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HJ 728

Commending Heman Bekele.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Elizabeth Bennett-Parker and 30 co-sponsors

Ceremonial resolution HJ728ER commends Heman Bekele (TIME Kid of the Year 2024) for medical-science work; no policy or funding changes, just recognition to inspire others.

Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ728ER)
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Bill Summary · HJ 728

Summary of House Joint Resolution HJ728ER — Commending Heman Bekele

Overview

  • Bill: HJ728ER (Enrolled)
  • Title: Commending Heman Bekele
  • Status: Enrolled; text as passed by both House and Senate (HJ728ER)
  • Introduced: February 17, 2025
  • Current Version: Enrolled 2025 Session; HJ728ER

This is a ceremonial resolutions bill that formally commends a student, Heman Bekele, for his achievements and recognizes his recognition as TIME magazine’s 2024 Kid of the Year. There are no regulatory or funding provisions; the measure is a statement of admiration and best wishes from the General Assembly.

Purpose and Intent

  • Officially commend Heman Bekele for being named TIME magazine’s 2024 Kid of the Year.
  • Express admiration for Bekele’s accomplishments in medical science and his ongoing academic and extracurricular pursuits.
  • Provide a formal presentation copy of the resolution to Bekele as a gesture of recognition.

Key Provisions and Provisions’ Substance

  • The resolution presents a series of introductory statements (WHEREAS) detailing Bekele’s biography, early interest in chemistry, and the development of a concept related to skin cancer treatment.
    • Bekele’s background: born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; moved to the United States at age four; active in science and music; participates in school activities (marching band, basketball, chess).
    • Accomplishments: Selected as TIME magazine’s 2024 Kid of the Year for contributions to medical science; involved in developing a concept involving imiquimod, a topical medication used in skin cancer treatment, explored as a standalone formulation.
    • Early support and collaboration: Won a Young Scientist Challenge sponsored by 3M with a $25,000 prize; partnered with Vito Rebecca of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health for testing.
  • The core operative clause states the General Assembly’s intention to commend Bekele for his achievement.
  • Administrative action: The Clerk of the House is directed to prepare a copy of the resolution for presentation to Heman Bekele.

Who Is Affected

  • Primarily honors Heman Bekele and, by extension, celebrates the achievements of a Virginia student (Carter G. Woodson High School, Fairfax).
  • The General Assembly and its Clerk are the formal actors executing the ceremonial recognition.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduced: February 17, 2025 (House joint resolution).
  • House Action: Engrossed February 18, 2025; Agreed to by the House (voice vote) February 18, 2025.
  • Senate Action: Agreed to by Senate by voice vote February 20, 2025.
  • Enrolled Version: HJ728ER; Final text as passed by both chambers (March 24, 2025 noted in actions).
  • Patronage: House patrons include numerous delegates; Senate sponsors include Senators Marsden and Pekarsky.

Impact and Significance

  • This resolution serves as a formal, non-binding acknowledgment of Bekele’s accomplishments and potential impact in the field of medical science.
  • It highlights achievement by a young student and may serve to inspire other students and communities.
  • No policy changes, funding, or regulatory effects accompany this bill.

If you’d like, I can extract the exact patron list or provide a side-by-side excerpt of the WHEREAS statements for quick reference.

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

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