Rep. Geary Higgins

Maddy summarySJ 359 is a symbolic resolution commending Keith H. Johnson for his contributions. It does not create new laws, alter policies, or affect any specific group or individual. The resolution passed both chambers of the legislature by voice vote in February 2025 and was formally adopted. This type of bill serves only to express legislative recognition, with no substantive impact on state law or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SJ 360) is a ceremonial resolution commending the Loudoun Therapeutic Riding Center for its work supporting individuals with disabilities through therapeutic horseback riding programs. It has no policy provisions or direct impact on laws, funding, or regulations; it simply expresses legislative recognition of the center's community service. The resolution passed unanimously in both the Senate and House via voice vote in February 2025 and will be recorded in the official legislative journals. As a commemorative measure, it does not affect any laws or require implementation.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution honoring the late state legislator Frank Miller Ruff, Jr. It does not create new laws or affect any policies or people. The resolution formally commemorates his service and life through a symbolic tribute. As a non-binding resolution, it has no practical impact beyond recognition.

Department of Human Resource Management; Department of Health; pharmacogenomics pilot program established; report. Directs the Department of Human Resource Management, in conjunction with the Department of Health, to develop a two-year pharmacogenomics pilot program for state employees, beginning no later than January 1, 2026, and expiring on January 1, 2028. The bill also directs the Department of Human Resource Management to report annually on the pilot program to the Chairs of the House Committee on Health and Human Services and the Senate Committee on Education and Health.

Constitutional amendment (first reference); personal property tax; exemption for motor vehicles owned for personal, noncommercial use. Requires the General Assembly to exempt from personal property taxes motor vehicles owned by an individual for personal, noncommercial use, provided that for the first year following the effective date of such law, the exemption shall be equal to 20 percent of the tax rate imposed by a locality on tangible personal property, and shall increase by an additional 20 percent of such rate for each year thereafter until such time that the exemption is equal to 100 percent. For purposes of the exemption, "motor vehicle" includes only automobiles, pickup trucks, and motorcycles. The amendment provides that the exemption is applicable on the date the motor vehicle is acquired or the effective date of the amendment, whichever is later, but is not applicable for any period of time prior to the effective date.

Elections; voter identification; identification containing a photograph required. Requires presentation of a form of identification containing a photograph in order to vote. The bill repeals the provisions of law permitting a voter who does not have one of the required forms of identification to vote after signing a statement, subject to felony penalties for false statements, that he is the named registered voter he claims to be. Instead, the bill provides that such voter is entitled to cast a provisional ballot.

Public utilities; certificate of convenience and necessity for certain new transmission lines. Provides that for construction of any overhead transmission line of 230 kilovolts and associated facilities, a public utility shall demonstrate that either the construction of such line remains within an existing right-of-way or that no alternatives are feasible within the existing right-of-way.

Firearms-related offenses; mandatory minimum sentence; penalty. Increases from five to 10 years for a second or subsequent offense the mandatory minimum sentence for use or display of a firearm during the commission of certain felonies.

Electric utilities; construction of certain transmission lines; notice required. Requires any electric utility that is responsible for the construction, operation, or maintenance of an electric transmission line of 138 kilovolts or more within a locality to provide at least 180 days' written notice to the governing body of such locality prior to the construction of such transmission line.

School resource officers and school security officers; crisis intervention training. Requires compulsory minimum training standards for school resource officers and school security officers to include crisis intervention training.