Sen. Mike Jones

Maddy summaryHR 608 is a non-binding House resolution commending Charles August Swanson for his contributions. It has no policy impact or implementation requirements, as it is purely ceremonial. The resolution was unanimously agreed to by the House on February 6, 2025, and passed without debate. This type of resolution honors an individual but does not create legal obligations or affect any laws or programs.

Maddy summaryHJ 728 is a ceremonial resolution commending Heman Bekele for his contributions. It does not create new laws or affect policies, as it is a symbolic gesture of recognition. The bill passed both the House and Senate by voice vote in February 2025, with no substantive provisions or mechanisms beyond the formal expression of praise.

Maddy summaryHJ 710 is a ceremonial resolution formally expressing appreciation for Barry Eugene DuVal's contributions. It does not impose any legal requirements or change policies, as it is solely a symbolic gesture of recognition. The resolution directly honors DuVal but affects no individuals or entities through binding actions. This type of bill is common for acknowledging community service or achievements without altering legislation.

Maddy summaryHJ 680 is a ceremonial resolution commending the Combat Antisemitism Movement for its efforts to combat antisemitism. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals, organizations, or policies. The resolution expresses legislative recognition and support through a formal statement of appreciation. As a procedural joint resolution, it has no binding legal effect and serves solely to acknowledge the organization's work.

Maddy summaryHJ 677 is a symbolic resolution commending James Holland for his contributions. It has no binding effect or policy changes; it simply expresses legislative recognition. The bill passed unanimously in both the House and Senate by voice vote and was enrolled as a ceremonial gesture. This type of resolution does not affect any laws, regulations, or individuals beyond the stated commendation.

Maddy summaryHJ 684 is a commemorative resolution honoring Loudoun County residents who were among the passengers aboard American Airlines Flight 5342, which crashed in 2023. It formally recognizes and celebrates the lives of these community members without creating any new laws or policy changes. The resolution passed both the House and Senate in February 2025 and was signed into law. This is a symbolic gesture, not a substantive legislative measure.

Maddy summaryHJ 721 is a ceremonial resolution commending Norfolk State University for its contributions to education and the community. It does not create new laws, allocate funds, or affect any policies or individuals. The bill serves only as a formal expression of recognition from the legislature. As a procedural resolution, it has no practical impact beyond the symbolic gesture.

Department of Human Resource Management; hiring on the basis of direct experience. Prohibits any state agency from requiring as a condition of eligibility for hire to a position in state employment that an applicant have a baccalaureate degree. The bill provides an exception to such prohibition if the knowledge, skills, or abilities required for the position for which an applicant is applying can only reasonably be obtained, as determined by the appointing authority, through a course of study in pursuit of, and culminating in the award of, a baccalaureate degree. This bill is identical to SB 1014.

Constitutional amendment (first reference); qualifications of voters; right to vote; persons not entitled to vote. Provides that every person who meets the qualifications of voters set forth in the Constitution of Virginia 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 of Virginia provides that a person who has been adjudicated to be mentally incompetent is not qualified to vote until his competency is reestablished.

Use of restraints on juveniles in court prohibited; exceptions. Prohibits the use of instruments of restraint, as defined in the bill, on a juvenile appearing before the juvenile and domestic relations district court unless, upon motion of the attorney for the Commonwealth or on the court's own motion sua sponte, the court makes a finding that (i) the use of such restraints is necessary (a) to prevent physical harm to such juvenile or another person, (b) because such juvenile has a history of disruptive courtroom behavior that has placed others in potentially harmful situations or presents a substantial threat of serious harm to himself or others as evidenced by recent behavior, or (c) because such juvenile presents a substantial risk of flight from the courtroom and (ii) there are no less restrictive alternatives to such restraints that will prevent flight of or harm to such juvenile or another person, including court personnel or law-enforcement officers. The bill provides that the juvenile shall be entitled to an attorney prior to a hearing on the use of instruments of restraint. The bill also requires the court to provide the juvenile's attorney an opportunity to be heard before the court orders the use of instruments of restraint, and the juvenile's attorney may waive the juvenile's appearance at such hearing. Lastly, the bill requires the court, if such restraints are ordered, to communicate to the parties the basis of the decision either orally or in writing. This bill is identical to SB 1255.