HJ 77 Virginia House of Delegates · 2026 Regular Session

Nowruz; Persian New Year.

This ceremonial resolution designates the spring equinox in 2026 and each subsequent year as "Nowruz" (Persian New Year) in Virginia. It does not create new laws or affect residents' rights, but formally recognizes this cultural observance for state purposes. The bill is purely symbolic, establishing a date for official acknowledgment rather than implementing policy changes. It has advanced through committee review and was unanimously reported to the full House.

Bill status passed both 4 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Feb 2026

House of Delegates Passage

Apr 2026

Senate Passage

Mar 2026

Governor

Introduced Jan 22, 2026 Last action Apr 9, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced → Enrolled · 3 edits

MINOR

The bill transitioned from its original 'Introduced' draft to its final 'Enrolled' version, incorporating the official approval dates from both the House of Delegates and the Senate. The substantive policy language regarding the designation of Nowruz as a recognized day in Virginia remains unchanged, though the formatting was adjusted to reflect the final legislative record.

Scope change

No change in scope; the bill continues to designate the spring equinox as Nowruz in Virginia.

TIMELINE

Added official approval dates: Agreed to by the House of Delegates on February 11, 2026, and by the Senate on March 3, 2026.

TECHNICAL

Removed the original sponsor list and committee referral status, as these are no longer relevant once the bill has passed both chambers.

Adjusted text formatting and spacing to conform to the official enrolled document style, including minor line breaks within the WHEREAS clauses.

Floor votes · Senate Mar 2, 2026 · House of Delegates Feb 11, 2026

How they voted

38–0

Passed · 1 other

Total votes 39

Mar 2, 2026

D Democratic20

19 Yea 1

95% Yea

R Republican19

19 Yea

100% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Apr 9, 2026

Lower · Passed

Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ77ER)

lower

Mar 2, 2026

Upper · Passed

Passed by for the day

upper

Feb 27, 2026

Upper · Passed

Reported from Rules (Voice Vote)

upper

Feb 12, 2026

Committee

Referred to Committee on Rules

upper

Feb 11, 2026

House Of Delegates · Passed

House of Delegates Vote: pass (84-0-4)

house of delegates

Feb 6, 2026

Lower · Passed

Reported from Rules (16-Y 0-N)

lower

Feb 2, 2026

Lower · Passed

Subcommittee recommends reporting (5-Y 0-N)

lower

Jan 30, 2026

Committee

Assigned HRUL sub: Studies Subcommittee

lower

Jan 22, 2026

Committee

Referred to Committee on Rules

lower

Jan 22, 2026

Introduced

Presented and ordered printed 26104419D

lower

1 primary · 5 co-sponsors