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HJ 544

Commending Ross A. Mugler.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jed Arnold and 28 co-sponsors

Ceremonial recognition by Virginia Assembly commends Ross A. Mugler for 32 years as Hampton’s Commissioner of the Revenue and public service.

Failed to pass
0
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Bill Summary · HJ 544

Summary of House Joint Resolution 544 (HJ 544) – Commending Ross A. Mugler

Overview

HJ 544 is a ceremonial House Joint Resolution intended to commend and recognize Ross A. Mugler on the occasion of his retirement as the City of Hampton’s Commissioner of the Revenue. The measure is explicitly non-binding and ceremonial, reflecting appreciation for Mugler’s public service rather than creating any new law or policy.

  • Bill Number: HJ 544
  • Title: Commending Ross A. Mugler
  • Introduced: January 23, 2025
  • Status: Failed to pass (as of February 22, 2025)
  • Classification: House Joint Resolution
  • Patronage: House patrons include Green, Arnold, Askew, Bulova, Callsen, Clark, Cole, Cordoza, Earley, Ennis, Feggans, Hayes, Henson, Hope, Lovejoy, McQuinn, Owen, Rasoul, Scott, D. Shin, Walker, and Ware; Senators listed as Cifers, Deeds, Diggs, McDougle, Reeves, Rouse, and Salim

Purpose and Intent

  • The core purpose is to formally commend Ross A. Mugler for his long service and leadership as Hampton’s Commissioner of the Revenue, and to extend best wishes for his retirement.
  • The resolution expresses high regard for Mugler’s career and contributions to the City of Hampton and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Key Provisions (What the bill would do)

  • The General Assembly would officially commend Ross A. Mugler on the occasion of his retirement.
  • The Clerk of the House of Delegates would prepare a copy of the resolution to present to Mugler as an expression of the General Assembly’s esteem.
  • The resolution would serve as an official record of appreciation for Mugler’s public service.

Note: As a ceremonial resolution, the bill does not impose new duties, authorize expenditures, or alter existing law or policy.

Background and Achievements Highlighted (as stated in the resolution)

  • Mugler served as commissioner of the revenue for the City of Hampton for 32 years, retiring December 31, 2024.
  • Education: bachelor’s in business administration and master’s in public administration from Old Dominion University; accredited as a master commissioner of the revenue by UVA’s Weldon Cooper Center.
  • Career: previously worked in the finance and marketing divisions at Newport News Shipbuilding (1985–1992).
  • Community and regional service: chaired or served on boards including the Thomas Nelson Community College Education Foundation, Hampton Education Foundation, Virginia Living Museum, and Virginia Air and Space Science Center.
  • Leadership in the arts and fundraising: as president of the Hampton Arts Foundation, led a $4 million fundraising campaign for the American Theatre expansion.
  • State and national involvement: Governor Northam transition team member; Virginia 529 Board of Directors; Old Dominion University Board of Visitors (served as rector); national roles with the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges; advisor to U.S. Senator Mark Warner.
  • Recognitions: Sam T. Barfield Award of Excellence (2015) from the Commissioners of the Revenue Association of Virginia.
  • Overall impact: regarded as instrumental to Hampton’s success over three decades and worthy of esteem by Virginians.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Primary: Ross A. Mugler (the honoree).
  • Indirect: residents of Hampton and the Commonwealth, given the ceremonial recognition by the General Assembly; the Clerk of the House would issue a copy of the resolution to Mugler.

Procedural History and Timeline

  • 2025-01-23: Introduced and presented (laid on Speaker’s table); resolution number HJ544.
  • 2025-02-03: “Passed by for the day until February 23, 2025” (parliamentary action noted).
  • 2025-02-22: No further action taken; Resolution failed to pass.
  • Result: Status shows as “Failed to pass,” with no subsequent action recorded.

Fiscal/Administrative Considerations

  • No fiscal impact or appropriations are stated.
  • This is a ceremonial equal recognition with no policy or budgetary changes.

Summary

HJ 544 is a ceremonial expression by the Virginia General Assembly recognizing Ross A. Mugler’s 32-year tenure as Hampton’s Commissioner of the Revenue and his broader public service. While the measure successfully laid out Mugler’s extensive contributions and affiliations, it ultimately did not advance to passage. The resolution would have produced an official copy for Mugler, but it does not alter laws, funding, or governance beyond formal commendation.

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

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