WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SJ 324

Celebrating the life of the Honorable Frank Miller Ruff, Jr.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Lashrecse Aird and 110 co-sponsors

Ceremonial Virginia Senate resolution commemorates and expresses sadness over the death of Frank M. Ruff, Jr., honoring his public service and work in rural economic development.

Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ324ER)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SJ 324

Summary: Senate Joint Resolution No. 324 (SJ324ER)

What the bill is

SJ324ER is a ceremonial Senate Joint Resolution titled “Celebrating the life of the Honorable Frank Miller Ruff, Jr.” It memorializes the life and public service of Frank Miller Ruff, Jr., a long-serving Virginia legislator who died on October 26, 2024. The resolution expresses the General Assembly’s respect and sadness, and directs the Clerk of the Senate to provide a copy to Ruff’s family.

Purpose and intent

  • To publicly honor and remember Frank M. Ruff, Jr., for his service to Virginia and his impact on rural economic development, workforce training, and education.
  • To recognize Ruff’s roles as a public official (Mecklenburg County Board of Supervisors; Virginia House of Delegates; Virginia Senate) and his leadership on key commissions and initiatives.
  • To convey bipartisan regard for his character, mentorship, and problem-solving approach.
  • To provide a formal expression of sympathy to Ruff’s family.

Key provisions and changes

  • The resolution includes extensive “WHEREAS” statements detailing Ruff’s life, career, and accomplishments, including:
    • Service on the Mecklenburg County Board of Supervisors (vice chair) and later on the Virginia General Assembly (House of Delegates, then Senate).
    • Work on workforce training, economic development, and education.
    • Involvement with the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee.
    • Founding/funding of GO Virginia and the Center for Rural Virginia (renamed in his honor as the Senator Frank M. Ruff, Jr. Center for Rural Virginia).
    • Role with the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission (including chairmanship) and efforts to diversify tobacco-dependent economies.
    • Emphasis on bipartisan, commonsense leadership, and mentorship.
    • Personal details, including his family and health-related resignation in 2023 after winning a seventh term.
  • The primary operative action: “That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Frank Miller Ruff, Jr.” and “That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family.”

Who is affected

  • While largely ceremonial, the resolution honors Ruff and recognizes his contributions to Virginia’s economy and rural communities.
  • The General Assembly, Ruff’s family, and constituents are the direct beneficiaries of the recognition and memorialization.

Procedural and timeline details

  • Introduced: January 30, 2025.
  • Action timeline:
    • January 30: Presented and laid on the Clerk’s desk.
    • February 5–6, 2025: Rules suspended and resolutions taken up/agreed to by Senate and House (40-Y 0-N in the Senate; concurrent passage with House action).
    • February 7, 2025: Enrolled as the final, passed version (SJ324ER).
  • The bill is a memorial resolution with no new statutory changes; its effect is ceremonial acknowledgment.

Notable context

  • The text notes Ruff’s contributions to multiple Virginia institutions (GO Virginia; Center for Rural Virginia) and his impact on workforce development and regional economic diversification.
  • The resolution reflects broad bipartisan sponsorship and alignment with Ruff’s public service legacy.

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

Sign in to ask a question.