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SJ 337

Commending Ken Jessup.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Lashrecse Aird and 39 co-sponsors

Ceremonial Senate resolution to commend Ken Jessup for three-plus decades of disability advocacy; non-binding and failed to pass, granting formal recognition only.

Failed to pass
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SJ 337

Summary: Senate Joint Resolution No. 337 (SJ337) — Commending Ken Jessup

Overview

  • Bill type: Senate Joint Resolution (non-binding, ceremonial)
  • Title: Commending Ken Jessup
  • Status: Failed to pass
  • Introduced: February 3, 2025
  • Version content: Full set of “WHEREAS” statements praising Ken Jessup’s career and service; final resolve clause to commend him and have a copy presented to him
  • Legislative actions: Laid on Clerk’s Desk on 2/3/2025; No further action; Failed to pass on 2/22/2025
  • Patronage: A broad slate of legislators sponsored the measure

Purpose and Intent

SJ337 is a symbolic gesture by the General Assembly to recognize and commend Ken Jessup for his decades of advocacy on behalf of individuals with disabilities. The resolution highlights his personal background (blind since birth) and his lifelong commitment to improving programs, services, and quality of life for people with disabilities. The document frames Jessup as a longtime influencer in Virginia’s disability services community and a leader in related organizations and initiatives.

Key Provisions

  • The resolution enumerates numerous “WHEREAS” statements detailing Jessup’s:
    • Personal background and advocacy work
    • Roles with organizations such as Support Services of Virginia, Eggleston Services, Virginia Association for the Blind, and the Virginia Assistive Technology System
    • Leadership positions (e.g., chairing advisory committees, serving on boards related to vision impairment, independent living, and elections)
    • Local impact in Virginia Beach, including chairing the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities and involvement with the Sister Cities Association
    • Recognition from groups such as Rotary International
    • Contributions as a writer and author
  • Final operative clause: “Be it Resolved by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Ken Jessup for his legacy of service,” followed by instruction for the Clerk to prepare and present a copy of the resolution to Jessup

Affected Parties and Impact

  • Primary beneficiary: Ken Jessup
  • Indirect beneficiaries: Individuals with disabilities and the broader disability advocacy community (through recognition of leadership and service)
  • Governmental impact: Purely ceremonial; no creation of programs, policy changes, or funding
  • Fiscal impact: None anticipated; no budgetary provisions

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduced: February 3, 2025 (SJ337)
  • Legislative actions: Laid on Clerk’s Desk Feb 3; no observed committee or floor actions; no amendments
  • Status outcome: Failed to pass as of February 22, 2025
  • Effect of failure: The resolution did not receive adoption by the General Assembly

Bottom Line

SJ337 sought to publicly honor Ken Jessup’s three-plus decades of disability advocacy through a ceremonial commendation. While it achieved broad sponsorship and detailed acknowledgments of his work, the measure did not advance to enactment, ultimately failing to pass in February 2025. The record nevertheless serves as a formal acknowledgment of Jessup’s impact within Virginia.

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

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