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HJ 645

Commending John Edward Burton III.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Terry Austin and 4 co-sponsors

Virginia General Assembly commends John Edward Burton III (Ward Burton) for conservation and philanthropy; ceremonial resolution with no new laws or funding.

Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ645ER)
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Bill Summary · HJ 645

Summary: HJ645 — Commending John Edward Burton III (HJ645ER)

Overview

  • Bill Number: HJ645
  • Title: Commending John Edward Burton III
  • Status: Enrolled version (HJ645ER); passed both House and Senate
  • Introduced: February 12, 2025
  • Patrons: Austin, Davis, Marshall, Phillips, and Wright
  • Nature of measure: A ceremonial House Joint Resolution recognizing and commending an individual for conservation work and philanthropy; non-binding and without new policy or funding authority

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill seeks formal recognition by the Virginia General Assembly of John Edward Burton III, known as Ward Burton, for his extensive conservation work in the Commonwealth and the United States through the Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation.
  • The resolution expresses admiration for Burton’s contributions to natural-resource conservation, environmental education, veterans’ outreach, and collaborations with public and private partners.

Background on John Edward Burton III (Ward Burton)

  • Former professional stock car racing driver with notable achievements (e.g., 2001 Southern 500; 2002 Daytona 500; wins in the NASCAR Xfinity Series).
  • Longstanding public service and conservation roles, including:
    • Spokesperson for Virginia State Parks (2003).
    • Appointed to the Virginia Board of Game and Inland Fisheries (2005).
    • Founder of the Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation, focusing on habitat management, forestry stewardship, water-quality initiatives, invasive species control, and land conservation.
  • Foundation activities and partnerships:
    • Collaboration with federal, state, and local agencies, landowners, and programs to protect wildlife and habitats.
    • Work with the Army National Guard’s Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) program to support environmental resiliency.
    • Veteran-focused events with USO, Wounded Warrior Project, and Project Healing Waters.
    • Youth outdoor-education programs reaching hundreds of schools; engagement with archaeology and historical preservation efforts.
    • Cooperation with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources Conservation Police K9 Program; involvement with local historical and scientific institutions.
  • Recognitions include the Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award (2008).

Key Provisions

  • The General Assembly “commends” John Edward Burton III for his contributions to conservation and protection of Virginia’s natural resources.
  • The Clerk of the House is directed to prepare a copy of the resolution for presentation to Burton as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for his conservation and philanthropic work.
  • The measure is ceremonial in nature and does not create new law, policy mandates, or financial appropriations.

Procedural History and Timeline

  • Introduced: February 12, 2025
  • Engrossed in House: February 19, 2025
  • Agreed to by House: February 19, 2025 (voice vote)
  • Agreed to by Senate: February 22, 2025 (voice vote)
  • Enrolled: By March 21, 2025 (HJ645ER reflects the enrolled version after cross-chamber passage)

Impact and Audience

  • Primary effect: formal, ceremonial recognition of Burton’s conservation and philanthropic work.
  • Fiscal impact: Negligible or none, aside from routine publication/printing costs for the resolution.
  • Audience: residents of Virginia, conservationists, veterans’ and youth-education advocates, and supporters of wildlife and natural-resource stewardship.

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

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