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SR 2044

Celebrating the life of Bernard L. Henderson, Jr.

2026, 1st Special Session Introduced by Lashrecse Aird and 19 co-sponsors

The bill formally honors Bernard L. Henderson, Jr.’s life and public service with a ceremonial tribute from the Virginia Senate.

Bill text as passed Senate (SR2044ER)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SR 2044

Summary of SR 2044 (Session 2026S1, Virginia)

Purpose and Intent

  • SR 2044 is a Senate resolution recognizing and celebrating the life and public service of Bernard L. Henderson, Jr. (often referred to as Bernie Henderson).
  • The resolution expresses the Senate of Virginia’s formal condolences and honors Henderson’s contributions to the Richmond community and to state government.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Formal acknowledgement: The resolution notes Henderson’s life, career, and service across multiple public and nonprofit roles.
  • Biographical overview: It provides a detailed summary of Henderson’s education (Thomas Jefferson High School; Old Dominion University; post-graduate programs at UVA and Harvard’s JFK School of Government) and a long career in government, politics, business, and community service.
  • Public service chronology: Highlights positions including:
    • Early work: legislative assistant in the Virginia General Assembly; staff for the Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives (W. Pat Jennings) in college.
    • State roles: administrator at the Virginia Bureau of Insurance; assistant to the commissioners of the State Corporation Commission.
    • Appointments: director of the Virginia Department of Commerce (under Governor Chuck Robb) and director of the Virginia Department of Health Professions (initially under Governor Baliles; reappointed under Governor Wilder).
    • Private sector: roles with The Loewen Group focusing on funeral homes and cemeteries; later leadership positions at Woody Funeral Home (director for family and community relations; president; CEO of six Woody/Nelsen locations; later president emeritus).
    • Senior government leadership: Senior Deputy Secretary of the Commonwealth under Governors Warner and Kaine; interim Secretary of the Commonwealth; acting Associate Chief of Staff.
    • Civic and professional leadership: service on boards and organizations (Virginia War Memorial Board, Virginia Conflict of Interest and Ethics Advisory Council, Board of Pharmacy, Richmond First, Shepherd’s Center of Richmond, Jewish Family Services of Richmond, Virginia Holocaust Museum, BBB Central Virginia, Capital Area Agency on Aging, and religious organizations).
    • Education and teaching: taught at the University of Richmond, the College of William & Mary, and lifelong-learning programs.
  • Faith and community: active in Grace Baptist Church of Richmond; held leadership roles in religious associations (Richmond Baptist Association; Baptist General Association of Virginia).
  • Personal details: notes his 51-year marriage to Marie and his family.

Who/What Would Be Affected

  • No legal restrictions or regulatory changes would result from this resolution.
  • The resolution primarily affects the Commonwealth by:
    • Formally recognizing Henderson’s life and contributions.
    • Providing an official statement of respect and condolences from the Senate.
    • Serving as a ceremonial tribute that may be read publicly and presented to Henderson’s family.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Type: State Senate resolution (non-binding, ceremonial).
  • Sponsor: Primary sponsor is Senator VanValkenburg; co-sponsor listed as Schuyler VanValkenburg.
  • Action history:
    • Introduced and presented on June 18, 2026.
    • Laid on the Clerk’s Desk on the same date.
  • Next steps: Upon adoption, the Clerk of the Senate would prepare and present a copy to Henderson’s family as an expression of the Senate’s respect.

Practical Impact

  • The bill functions as a formal legislative tribute. It does not make policy changes, allocate funds, or alter statutes.
  • It formalizes acknowledgment of Henderson’s public and community service and preserves his legacy in the official record of the Virginia Senate.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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