Virginia legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Virginia HR196: Celebrating the life of Joseph Williamson Luter III.
Status: Passed both chambers, April 20, 2026
What the bill says
From the enrolled text, April 20, 2026:
2026 SESSION HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 196 Celebrating the life of Joseph Williamson Luter III. Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 9, 2026 WHEREAS, Joseph Williamson Luter III, a respected business leader who helped grow Smithfield Foods into one of the world's largest pork processers and a generous philanthropist who supported a wide range of worthy causes in the South Hampton Roads region, died on August 28, 2025; and WHEREAS, Joseph "Joe" Williamson Luter III grew up in Smithfield, where he made many fond memories hunting and fishing along the Pagan River and the James River; he began to cultivate his incomparable work ethic at a young age and secured his first job bagging groceries by embellishing his age on the job application; and WHEREAS, after graduating from Smithfield High School, Joe Luter earned a bachelor's degree from Wake Forest University as a first-generation college student and considered pursuing a law degree until his father's untimely death led to him becoming president of the family business, Smithfield Packing Company, at only 26 years old; and WHEREAS, Joe Luter sold Smithfield Packing Company, now known as Smithfield Foods, in 1970 and subsequently oversaw the redevelopment of the Shenandoah Valley's Bryce Resort into a year-round resort destination by researching and incorporating practices from some of the best ski resorts around the …
Sponsors
- H. Wachsmann (R, 83) · primary sponsor
Latest actions
- : Bill text as passed House (HR196ER)
- : Agreed to by House
- : Engrossed by House
- : Presented and laid on Speaker's table 26108540D
Common questions
- What is HR196?
- HR196 is a bill in the Virginia Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Celebrating the life of Joseph Williamson Luter III.
- What is the status of HR196?
- Passed both chambers as of April 20, 2026. Latest action: Bill text as passed House (HR196ER) (April 20, 2026).
- Who sponsored HR196?
- H. Wachsmann (R, 83).
- Where is the official record for HR196?
- On the Virginia Legislature website: https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HR196
Source: official Virginia record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.