Constitutional amendment (second reference); marriage between two adult persons; 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provision defining marriage as only a union between one man and one woman as well as the related provisions that are no longer valid as a result of the United States Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, 576 U.S. 644 (2015).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 prohibits the Commonwealth and its political subdivisions from denying the issuance of a marriage license to two adult persons seeking a lawful marriage on the basis of the sex, gender, or race of such persons. The Commonwealth and its political subdivisions are required to recognize any lawful marriage between two adult persons and to treat such marriages equally under the law, regardless of the sex, gender, or race of such persons.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill honors the life of Christian A. Jurgensen III through a legislative resolution. It does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves as a formal recognition of his contributions. The measure was passed by both the Senate and House in March 2026.
Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes the Virginia Young Democrats Disability Caucus, a group within the Democratic Party that advocates for the interests of people with disabilities. It does not create new laws or change policies but serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of the caucus's work. The measure was approved by the House of Representatives through a voice vote, indicating broad support for the recognition.
Maddy summaryThis bill formally commends the Richmond Free Press, a local news organization, for its contributions to journalism and community information. It does not create new laws, allocate funding, or change existing regulations, but rather serves as a symbolic recognition of the publication's work. The measure was introduced in the House of Representatives and passed by voice vote without requiring a formal debate or recorded vote. Such commendation bills are typically ceremonial and do not have direct policy impact on government operations or public services.
Maddy summaryThis bill formally commends the Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis, a nonpartisan research organization that provides budget and fiscal analysis to state government officials. The resolution does not create new laws, allocate funding, or change any policies; it serves solely as an expression of appreciation for the institute's work. Passed by voice vote in the House, the measure has no legal effect beyond symbolic recognition of the organization's contributions to fiscal transparency.
Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes the Historic Hopewell Foundation by commending its contributions. It does not change laws or allocate funding but serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation. The measure was passed by the House of Representatives through a voice vote without opposition.
Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes and commends the Phi Beta Kappa Society for its contributions to higher education and academic excellence. It does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of the organization's role in promoting scholarly achievement. The measure was passed by the House of Representatives through a voice vote, indicating broad support for the tribute. As a commemorative resolution, it has no direct impact on individuals or organizations beyond expressing official appreciation.
Public high school students; opportunity to earn transferable meta-major associate degree during high school to reduce college debt. Requires the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, in cooperation with the Virginia Community College System and each associate-degree-granting public institution of higher education and each baccalaureate public institution of higher education, to establish a program by which qualified high school students earn an associate degree in a meta-major through dual enrollment, independent dual enrollment, as defined in the bill, or a combination thereof, that (i) is fully transferable to any baccalaureate public institution of higher education that offers a program of study in such meta-major and (ii) to the extent possible, and as determined by the applicable baccalaureate public institution of higher education, satisfies discipline-specific degree requirements in the student's preferred program of study.
Military leaves of absence for employees of the Commonwealth or political subdivisions; law-enforcement officers. Provides that any person who is employed by the Commonwealth or a political subdivision of the Commonwealth as a law-enforcement officer shall receive paid leaves of absence for up to 388 hours for which a leave of absence is required, during which such person is engaged in federally funded military duty, to include training duty, or is called forth by the Governor for military duty.
Commonwealth of Virginia Innovation Partnership Act; Regional Innovation Fund; Commonwealth Commercialization Fund; matching funds. Provides that, for purposes of the Regional Innovation Fund and the Commonwealth Commercialization Fund, any awards from such funds of $100,000 or less shall not require matching funds.