Rep. Eric Zehr

Maddy summaryThis bill is a procedural resolution that formally commends the Honorable Carrie Emerson Coyner. It does not create new laws or affect any specific groups of people, but rather serves as an official expression of recognition. The legislation follows standard committee referral procedures and awaits further action in the Rules Committee. No substantive policy changes or funding allocations are included in this measure.

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.

Seizure, forfeiture, and destruction of property used in connection with the exploitation and solicitation of children. Requires the court, if the forfeiture is established to order the destruction of all audio and visual equipment, electronic equipment, devices, and other personal property used in connection with the possession, production, distribution, publication, sale, possession with intent to distribute, or making of child pornography, or in connection with the solicitation of a person less than 18 years of age, in violation of current law. The bill also (i) requires certain information to be provided by the law-enforcement agency responsible for the destruction, (ii) prohibits destruction of such items to be used in a criminal prosecution until all rights of appeal have been exhausted, and (iii) requires the law-enforcement agency to provide notice, by first-class mail, to the accused or other interested party, if known, and his attorney at least seven days prior to the destruction of the time and place the destruction will occur. This bill incorporates HB 274 and HB 688.

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.

Department of Education; open school enrollment policies; guidance on best practices. Requires the Department of Education to develop and make available to each school board guidance on best practices relating to open school enrollment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SJ 84) is a ceremonial resolution commending the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police and its Foundation for their service. It does not create new laws, alter policies, or affect any individuals or organizations through concrete measures. The resolution formally recognizes the group's contributions, as is typical for such non-binding acknowledgments. It passed both the Senate and House via voice vote in February 2026.

Parents of public school children; fundamental right to opt children out of certain educational content. Provides that parents of public school children have the fundamental right to opt their children out, without penalty, of any instruction, reading, discussion, presentation, including any audio-visual presentation, school assembly, or activity that includes any gender identity, sexual orientation, transgenderism, or drag show theme or content, and the school shall make reasonable accommodations during such opt-out period.

Issuance of summons instead of warrant in certain cases. Provides that in any misdemeanor case or in any class of misdemeanor cases other than Class 1 or 2 misdemeanors, or in any case involving complaints made by any state or local governmental official or employee having responsibility for the enforcement of any statute, ordinance, or administrative regulation, the magistrate or other issuing authority having jurisdiction may issue a summons instead of a warrant only upon a showing of evidence that the accused is willing and able to appear in the courts having jurisdiction over the trial of the offense charged. The bill further provides that in cases involving Class 1 or 2 misdemeanors, the magistrate or other issuing authority having jurisdiction shall issue a warrant for such alleged offense unless he finds that there is reason to believe that the person charged will appear in the courts having jurisdiction over the trial of the offense charged. The bill requires the magistrate or other issuing authority having jurisdiction to submit, in writing, the facts supporting his decision to issue a summons instead of a warrant, which shall be filed with the summons in the court file. Under current law, the magistrate or other issuing authority having jurisdiction may issue a summons instead of a warrant when there is reason to believe that the person charged will appear in the courts having jurisdiction over the trial of the offense charged.

Criminal complaint, warrant, summons, etc.; temporary sealing. Provides that (i) any complaint that accompanies any warrant, summons, or capias issued pursuant to relevant law may be temporarily sealed for a specific period of time by the appropriate court upon application of the attorney for the Commonwealth for good cause shown in an ex parte hearing and (ii) any individual arrested on or served with such warrant, summons, or capias may move the appropriate court for the unsealing of such complaint. The bill states that the burden of proof with respect to continued sealing shall be upon the Commonwealth.

Health education and family life education; certain videos and animations relating to human development inside the uterus. Requires health education instruction to include an oral, written, or digital lesson, lecture, or presentation about human biology relating to pregnancy and human development inside the uterus, including (i) a high-definition ultrasound video, at least three minutes in duration, showing the development of the brain, heart, sex organs, and other vital organs in early fetal development and (ii) a high-quality, computer-generated rendering or animation showing the process of fertilization and every stage of human development inside the uterus, noting significant markers in cell growth and organ development for each significant marker of pregnancy until birth. The bill requires any family life education curriculum or similar curriculum offered by a local school division that includes any oral, written, or digital lesson, lecture, or presentation about sexual activity and pregnancy in the context of student health or healthy relationships to also include such a video and rendering or animation.