Del. Rod Willett

Maddy summaryHJ 143 is a ceremonial resolution commending CARITAS, a community organization (specific type not detailed in the bill). It does not create new laws or affect any policies, programs, or individuals. The resolution passed unanimously in both the House and Senate via voice vote in February 2026. As a symbolic gesture, it recognizes CARITAS's work without implementing any concrete policy changes.

Maddy summaryHJ 189 is a symbolic resolution commending the Richmond Forum Speech & Debate Initiative for its work in promoting student debate and public speaking skills. This bill does not create new laws or affect any policies; it solely expresses legislative recognition of the initiative's contributions. The resolution was introduced and referred to the appropriate committee on February 27, 2026. As a procedural resolution, it has no binding effect or direct impact on constituents.

Maddy summaryHJ 159 is a joint resolution commending the Virginia Community College System for its contributions to education and workforce development. It does not create new policies, alter funding, or directly affect any specific individuals or groups through legislative action. The resolution serves as a ceremonial expression of support with no implementation mechanisms or concrete policy changes. This type of resolution is purely symbolic and does not require further legislative action beyond its passage.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HJ 158) formally commends 211 Virginia, a Virginia-based organization providing community support services. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals, organizations, or policies. The resolution passed unanimously in both the House and Senate via voice vote in early March 2026. As a ceremonial measure, it expresses legislative recognition without implementing any concrete policy changes.

Maddy summaryHJ 177 is a ceremonial resolution honoring the late Honorable Barry D. Knight, a former state official. It has no policy provisions or direct impact on constituents, as it solely commemorates his life and service. The resolution was unanimously adopted by the Senate on February 26, 2026, following standard procedural steps for commemorative measures. This type of resolution does not create law or affect any legal rights or obligations.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution designates the spring equinox in 2026 and each subsequent year as "Nowruz" (Persian New Year) in Virginia. It does not create new laws or affect residents' rights, but formally recognizes this cultural observance for state purposes. The bill is purely symbolic, establishing a date for official acknowledgment rather than implementing policy changes. It has advanced through committee review and was unanimously reported to the full House.

Joint Commission on Health Care; evaluation of workforce in Virginia nursing facilities. Directs the Joint Commission on Health Care to evaluate the workforce in Virginia's nursing facilities and to develop recommendations on several topics outlined in the bill. The bill requires the Joint Commission to report its findings to the Governor and the Chairs of the House Committees on Health and Human Services and Appropriations and the Senate Committees on Education and Health and Finance and Appropriations by December 1, 2026.

Dental assistants; additional treatments; certification. Permits any dental assistant I or dental assistant II with a minimum of 1,800 hours of clinical experience to obtain certification pursuant to the requirements of the bill to perform supragingival scaling and coronal polishing. This bill is identical to SB 178.

Nursing homes; change of operator; application to Commissioner of Health for change of operator license; civil penalty. Requires a person taking over the daily operations and management of a nursing home when change of ownership or control occurs to apply to the Commissioner of Health for a change of operator license. The bill establishes the requirements for the application for and for the granting of such license and establishes a civil penalty for failing to provide the Commissioner with information or documentation, effectuating a change of operator without applying for a change of operator license, or providing fraudulent information on an application for a change of operator license. This bill is identical to SB 247.

Pedestrians; walking on roadways that are part of divided highways. Permits pedestrians, when walking on a roadway that is part of a highway divided by a physical barrier or barriers or an unpaved area, and when there are no shoulders of the highway present, to keep to the extreme right side or edge of the roadway, regardless of the direction of traffic they face. Under current law, pedestrians, when permitted to walk on a roadway, are required to keep to the extreme left side or edge thereof. The bill also clarifies current law, which requires pedestrians walking on a roadway to face oncoming traffic.