Celebrating the life of James Bryan Carlson.

2026, 1st Special Session Introduced by Betsy Carr and 2 co-sponsors

Ceremonial Virginia House Resolution recognizing James Bryan Carlson for his community leadership in Westover Hills and personal warmth, with a commemorative copy to his family.

Bill text as passed House (HR2178ER)

Overview

Bill: HR 2178

Session/Jurisdiction: Virginia, 2026 Special Session I

Type: House Resolution

Status: Introduced and carries through the House with passage (Engrossed and Agreed to by the House on June 22, 2026)

Sponsor: Betsy Carr (primary); co-sponsor noted as Betsy Carr

Title: Celebrating the life of James Bryan Carlson

Purpose and Intent

The resolution commemorates and honors the life and contributions of James Bryan Carlson, known as Bryan Carlson, a resident of the Westover Hills neighborhood in Richmond.

It recognizes Carlson’s personal and community leadership roles, his character, and the impact he had on friends, family, and neighbors.

The resolution serves as an official expression of the House of Delegates’ respect and condolences.

Key Provisions and Provisions Details

Formal recognition: The House notes with sadness the death of James Bryan Carlson (died November 15, 2025) and acknowledges his positive influence in the Richmond community.

Community leadership: Highlights Carlson’s roles as former president and current vice president of the Westover Hills Neighborhood Association.

Personal and social impact: Describes Carlson as an “unofficial therapist” to friends and loved ones, a generous and welcoming host, and someone who brought joy through music, art, gardening, and travel.

Family acknowledgement: Specifically mentions his husband, Mark, and other family and friends who will miss him.

Formal gesture: The Clerk of the House is directed to prepare and present a copy of the resolution to Carlson’s family as an expression of the House’s respect.

Who or What Would Be Affected

Primary beneficiaries: James Bryan Carlson (public acknowledgment posthumously) and his family and friends.

Broader impact: Community members in Westover Hills and Richmond who view the resolution as a formal tribute to a local leader and engaged citizen.

Government/Legislative impact: A ceremonial, symbolic action that adds a recorded recognition to the legislative record.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduction and presentation: Presented June 21, 2026, and laid on the Speaker’s table.

House action:

June 21, 2026: Introduced and laid on Speaker’s table.
June 22, 2026: Engrossed by House and Agreed to by House, indicating passage within the House.

Next steps: As a House resolution, it would be transmitted to the appropriate parties and become part of the legislative record as an expression of official recognition. No enacted law changes or fiscal provisions are involved.

Summary

HR 2178 is a ceremonial Virginia House Resolution celebrating the life and community contributions of James Bryan Carlson, highlighting his leadership in the Westover Hills Neighborhood Association, his personal warmth and support to friends, and his passions for music, art, gardening, and travel. The resolution expresses the House’s respect and directs a commemorative copy be presented to Carlson’s family. It passed through the House in June 2026 as part of the official record.