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HR 106

Commemorating the life and legacy of Mildred Delores Jeter Loving.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bonita Anthony and 24 co-sponsors

Virginia commends Mildred Loving’s life and legacy for her role in overturning anti-miscegenation laws and advancing marriage equality.

Bill text as passed House (HR106ER)
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Bill Summary · HR 106

Summary of House Resolution 106 (2026) – Commonwealth of Virginia

Purpose

  • To commemorate the life and legacy of Mildred Delores Jeter Loving, a pivotal figure in the civil rights movement who was central to the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case Loving v. Virginia (1967), which struck down laws banning interracial marriage.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Formal commemoration: The resolution acknowledges Mildred Loving’s courage, dignity, and her role in challenging Virginia’s Racial Integrity Act of 1924 and overturning anti-miscegenation laws.
  • Historical recap:
    • Born July 22, 1939, in Caroline County, Virginia.
    • Married Richard Loving on June 2, 1958, in Washington, D.C., to circumvent Virginia’s anti-miscegenation law.
    • Local police raid and charges in July 1958; guilty pleas with a sentence of one year in prison suspended on the condition of leaving Virginia for 25 years.
    • Exile from Caroline County for about a decade, later returning after the Supreme Court decision.
    • In 1963, aided the legal challenge that culminated in Loving v. Virginia (1967), which invalidated interracial marriage bans in 16 states and affirmed marriage as a basic civil right.
    • Post-ruling life in Virginia with her family; public statements in support of marriage equality in 2007.
  • Recognition of enduring impact: The resolution notes Loving Day (June 12) as a national celebration of the case’s legacy and ongoing pursuit of equal marriage rights.
  • Formal action:
    • The House of Delegates commends the life and legacy of Mildred Loving on the occasion of Loving Day in 2026.
    • The Clerk of the House is directed to prepare and present a copy of the resolution to Mildred Loving’s family as a token of admiration.

Who/What Would Be Affected

  • Legislative recognition and public commemoration rather than legal or regulatory changes.
  • The primary beneficiaries are:
    • Mildred Delores Jeter Loving’s family and the broader Virginia community, through formal acknowledgment of civil rights history.
    • Public awareness of Loving v. Virginia and its historical significance, including ongoing discussions about marriage equality.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Status: Enrolled/Agreed to by the House (February 12, 2026).
  • Action history indicates standard ceremonial resolution process.
  • Final step: Clerk to prepare a commemorative copy for the Loving family.
  • Effective date: The commemoration is set in the context of Loving Day, June 12, 2026.

Commentary

  • This is a commemorative, non-lawmaking resolution focused on recognizing an important civil rights milestone and honoring Mildred Loving’s contributions.
  • While it does not create new legal obligations or policy changes, it underscores the Commonwealth’s acknowledgment of the historical impact of Loving v. Virginia and its enduring relevance to marriage equality.

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

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