Sen. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker

Maddy summaryHJ 165 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Lieutenant Colonel Richard Thomas Bulova of the U.S. Army Reserve (USAR). It formally recognizes his service and life through a legislative expression of respect. This resolution directly affects no individuals or policies, as it has no legal effect beyond the symbolic act of commemoration. The bill passed both the House and Senate in early March 2026 as a non-binding gesture of tribute.

Maddy summaryHJ 131 is a ceremonial resolution commending the Honorable S. Bernard Goodwyn for his service. It does not create any new laws or affect policies, as it is a formal expression of recognition. The resolution passed unanimously in both the House (by voice vote) and Senate (by voice vote) in February 2026. This type of resolution honors individuals without implementing substantive changes.

Maddy summaryHJ 159 is a joint resolution commending the Virginia Community College System for its contributions to education and workforce development. It does not create new policies, alter funding, or directly affect any specific individuals or groups through legislative action. The resolution serves as a ceremonial expression of support with no implementation mechanisms or concrete policy changes. This type of resolution is purely symbolic and does not require further legislative action beyond its passage.

Maddy summaryHJ 177 is a ceremonial resolution honoring the late Honorable Barry D. Knight, a former state official. It has no policy provisions or direct impact on constituents, as it solely commemorates his life and service. The resolution was unanimously adopted by the Senate on February 26, 2026, following standard procedural steps for commemorative measures. This type of resolution does not create law or affect any legal rights or obligations.

Maddy summaryHJ 75 is a ceremonial resolution commending Donald A. Irby. It does not create new laws, alter policies, or affect any specific group or individual through legislative action. The bill serves solely as a formal expression of recognition, with no concrete policy changes or implementation mechanisms. As a procedural resolution, it has no legal effect beyond the symbolic honor it provides.

Suicide Prevention Program Coordinator; deaths by suicide of veterans or military service members; State Registrar of Vital Records; Department of Veterans Services annual report. Adds to the duties of the Suicide Prevention Coordinator within the Department of Veterans Services the duty to (i) compile and analyze data relating to the suicides of veterans and military service members pursuant to death certificates filed with the State Registrar of Vital Records, with such data to be included in the Department's annual report, and (ii) collaborate with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services to develop programs and resources related to suicide prevention for veterans and military service members. The bill provides that in any case where the death certificate of a veteran or military service member lists suicide as the manner of death, the State Registrar of Vital Records shall provide such information concerning the suicide to the Department.

Water utilities; prohibition of multiple rate increases within three-year period for water utilities. Prohibits a public utility authorized to furnish water or water and sewer service from filing an application for a rate increase more frequently than once in any three-year period. The bill provides exceptions to such prohibition for the utility to file an application (i) for a decrease in rates; (ii) limited to a rate adjustment clause, rider, or surcharge; (iii) for a temporary emergency increase in rates; or (iv) for an increase upon a finding by the State Corporation Commission that extraordinary circumstances exist. The provisions of the bill do not become effective unless reenacted by the 2027 Session of the General Assembly.

Wage garnishment; state tax debt. Provides that the maximum part of the aggregate disposable earnings of an individual for any workweek that is subject to garnishment to collect delinquent taxes and charges owed to the state government shall not exceed the lesser of (i) 25 percent of such individual's disposable earnings for that week or (ii) the amount by which such individual's disposable earnings exceed 40 times the federal or Virginia minimum wage, whichever is greater. The bill also directs the Department of Taxation to recognize Currently Not Collectible status granted by the Internal Revenue Service and to offer taxpayers with such status a similar Virginia status with comparable protections from collection activities. The bill contains technical amendments and has a delayed effective date of July 1, 2027.

Newborn screening; process for evaluation of disorders for inclusion. Directs the Department of Health to establish a process for considering the addition of disorders to the Commonwealth's newborn screening program that are not included on the federal Recommended Uniform Screening Panel, which process shall include criteria and a timeline for consideration of disorders and a timeline for initiation of rulemaking.

State Board of Local and Regional Jails; standards and regulations for pregnant and postpartum incarcerated persons in local and regional correctional facilities; report. Directs the State Board of Local and Regional Jails to set minimum standards and regulations regarding lactation policies for incarcerated persons and their infants by December 1, 2028. In developing such regulations and standards, the Board is directed to consider best practices related to lactation and how to incorporate such practices into the regulations and standards set by the Board.