Constitutional amendment (second reference); fundamental right to reproductive freedom. 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 the 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.
Del. Rae Cousins
Sponsored bills
Constitutional amendment (second reference); apportionment; congressional districts; limited authority of the General Assembly to modify. Proposes an amendment to the Constitution of Virginia related to the establishment of congressional districts. The amendment provides explicit authority for the General Assembly to modify one or more congressional districts, outside of the standard decennial redistricting cycle, in the event that any other state conducts a redistricting of the state's congressional districts outside of the standard decennial redistricting cycle or for any purpose other than complying with a state or federal court order to remedy an unlawful or unconstitutional district map. Additionally, an amendment to the Schedule of the Constitution of Virginia is proposed to specify the period of time to which such authorization is limited.
Constitutional amendment (second reference); qualifications of voters and the right to vote; persons not entitled to vote. Provides that every person who meets the qualifications of voters set forth in the Constitution shall have the fundamental right to vote in the Commonwealth and that such right shall not be abridged by law, except for persons who have been convicted of a felony and persons who have been adjudicated to lack the capacity to understand the act of voting. A person who has been convicted of a felony shall not be entitled to vote during any period of incarceration for such felony conviction, but upon release from incarceration for that felony conviction and without further action required of him such person shall be invested with all political rights, including the right to vote. Currently, in order to be qualified to vote a person convicted of a felony must have his civil rights restored by the Governor or other appropriate authority. The amendment also provides that a person adjudicated by a court of competent jurisdiction as lacking the capacity to understand the act of voting shall not be entitled to vote during this period of incapacity until his capacity has been reestablished as prescribed by law. Currently, the Constitution provides that a person who has been adjudicated to be mentally incompetent is not qualified to vote until his competency is reestablished.
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.
Maddy summaryThis bill, titled "Celebrating the life of King Salim Khalfani," is a commemorative resolution that honors the memory of King Salim Khalfani. It does not create new laws or alter existing policies but serves to officially recognize and acknowledge his life. The measure was passed by both the Senate and the House in March 2026. Its primary function is symbolic, aiming to preserve public remembrance of the individual named in the title.
Maddy summaryThis bill formally commends the Richmond Free Press, a local news organization, for its contributions to journalism and community reporting. It does not create new laws, allocate funding, or change existing policies, but rather serves as a symbolic gesture of recognition. The measure was passed by both the Senate and House through voice votes, indicating broad consensus without debate or amendment. As a commendation resolution, it has no legal effect beyond acknowledging the newspaper's work.
Maddy summaryThis bill formally commends the Boulevard Bridge, a symbolic gesture of recognition for the structure. It directly affects the bridge itself and the legislative body by creating an official record of appreciation. The key provision is a resolution expressing gratitude for the bridge's existence and significance. The bill does not change laws, allocate funds, or impose new requirements. It serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment rather than a substantive policy change.
Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes Pilgrim Baptist Church through a commendation resolution. It does not create new laws or change existing policies, but rather serves as an official acknowledgment of the church's contributions. The measure was passed by both the Senate and House through voice votes without debate. Such resolutions are ceremonial and do not have legal or regulatory effects.
Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes and commends the Third Street Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. It is a symbolic measure that does not create new laws or affect public policy. The legislation was passed by both the Senate and House through voice votes, indicating broad agreement. Its primary purpose is to honor the church's contributions or significance within the community.
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.