Rep. Wren Williams

Casino gaming; eligible host localities. Adds Fairfax County to the list of localities eligible to host a casino in the Commonwealth and provides that any proposed site for a casino gaming establishment considered by Fairfax County shall be (i) located within one-quarter of a mile of an existing station on the Metro Silver Line, (ii) part of a coordinated mixed-use project development consisting of no less than 1.5 million square feet, (iii) within two miles of a regional enclosed mall containing not less than 1.5 million square feet of gross building area, and (iv) outside of the Interstate 495 Beltway.

Virginia Parole Board; powers and duties; juvenile offenders; parole procedures and considerations. Increases the members of the Virginia Parole Board (the Board) from up to five to at least 11 members, five of whom shall be appointed by the Governor within 60 days of inauguration, three of whom shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates within 60 days of a new House being sworn in during a Senate election year, and three of whom shall be appointed by the Chair of the Senate Committee on Rules within 60 days of a new Senate being sworn in after an election, and all of whom shall be subject to confirmation by the General Assembly, if in session when such appointment is made, and if not in session, then at its next succeeding session. The bill specifies that all members of the Board shall have significant professional experience working in criminal law, corrections, reentry and community services, or victim services and that the Board members appointed by the Governor shall include (i) an attorney with significant experience in criminal prosecution; (ii) an attorney with significant experience in criminal defense; (iii) a qualified mental health professional with relevant background in adolescent development, trauma responses, psychology, and decision-making; and (iv) a representative of a crime victims organization or a victim of crime. These provisions of the bill have a delayed effective date of July 1, 2028.The bill also requires the Board to provide a meaningful opportunity for release to certain juvenile offenders eligible for parole and specifies various factors the Board shall give substantial weight to when making a determination on whether to grant parole to such juvenile offender. The bill allows a juvenile offender to request for reconsideration or appeal of a decision by the Board not to grant parole based on (a) the Board's failure to give substantial weight to such juvenile offender's age and its related mitigating circumstances as required by the bill or (b) the Board's overreliance on static factors such as the nature and circumstances of the offense and failure to ground its decision in evidence of maturity, rehabilitation, and a lack of present danger to public safety. The bill requires the Board to provide individualized reasons for the grant or denial of parole upon reconsideration or appeal.The bill also requires that if parole is denied for any such juvenile offender, each Board member shall identify his reasoning for such decision at the time such member's vote is cast, including any youth-related factor and evidence of maturity and rehabilitation that was considered. The bill requires that the Board provide to such prisoner for whom parole is denied recommendations to demonstrate commitment to rehabilitation and at the next hearing, the Board is required to consider whether the prisoner has followed such recommendations. The bill also requires the Board to annually review the cases of such juvenile offenders eligible for parole. This bill is identical to SB 60.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commemorative resolution honoring the life of the Honorable Charles Douglas Poindexter. It does not create new laws or policies but serves to formally recognize his contributions and legacy. The measure has been passed by both the House and Senate and is awaiting final approval.

Maddy summaryHJ 121 is a ceremonial resolution commending Richard A. Vaughan for his contributions. It has no substantive policy provisions or impact on laws, regulations, or affected groups. The resolution passed unanimously in both the House and Senate via voice vote in February 2026. As a purely symbolic gesture, it does not create new obligations or change existing law.

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 153 is a ceremonial resolution passed by both the House and Senate in February 2026 to honor the life of Sincere B. Allah. It does not create any new laws or affect policy, as it is a symbolic gesture without legislative substance. The resolution simply expresses recognition and tribute to the individual, with no concrete policy changes or affected parties. Such resolutions are common for commemorating individuals' contributions and are typically non-binding.

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 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.

Department of Energy; workforce development in offshore wind industry. Directs the Director of the Department of Energy to identify and develop training resources to advance workforce development in the offshore wind industry in the Commonwealth. This bill is identical to SB 25.

Small renewable energy projects; agrivoltaics definition. Provides a definition of "agrivoltaics" for the purposes of small renewable energy projects. This bill incorporates HB 899 and is identical to SB 340.