Del. Rae Cousins

Public elementary and secondary schools; nutritional standards for school meals and other foods; nutrition requirements; certain color additives prohibited. Prohibits any public elementary or secondary school from offering or making available to any student any food served as a part of a school meal or any competitive food, as defined in applicable law, that contains any of the seven color additives listed in the bill. The bill directs the Board of Education to amend its nutritional guidelines for competitive foods promulgated pursuant to relevant law in accordance with the provisions of the bill. The bill has a delayed effective date of July 1, 2027, and is identical to SB 1289.

Claims; Marvin Leon Grimm, Jr.; compensation for wrongful incarceration. Grants relief in an amount to be appropriated to Marvin Leon Grimm, Jr., who was wrongly convicted in 1976 of murder, sodomy by force, and abduction with the intent to defile and, as a result of such wrongful conviction, was subjected to 45 years of imprisonment and when released on parole was required to register on the sex offender registry for an additional four years before receiving a writ of actual innocence in 2024.

Compensation for wrongful incarceration; compensation for certain intentional acts. Provides that the instrumentality, political subdivision, or employee responsible for employing the individual who committed an intentional act shall compensate the wrongfully incarcerated individual. Under current law, additional compensation for intentional acts shall not become effective unless and until the wrongfully incarcerated person enters into an agreement with the instrumentality or political subdivision that committed or employed the individual committing the intentional acts to provide such compensation. In the event that the instrumentality or subdivision fails to compensate the individual, the bill authorizes the Governor to issue an order to the Comptroller to withhold all payments of appropriated funds to the instrumentality or political subdivision until such compensation has been paid. The bill also provides that any compensation an individual receives for wrongful registration with the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry only applies to the years that the individual was registered after release from incarceration.

Virginia Values Veterans Program; military spouse eligibility. Provides that the comprehensive program developed by the Department of Veterans Services to reduce unemployment among veterans extends to military spouses.

Virginia Student Training Employment Pipeline for U.S. Procurement (STEP UP) Program established. Directs the Department of Education to establish the Virginia Student Training Employment Pipeline for U.S. Procurement (STEP UP) Program for the purpose of facilitating opportunities for any student enrolled in the eleventh or twelfth grade at a public high school in the Commonwealth or enrolled at a comprehensive community college or historically black college or university in the Commonwealth who enters into an agreement with an entity located in the relevant local school division or region that has a procurement contract with the federal government whereby such entity agrees to provide assistance to the student to obtain, prior to graduation, any federal security clearance at the public trust or national security level and any other education, training, or credential that is necessary for the student to be prepared for employment with such entity upon graduation in exchange for a commitment from the student to accept and remain in such an employment position for an agreed-upon period of time after graduation.

Claims; Keshawn Clarence Duffy; compensation for wrongful incarceration. Grants relief in an amount to be appropriated to Keshawn Clarence Duffy, who was wrongly convicted of and subsequently incarcerated for two counts of forcible sodomy.

Homeless youth; fees; certain government documents. Provides that when a homeless youth seeks to receive a certified copy of a vital record, including his birth record, or his DMV-issued learner's permit, driver's license, special identification card, or identification privilege card or permit, no fee shall be assessed.

Maddy summaryHJ 564 is a non-binding resolution honoring the late Honorable Henry Levander Marsh, III, recognizing his contributions to the state. It does not create new laws or affect any specific group, as it is purely commemorative. The resolution passed unanimously in both the House and Senate and was formally adopted by the legislature. This type of resolution serves to acknowledge an individual's legacy without implementing policy changes.

Maddy summaryHJ 600 is a ceremonial resolution commending Christian Tabash for their contributions. It has no policy provisions or direct impact on laws or regulations; it solely serves as a formal expression of appreciation from the legislature. The resolution passed unanimously in both the House and Senate with voice votes. As a procedural measure, it does not affect any constituents or require implementation.

Maddy summaryHJ 597 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Charles C. Pace, a deceased individual. It formally recognizes his life and contributions through a joint resolution passed by both the House and Senate. This resolution has no policy impact or direct effect on any laws, programs, or people; it serves solely as a commemorative gesture. The bill was enacted without any substantive legislative changes.