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VA HJR2

Joint Resolution

Status

Passed

4/13/2026

Primary Sponsor

Elizabeth Bennett-Parker

Click for details

Origin

House of Delegates

2026 Regular Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Proposes a constitutional amendment establishing voting as a "fundamental right" in Virginia that cannot be abridged by law except under specified circumstances
  • Automatically restores voting rights to persons convicted of felonies upon release from incarceration, eliminating the current requirement for restoration by the Governor or other authority
  • Restricts felony disenfranchisement only to the period of incarceration rather than indefinitely
  • Changes mental incapacity voting restrictions to require a court adjudication specifically finding the person lacks "capacity to understand the act of voting" rather than general mental incompetence
  • Passed both chambers of the General Assembly in January 2026 as the second required passage for a constitutional amendment referendum

Legislative Description

Constitutional amendment (second reference); qualifications of voters and the right to vote; persons not entitled to vote.

Last Action

Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0974)

4/13/2026

Committee Referrals

Privileges and Elections1/14/2026
Privileges and Elections11/17/2025

Full Bill Text

No bill text available