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HR 130

Celebrating the life of the Honorable James A. Davis.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Alex Askew and 72 co-sponsors

The resolution formally honors the life and public service of James A. Davis, recognizing his leadership in Virginia politics and higher education.

Bill text as passed House (HR130ER)
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Bill Summary · HR 130

Summary of House Resolution 130 (2026, Virginia)

Note: This document summarizes a House Resolution (HR 130) that commemorates an individual and memorializes their contributions. It is not a bill proposing new laws or fiscal changes.

1. Purpose and Intent

  • The primary purpose of HR 130 is to celebrate and publicly acknowledge the life and service of the Honorable James A. Davis.
  • The resolution recognizes Davis’s roles as a former member of the Virginia House of Delegates (1979–1982) and as the president emeritus of Shenandoah University, highlighting his leadership and impact on higher education and the Shenandoah Valley community.
  • The measure expresses condolences and respect from the House of Delegates and directs that a copy of the resolution be prepared for Davis’s family.

2. Key Provisions and Changes

  • Formal Recognition:
    • The House of Delegates acknowledges the life, public service, and achievements of James A. Davis.
    • It notes his background, including his education (degrees from Ferrum College, Randolph-Macon College, Virginia Tech, and Florida State University) and his leadership at Shenandoah University (formerly Shenandoah College and Conservatory) for 26 years.
  • Biographical Highlights:
    • Davis’s service as a state legislator for the Counties of Bedford, Franklin, and Rockbridge (and surrounding localities) from 1979 to 1982.
    • His post-legislative tenure as president of Shenandoah University, with emphasis on growth in academics, enrollment, campus development, athletics, and student life.
    • His civic and charitable affiliations with various organizations and faith-based ministries.
  • Memorial Provisions:
    • The Clerk of the House is directed to prepare and present a copy of the resolution to Davis’s family as an expression of the House’s respect and condolences.

3. Who or What Would Be Affected

  • Individuals:
    • The Honorable James A. Davis (deceased as of October 7, 2025) is the central figure celebrated.
    • Davis’s family and supporters are recipients of the formal memorial.
  • Institutions and Entities:
    • Shenandoah University (and its community) is recognized for its leadership under Davis.
    • The communities in the Shenandoah Valley and broader Commonwealth acknowledging his impact.
  • Governmental Body:
    • The Virginia House of Delegates issues the resolution as a ceremonial, non-binding expression of respect.

4. Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Status:
    • Agreed to by the House of Delegates on February 24, 2026.
    • Enrolled and later passed the House on April 16, 2026 (HR130ER).
  • Process:
    • Introduced and taken up for immediate consideration on February 24, 2026.
    • Engrossed by the House on February 24, 2026.
    • Final action recorded as “Bill text as passed House (HR130ER)” on April 16, 2026.
  • Sponsors:
    • A broad list of co-sponsors representing many members of the House, indicating wide bipartisan or cross-member support for the commemorative measure.

5. Observations

  • This resolution is ceremonial and commemorative, focusing on recognizing a public figure’s contributions rather than creating legal or fiscal obligations.
  • It serves to formalize the community’s gratitude and preserve the memory of James A. Davis’s leadership in education and public service.

If you would like, I can format this into an at-a-glance fact sheet or provide a side-by-side comparison with typical memorial resolutions in Virginia.

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

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