Virginia legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Virginia HR207: Celebrating the life of William Bruce Rutherford, USN, Ret.
Status: Passed both chambers, April 20, 2026
What the bill says
From the enrolled text, April 20, 2026:
2026 SESSION HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 207 Celebrating the life of William Bruce Rutherford, USN, Ret. Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 9, 2026 WHEREAS, William Bruce Rutherford, USN, Ret., an honorable veteran, accomplished farmer, and beloved member of the Nelson County community, died on July 21, 2025; and WHEREAS, a native of Cape May, New Jersey, Bruce Rutherford joined the United States Marine Corps at the age of 17 and three years later transitioned to the United States Navy, with which he would serve an additional 17 years; and WHEREAS, over his naval career, Bruce Rutherford served on five different submarines, including the USS Bergall, USS Spikefish, USS John Marshall, USS Henry L. Stimson, and USS Seawolf, one of the Navy's first nuclear submarines; and WHEREAS, Bruce Rutherford demonstrated a gift for animal husbandry during his years in the service, caring for the Marine Corps' bulldog mascot while stationed at Quantico and earning the distinction of being the first person to hatch a chicken aboard a U.S. Naval submarine; and WHEREAS, Bruce Rutherford and his family acquired land in Nelson County in 1962 and developed the property into the "The Wonder If Farm," which was a fully functioning pig farm by the late 1970s; and WHEREAS, after selling the farm and retiring, Bruce Rutherford remained active by building …
Sponsors
- Thomas Garrett (R, 56) · primary sponsor
Latest actions
- : Bill text as passed House (HR207ER)
- : Agreed to by House
- : Engrossed by House
- : Presented and laid on Speaker's table 26108857D
Common questions
- What is HR207?
- HR207 is a bill in the Virginia Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Celebrating the life of William Bruce Rutherford, USN, Ret.
- What is the status of HR207?
- Passed both chambers as of April 20, 2026. Latest action: Bill text as passed House (HR207ER) (April 20, 2026).
- Who sponsored HR207?
- Thomas Garrett (R, 56).
- Where is the official record for HR207?
- On the Virginia Legislature website: https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HR207
Source: official Virginia record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.