate that is at or above the national averageteacher salary. Under current law, compensation at such rate is aspirational.The bill also requires that public school instructional and noninstructionalsupport staff be compensated at a rate that is at or above the nationalaverage salary for such staff. The bill requires state funding tobe provided pursuant to the general appropriation act in a sum sufficientto fund an annual increase for public school teacher and instructionaland noninstructional support staff salaries such that, no later thanthe 2028-2029 school year, such individuals are compensated at arate that is at or above the respective national average salary.

Special license plates; Sons of Confederate Veterans and Robert E. Lee. Repeals authorization for the issuance of Sons of Confederate Veterans and Robert E. Lee special license plates and provides that such special license plates already in circulation will remain valid until their expiration and shall not be renewed.

Arrest, prosecution, and disciplinary proceduresand penalties for individuals experiencing or reporting overdoseswhile incarcerated. Provides that no individual incarceratedin a local, regional, or state correctional facility shall be subjectto arrest or prosecution for or disciplinary procedures or penaltiesrelated to the unlawful purchase, possession, or consumption of alcohol;possession of a controlled substance; possession of marijuana; intoxicationin public; or possession of controlled paraphernalia if (i) suchindividual seeks or obtains emergency medical attention for himselfor another individual experiencing an overdose or is experiencingan overdose and another individual seeks or obtains emergency medicalattention for him and (ii) the evidence for a prosecution or disciplinaryprocedures and penalties of one of the enumerated offenses would have been obtained only as a result of an individual seeking or obtaining emergency medical attention. The bill also provides that no correctional officer, deputy sheriff, or jail officer acting in a good faith shallbe found liable for false arrest if it is later determined that theperson arrested was immune from prosecution or disciplinary proceduresor penalties.

Firearm in unattended motor vehicle; civil penalty. Provides that no person shall leave, place, or store a handgun in an unattended motor vehicle, as defined in the bill, when such handgun is visible to any person who is outside such motor vehicle. The bill provides that any person violating such prohibition is subject to a civil penalty of no more than $500 and such unattended motor vehicle may be subject to removal for safekeeping. This bill is identical to SB 447.