Bill

HR 2011

Celebrating the life of the Honorable Marian Van Landingham.

2026, 1st Special Session Introduced by Bonita Anthony and 53 co-sponsors

Ceremonially honors Marian Van Landingham for her lifelong public service, leadership in Alexandria’s arts and community, and long legislative career.

Bill text as passed House (HR2011ER)

WeVote Research Nonpartisan

Bill Summary · HR 2011

Summary of HR 2011 (2026 Special Session I, Virginia)

Title

Celebrating the life of the Honorable Marian Van Landingham.

Purpose and Intent

To publicly acknowledge and honor the life, public service, and contributions of Marian Van Landingham, a prominent Alexandria community leader, artist, and former Virginia legislator.
The resolution commemorates her role in shaping Alexandria’s arts culture (notably the Torpedo Factory Art Center) and her long career in public service as a member of the Virginia House of Delegates.

Key Provisions

Expresses the Virginia House of Delegates’ official sorrow at Marian Van Landingham’s death on April 4, 2026.
Catalogs her life achievements and impact, including:
- Founding and leadership roles in Alexandria’s arts community (tied to the Torpedo Factory Arts Center; Opened Sept. 15, 1974).
- Founding director of the Alexandria Volunteer Bureau (now Volunteer Alexandria) in 1980.
- Service as a Virginia House of Delegates member representing Alexandria and surrounding communities starting in 1982.
- Historical significance as the first female chair of the Privileges and Elections Committee; active member of the Appropriations Committee.
- Advocacy for funding and programs in public education, mental health, Medicaid, child care, services for older Virginians and the unhoused, and community-based initiatives.
- Recognition as a long-serving, senior female lawmaker (retired in 2005) and continued civic involvement, particularly for artists.
- Multiple awards and honors (e.g., Washingtonian of the Year 1974; Living Legend of Alexandria; Virginia Women in History; 2024 Bernard “Ben” Brenman Archaeology in Alexandria Award).
Requests the Clerk of the House to prepare and present a copy of the resolution to Van Landingham’s family as an expression of respect and remembrance.

Who/What Is Affected

While primarily ceremonial, the resolution affects:
- The Virginia House of Delegates as the body issuing the memorial.
- Marian Van Landingham’s family and the Alexandria community, acknowledging her legacy.
It codifies an official expression of mourning and tribute but does not enact regulatory or fiscal changes.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Prefiled and laid on the Speaker’s table on April 22, 2026.
Offered and introduced as House Resolution No. 2011 on April 23, 2026 (Session: 2026 Special Session I).
No fiscal or regulatory provisions are attached; the action is ceremonial and commemorative.

Bottom Line

HR 2011 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Marian Van Landingham for her pivotal contributions to Alexandria’s arts scene, her long service in Virginia government, and her ongoing civic leadership. It serves as an official expression of respect and remembrance by the Virginia House of Delegates.

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