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SJ 375

Commending Ruth Anne Walker.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Creigh Deeds

The resolution formally commends Ruth Anne Walker for twenty years of public service in Virginia’s DBHDS, highlighting her leadership and contributions, including eugenics program

Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ375ER)
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Bill Summary · SJ 375

Summary of Senate Joint Resolution No. 375 (SJ375ER)

Overview

  • Bill type: Senate Joint Resolution (ceremonial/commendation)
  • Bill number: SJ375 (Enrolled version SJ375ER)
  • Title: Commending Ruth Anne Walker
  • Sponsor: Patron Deeds
  • Introduced: February 13, 2025
  • Status (as enacted): Passed by both Senate and House; enrolled as SJ375ER on February 21, 2025
  • Subject: A formal commendation recognizing Ruth Anne Walker upon her retirement from public service

Purpose and Intent

SJ375ER serves to publicly acknowledge and honor Ruth Anne Walker for her twenty-year career with the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) and to express the General Assembly’s gratitude for her leadership, integrity, and contributions to the Commonwealth. The resolution highlights her varied roles within DBHDS and notes her retirement in December 2024.

Key Provisions

  • The resolution states that Ruth Anne Walker served the Commonwealth in numerous roles (including confidential assistant, policy administrator, regulatory coordinator, marketing manager, public relations and legislative manager, and policy planning specialist) and concluded her career as Director of the Office of Regulatory Affairs and State Board Liaison within the Division of Provider Management on January 1, 2025.
  • It commends her for honesty, integrity, forthrightness, leadership, professionalism, and commitment to self-determination, empowerment, and recovery of individuals served.
  • It recognizes her role in advancing meaningful system structures, notably citing her involvement with the Virginia Victims of Eugenics Sterilization Compensation Program (a program providing recompense to individuals sterilized under the Virginia Sterilization Act of 1924).
  • The resolution concludes with a formal expression of admiration and gratitude from the General Assembly and directs the Clerk of the Senate to prepare a copy of the resolution for presentation to Ruth Anne Walker.

Who is Affected

  • Primary beneficiary: Ruth Anne Walker (the individual being commended).
  • Indirect beneficiaries: The Commonwealth and its citizens who benefit from the public service exemplified by Walker’s career.
  • No policy or regulatory changes are enacted; this is a ceremonial recognition.

Legislative History and Timeline

  • Introduced: February 13, 2025
  • Engrossed by Senate: February 19, 2025
  • Agreed to by Senate: February 19, 2025 (voice vote)
  • Agreed to by House of Delegates: February 20, 2025 (voice vote)
  • Enrolled: February 21, 2025
  • Final status: SJ375ER (Enrolled)

Fiscal and Administrative Considerations

  • No fiscal impact or regulatory changes are attached to this resolution.
  • Administrative action: Clerk of the Senate to prepare a commemorative copy for presentation to Ruth Anne Walker.

Context and Significance

SJ375ER reflects a customary legislative practice of recognizing long-serving public employees upon retirement. It highlights Walker’s career within DBHDS and acknowledges her role in advancing programs related to behavioral health and the rights and welfare of Virginians, including victims connected to historical eugenics policies.

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

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