WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SJ 317

Celebrating the life of Kathi Gabriella Renee Simons.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Schuyler VanValkenburg

Ceremonial resolution honoring Kathi Simons for her 25+ years as a radio host and her charitable, community contributions, with no policy effect.

Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ317ER)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SJ 317

Summary: Senate Joint Resolution No. 317 (SJ317ER) – Celebrating the life of Kathi Gabriella Renee Simons

Overview

SJ317ER is a ceremonial, non-binding Senate Joint Resolution recognizing and commemorating the life and contributions of Kathi (Kat) Gabriella Renee Simons, a longtime radio deejay based in the Midlothian, Virginia area. The resolution notes her death on June 28, 2024 and expresses the General Assembly’s respect and sadness. It also directs the Clerk of the Senate to prepare a copy of the resolution for presentation to her family. The enrolled version, SJ317ER, represents the final text agreed to by both chambers.

Purpose and Intent

  • To publicly acknowledge Kathi Simons as a notable member of the Commonwealth’s broadcasting community and Midlothian community.
  • To honor her career in radio, community service, charitable activities, and faith-based involvement.
  • To convey the General Assembly’s condolences and appreciation for her lasting impact.

Key Provisions

  • The resolution states, in formal terms, that the General Assembly notes with great sadness the loss of Kathi Gabriella Renee Simons and acknowledges her legacy of service.
  • It details her life achievements, including:
    • Education: Elkins High School (graduated 1979) and a bachelor’s degree in communications from Davis & Elkins College.
    • Radio career: Began at WDNE in Elkins, later worked in the Outer Banks, and served as a midday deejay on Richmond’s WTVR–FM, Mix 98.1, for over 25 years; shows were often simulcast across multiple stations in Virginia and Florida.
    • Community impact: Created the “Pet of the Day” segment which supported animal-related initiatives; supported numerous organizations (Arc of Virginia and Arc of Hanover, Relay For Life, VA Dept. of Veterans Affairs, USO, Alzheimer’s Association, SPARC, Faison Center, Children’s Hospital of Richmond, READ Center, American Diabetes Association).
    • Personal and faith affiliations: Member of the Lutheran Church of Our Savior (Midlothian) and the Elizabeth City, NC chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star.
  • It authorizes the Clerk of the Senate to prepare and present a commemorative copy to Simons’ family.
  • There are no fiscal provisions or policy changes; the resolution is ceremonial.

Who is Affected

  • Kathi Gabriella Renee Simons’ family and friends.
  • The Midlothian community and the broader Commonwealth of Virginia, particularly those familiar with her radio career and charitable work.
  • The General Assembly and the public, as a ceremonial acknowledgment of a local figure’s contributions.

Procedural Timeline

  • Introduced: January 27, 2025 (Presented as 25103919D; Patron: Senator VanValkenburg).
  • Senate actions: Engrossed and agreed to by the Senate on January 30, 2025.
  • House actions: Agreed to by the House of Delegates on February 3, 2025.
  • Enrolled/Final version: SJ317ER, enrolled; bill text as passed both chambers dated February 4, 2025.
  • Key dates also show initial reception and placement on the Speaker’s table (January 31, 2025).

Impact

  • Primarily symbolic and ceremonial, with the purpose of memorializing and honoring an individual’s life and service.
  • No impact on statutes, regulations, or state budgets.

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

Sign in to ask a question.