Sen. Luther Cifers

Commonwealth Rail Fund; Shortline Railway Preservation and Development Fund. Removes the $4 million cap on those Commonwealth Rail Fund (Fund) moneys distributed to the Department of Rail and Public Transportation that may be applied to the Shortline Railway Preservation and Development Fund and instead provides that up to 50 percent of such Fund moneys may be applied to the Shortline Railway Preservation and Development Fund. The bill retains the current provisions granting 93 percent of Fund moneys to the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority and seven percent to the Department of Rail and Public Transportation. This bill is identical to HB 1603.

Cigarette delivery sales; definition. Removes from the exceptions enumerated in the definition of "delivery sale" the delivery of cigarettes, not through the mail or by a common carrier, to a consumer performed by the owner, employee, or other individual acting on behalf of a retailer authorized to sell such cigarettes. This bill is identical to HB 2370.

Maddy summaryHJ 504 is a ceremonial joint resolution that formally expresses appreciation for the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). It does not create new laws or affect any individuals, organizations, or policies. The resolution simply commends NCSL for its work supporting state legislatures and fostering collaboration. Passed unanimously by both the House and Senate in January 2025, it has no binding effect or practical impact beyond the expression of goodwill.

Maddy summaryHJ 502 establishes a committee to commission a portrait of Governor Glenn Youngkin for display in the Virginia Capitol building. The bill creates a specific process for selecting and creating the portrait, with the committee responsible for overseeing the artwork's production. This procedural measure directly affects the Capitol's display arrangements and does not change any laws or impact constituents. It is a commemorative resolution requiring no legislative action beyond the portrait's placement.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally commends the American Friends of Lafayette for their work promoting historical connections between the U.S. and France, but contains no policy changes or funding. It is purely ceremonial, expressing legislative appreciation without creating new laws or obligations. The bill passed both chambers unanimously as a symbolic gesture. No specific individuals or groups are directly affected by this resolution beyond the recognition offered.

Maddy summarySR 302 is a ceremonial Senate resolution commemorating the life of Sergeant David Jay Benfield, Jr., U.S. Army. It does not create any new laws or affect any policies, programs, or individuals. The resolution simply expresses the Senate's recognition of Sergeant Benfield's service and life through a formal statement. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding effect or practical impact beyond the ceremonial acknowledgment.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution honoring Matthew Charles Obenshain. It does not create any new laws or affect policies; it simply expresses legislative recognition of his life. The resolution was passed unanimously by both the Senate and House on February 20-21, 2025. It has no binding effect beyond ceremonial acknowledgment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SJ 410) is a ceremonial resolution commending the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce for its work. It does not create new laws or affect any policies, programs, or individuals. The resolution formally expresses legislative appreciation but has no binding effect or practical impact. It passed both chambers of the legislature by voice vote in early 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SJ 406) is a ceremonial resolution that formally commends the Virginia Wing of the Civil Air Patrol for its service. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals, organizations, or policies - it is purely symbolic recognition. The resolution passed unanimously in both the Virginia Senate and House in February 2025. It expresses legislative appreciation for the Civil Air Patrol's contributions but has no binding effect or practical impact beyond the statement itself.

Maddy summarySJ 408 is a ceremonial resolution formally honoring the United States Army for its service. It does not create new laws or affect specific individuals or policies; instead, it expresses legislative recognition through a symbolic gesture. The bill passed unanimously in both the Senate and House in February 2025, with no substantive policy changes or implementation mechanisms. As a commemorative resolution, it has no legal effect beyond the expression of praise.