Rep. Karrie Delaney

Employment of children; summer camps. Permits children 14 years of age or older to be employed by a summer camp operated by a religious, service, or scouting organization and provides that such children may participate in all activities related to providing services to campers, provided that the summer camp is accredited and follows safety guidelines published by a recognized youth services organization.

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.

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 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 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.

Rules of construction; use of "shall." Provides that "shall," as used in the Code of Virginia, establishes a mandatory requirement and is not merely directory, unless the statute explicitly provides otherwise. The bill responds to the holding in Henderson v. Commonwealth, 77 Va. App. 250 (2023), in which the Court of Appeals held that when the General Assembly uses "shall" in a statute commanding action by a public official or public body such usage is directory and not mandatory. The foregoing provisions of the bill do not become effective unless reenacted by the 2027 Session of the General Assembly. The bill requires, effective in due course, the Virginia Code Commission to review the bill's provisions and evaluate the bill's effect on the Code of Virginia and to report its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly no later than December 1, 2026.

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.

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.