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provision defining marriage as only a union between one man and one woman as well as the related provisions that are no longer valid as a result of the United States Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, 576 U.S. 644 (2015).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. Alfonso Lopez
Sponsored bills
Electric cooperative subsidiaries; customers exceeding 90 megawatts demand. Permits electric cooperatives, through one or more of their affiliates, to make unregulated sales of electric power to certain customers that contract for electric utility services to serve a demand that is reasonably expected to exceed 90 megawatts. This bill is identical to SB 1197.
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 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.
Maddy summaryHJ 632 is a ceremonial resolution commending Marymount University for its contributions to education and community service. It does not create new laws, alter policies, or affect any individuals or organizations legally. The resolution serves solely as a formal expression of appreciation from the Virginia General Assembly. As a non-binding resolution, it has no practical impact beyond recognition.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HJ 636) that formally commends the Honorable R. Frances O'Brien for her service. It does not create new laws or affect any policies, people, or programs. The resolution was unanimously agreed to by both the House and Senate in February 2025 and is now enacted as a symbolic gesture of recognition. It directly honors R. Frances O'Brien, likely for her contributions during her time in office.
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 summaryHJ 646 is a ceremonial resolution commending Jimmie H. Barrett for their contributions. It does not create new laws or affect any policies, rights, or resources. The bill passed both the House and Senate by voice vote and was enrolled as a formal commendation. This type of resolution is purely symbolic and has no practical impact on legislation or constituents.