WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SJ 445

Celebrating the life of Matthew Charles Obenshain.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Bonita Anthony and 117 co-sponsors

SJ445ER ceremonially honors Matthew C. Obenshain for his faith, community service, and civic engagement, with a formal tribute to his life.

Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ445ER)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SJ 445

Summary of Senate Joint Resolution No. 445 (SJ445ER)

Overview

SJ445 is a ceremonial Senate Joint Resolution recognizing and celebrating the life of Matthew Charles “Mac” Obenshain, a member of the Salem community who passed away on July 31, 2024. The resolution expresses the General Assembly’s condolences, memorializes his contributions, and directs the Clerk of the Senate to present a copy of the resolution to his family. The enrolled version SJ445ER confirms passage by both chambers (Senate and House) and was agreed to on February 20–21, 2025, with final disposition as an enrolled resolution.

Purpose and Intent

  • To publicly honor Matthew Charles Obenshain for his faith, community service, and civic engagement.
  • To memorialize his life and acknowledge his impact on family, friends, and the Salem community.
  • To serve as a formal expression of respect from the General Assembly.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • The resolution consists of a series of “WHEREAS” clauses that recount Mac Obenshain’s life and contributions, including:
    • His birth and death dates (death: July 31, 2024) and his overcoming of a congenital heart defect.
    • Professional service at the United States Census Bureau and the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.
    • Personal qualities (kindness, sociability) and commitment to helping others.
    • Religious faith and involvement in ministry, including work with Grandin Court Baptist Church and international ministry in Romania, Guatemala, and Panama.
    • Civic and political engagement as a Republican supporter (Roanoke Valley Young Republicans, Salem Republican Committee, campaign volunteer).
  • The resolution concludes by authorizing the Clerk of the Senate to prepare a copy of the resolution for presentation to Obenshain’s family as a respectful tribute.
  • There are no substantive statutory or fiscal changes; the act is ceremonial.

Affected Parties

  • Matthew Charles Obenshain (the honoree) and his family.
  • Members of the Salem community and those connected to his faith-based and civic activities.
  • State legislators and the General Assembly, as the formal custodian of the resolution.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduced: February 17, 2025.
  • Senate actions: Engrossed and agreed to February 20, 2025.
  • House actions: Agreed to February 21, 2025.
  • Enrolled: February 21, 2025 (SJ445ER reflects the enrolled version).
  • Final status: Bill text as passed by both chambers (SJ445ER) on March 3, 2025 printing.

Effective Date and Impact

  • As a ceremonial resolution, SJ445 does not enact policy or create fiscal obligations. Its effect is symbolic, providing a formal tribute within Virginia’s legislative records.

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

Sign in to ask a question.