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SJ 371

Commending Hoda Kotb.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Lashrecse Aird and 95 co-sponsors

Virginia's General Assembly commends Hoda Kotb on her Today retirement; a ceremonial honor recognizing her journalism career and Virginia ties.

Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ371ER)
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Bill Summary · SJ 371

Summary: Senate Joint Resolution No. 371 (SJ371ER) – Commending Hoda Kotb

Overview

SJ371ER is a ceremonial, non-binding joint resolution passed by the Virginia General Assembly to commend Hoda Kotb on the occasion of her retirement from NBC News' Today show. The enrolled text (SJ371ER) reflects passage by both chambers in February 2025.

Purpose and Intent

  • To publicly recognize and commend Hoda Kotb for her long career in journalism, her role as a prominent television anchor, and her retirement from the Today show.
  • To highlight Kotb’s Virginia connections and her broader contributions to journalism and television.

Key Provisions

  • The resolution states that the General Assembly commends Hoda Kotb, a former Alexandria resident and nationally renowned journalist, on the occasion of her retirement as a co-anchor of NBC News’ Today show.
  • It instructs the Clerk of the Senate to prepare and present a copy of the resolution to Hoda Kotb as an expression of admiration for her legacy and contributions to journalism and television news programming.
  • The text includes a biographical recital of Kotb’s background, education, career milestones, and awards (e.g., Daytime Emmy Awards, Edward R. Murrow Award, Peabody Award, Gracie Awards, Webby Award, Matrix Award), as well as notes on her advocacy for breast cancer survivors.

Who/What is Affected

  • Legislative bodies: Both the Senate and the House of Delegates (as a concurrent resolution).
  • Hoda Kotb: The recipient of the commendation.
  • Virginia and its constituents: The resolution underscores Kotb’s ties to Virginia (born in Oklahoma, raised in Northern Virginia, Virginia Tech alum) and frames the commendation as a reflection of the state’s appreciation for her achievements.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: February 12, 2025.
  • Senate: Agreed to by voice vote on February 13, 2025.
  • House of Delegates: Agreed to by voice vote on February 17, 2025.
  • Enrolled: February 19, 2025 (SJ371ER), reflecting passage by both chambers.
  • Key note: This is a ceremonial gesture with no fiscal impact, policy change, or regulatory effect.

Background on Hoda Kotb (as presented in the resolution)

  • Born in Oklahoma to Egyptian immigrants; spent much of youth in Northern Virginia; education at Virginia Tech (bachelor’s in broadcast journalism).
  • Career path through CBS and NBC affiliates, joined NBC News in 1998, became a longtime co-anchor of Today (notably with Kathie Lee Gifford and later with Jenna Bush Hager), and received multiple major journalism awards.
  • Advocate for breast cancer survivors and a recognized figure in morning television news.

Impact and Significance

  • The resolution serves to publicly honor a high-profile journalist with Virginia ties, recognizing career achievements and generosity in public life.
  • As a ceremonial instrument, it has symbolic value and reflects the General Assembly’s practice of acknowledging notable individuals.

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

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