Virginia legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Virginia HJR265: Celebrating the life of Jada Mairin Samitt.
Status: Passed both chambers, April 13, 2026
What the bill says
From the enrolled text, April 13, 2026:
2026 SESSION HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 265 Celebrating the life of Jada Mairin Samitt. Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 10, 2026 Agreed to by the Senate, March 12, 2026 WHEREAS, Jada Mairin Samitt, a beloved member of the Richmond community and an advocate for environmental conservation who was working as a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration fishery observer, died on January 30, 2026; and WHEREAS, Jada Samitt grew up in Richmond, but from a young age cultivated strong ties to the Cape Ann peninsula in Massachusetts, where her mother's family had deep roots; and WHEREAS, Jada Samitt graduated from Deep Run High School in Glen Allen, then continued her education at the University of Vermont's Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, where she majored in natural resources with a concentration in ecology; and WHEREAS, after graduation, Jada Samitt was hired by A.I.S., Inc., in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, as a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration fishery observer, in which capacity she collected ecological data and recorded violations of fishing regulations; and WHEREAS, in the course of her duties as a fishery observer, Jada Samitt served aboard the Lily Jean, a fishing vessel out of Gloucester, Massachusetts, where she was respected as a hardworking member of the crew; and WHEREAS, known for her infectious smile and boundless compassion, Jada …
Sponsors
- Charlie Schmidt (D, 77) · primary sponsor
- May Nivar (D, 57)
- Schuyler VanValkenburg (D, 16)
- Nicole Cole (D, 66)
- Lindsey Dougherty (D, 75)
- Patrick Hope (D, 1)
- Leftwich, James (R, 90)
- Kirk McPike (D, 5)
- Sam Rasoul (D, 38)
- Jeion Ward (D, 87)
- Ware, R. (R, 72)
- Rodney Willett (D, 58)
Latest actions
- : Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ265ER)
- : Agreed to by Senate
- : Agreed to by Senate by voice vote
- : Laid on Clerk's Desk
- : Received
- : Agreed to by House
- : Engrossed by House
- : Presented and laid on Speaker's table 26108461D
Common questions
- What is HJR265?
- HJR265 is a bill in the Virginia Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Celebrating the life of Jada Mairin Samitt.
- What is the status of HJR265?
- Passed both chambers as of April 13, 2026. Latest action: Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ265ER) (April 13, 2026).
- Who sponsored HJR265?
- Charlie Schmidt (D, 77), with 11 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for HJR265?
- On the Virginia Legislature website: https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HJR265
Source: official Virginia record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.