Constitutional amendment (second reference); qualifications of voters and the right to vote; persons not entitled to vote. Provides that every person who meets the qualifications of voters set forth in the Constitution 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 provides that a person who has been adjudicated to be mentally incompetent is not qualified to vote until his competency is reestablished.
Sponsored bills
Constitutional amendment (second reference); marriage between two adult persons; repeal of same-sex marriage prohibition; affirmative right to marry. Repeals the constitutional provision defining marriage as only a union between one man and one woman as well as the related provisions that are no longer valid as a result of the United States Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, 576 U.S. 644 (2015). The amendment prohibits the Commonwealth and its political subdivisions from denying the issuance of a marriage license to two adult persons seeking a lawful marriage on the basis of the sex, gender, or race of such persons. The Commonwealth and its political subdivisions are required to recognize any lawful marriage between two adult persons and to treat such marriages equally under the law, regardless of the sex, gender, or race of such persons.
Constitutional amendment (second reference); fundamental right to reproductive freedom. Provides that every individual has the fundamental right to reproductive freedom and that such right shall not be, directly or indirectly, denied, burdened, or infringed upon unless justified by a compelling state interest, as defined in the amendment, and achieved by the least restrictive means. The amendment specifies that, notwithstanding the other provisions of the amendment, the Commonwealth may regulate the provision of abortion care in the third trimester, provided that in no circumstance shall the Commonwealth prohibit an abortion (i) that in the professional judgment of a physician is medically indicated to protect the life or physical or mental health of the pregnant individual or (ii) when in the professional judgment of a physician the fetus is not viable.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution commends Kurt Rose for unspecified contributions or achievements. The bill is a ceremonial measure that does not create new laws or alter existing policies. It was passed by the Senate through a voice vote and serves as an official recognition rather than a substantive legislative change.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution that formally commends Robert T. Hall, an individual being honored for unspecified contributions. The measure does not create new laws, allocate funding, or change government operations, as it serves only as a symbolic gesture of recognition. It was passed by the Senate through a voice vote, indicating broad agreement without debate, and requires no further legislative action to take effect.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution commends Peter C. DePaolis for his contributions or service. The measure does not create new laws, change policies, or affect any specific groups of people. It is a ceremonial document that formally recognizes an individual and was passed by the Senate through a voice vote.
Maddy summaryThis bill honors the memory of Stephanie Nicole Minter by formally recognizing her life and contributions. It is a commemorative resolution that does not create new laws or affect public policy. The legislation was passed by both the House and Senate in March 2026. Its primary purpose is to acknowledge an individual rather than implement regulatory changes.
Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes and commends the Vinton Dogwood Festival, a local event celebrating the blooming dogwood trees in Vinton, Virginia. It does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of the festival's cultural significance to the community. The legislation was passed by both the Senate and House through voice votes, indicating broad consensus on its symbolic purpose.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution formally recognizes and commends Debbie L. Sydow, Ph.D. for her contributions, likely in her professional or community capacity. The resolution is a ceremonial document that does not create new laws, allocate funds, or change existing policies. It serves as an official record of appreciation within the legislative body and is typically presented to the honoree as a gesture of respect.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution honors the life of the Honorable Jerrauld C. Jones, a former public official. It serves as a commemorative measure to recognize his contributions and legacy without creating new laws or policies. The resolution does not impose any obligations or changes on government operations or citizens. It is a symbolic gesture intended to preserve his memory in the legislative record.