Celebrating the life of Dawann Anthony Steagall, Jr.

2026, 1st Special Session Introduced by Bonita Anthony and 57 co-sponsors

The bill honors Dawann Steagall Jr. for public service and leadership, recognizing his work, faith, and community impact without policy changes or funding.

Bill text as passed House (HR2172ER)

Summary of Bill HR 2172 (2026 Special Session I, Virginia)

Purpose and Intent

This measure is a House of Delegates resolution to publicly acknowledge and celebrate the life of Dawann Anthony Steagall, Jr., who served as chief of staff to Delegate Alex Q. Askew and was a prominent figure in the Hampton Roads community.

The resolution expresses the House’s sorrow at his passing (May 31, 2026) and honors his leadership, service, faith, and impact on colleagues, constituents, and his community.

Key Provisions and Provisions Details

Formal expression of condolences: The resolution notes Dawann Steagall’s character, work ethic, and dedication to public service.

Recognition of achievements: Highlights his role as campaign manager for Delegate Askew and his tenure as chief of staff starting January 2024, including efforts to champion legislation increasing awareness of cancers prevalent among individuals with sickle cell disease or trait.

Personal background: Includes biographical facts such as birthplace (Portsmouth), high school (West Potomac High School, 2017), college degree (B.S. in criminal justice and sociology from Old Dominion University, 2021), and participation in the Governor’s Fellows Program with the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Faith and community: Emphasizes his faith, involvement with Gethsemane Community Fellowship Baptist Church, and his commitment to helping others.

Personal attributes: Describes his optimism, courage in facing illness, love of travel, cooking, and support for the New England Patriots.

Memorial actions: Directs the Clerk of the House to prepare a copy of the resolution for presentation to Steagall’s family as an expression of the House’s respect.

Who Is Affected

Dawann Anthony Steagall, Jr.: The primary honoree whose legacy is being memorialized.

Family, colleagues, constituents, and the Hampton Roads community: Recipients of the recognition and expression of sympathy.

Members of the Virginia House of Delegates: The bill reflects the chamber’s formal acknowledgment and is forwarded to the family.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduction and presentation: Introduced June 21, 2026; presented and laid on the Speaker’s table the same day.

Action taken: The House took immediate consideration on June 22, 2026; the measure was engrossed and agreed to by the House on the same day.

Status: The bill has a standard memorial format with sponsorship and multiple co-sponsors, and it does not enact substantive policy changes or funding; it serves as an official expression of respect.

Sponsors and Co-Sponsors

Primary sponsors include multiple delegates, with co-sponsors representing a broad cross-section of the House.

Notable co-sponsors: David Reid, Lindsey Dougherty, Rae Cousins, Alex Askew, Irene Shin, Destiny LeVere Bolling, Sam Rasoul, Eric Phillips, and several others.

Impact

No fiscal impact or regulatory changes are introduced.

The bill serves to honor an individual who contributed to public service and to reinforce the values of community leadership and faith within the Virginia public sphere.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to emphasize a particular section (e.g., biographical details, community impact, or procedural steps) or add direct quotes from the resolution text.