WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HR 2162

Commending the Honorable Joseph Walton Milam, Jr.

2026, 1st Special Session Introduced by Eric Phillips and 1 co-sponsor

Virginia honors longtime chief judge Joseph Walton Milam, Jr. for 24 years of service and contributions to the judiciary and community upon his 2026 retirement.

Bill text as passed House (HR2162ER)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 2162

Overview

  • Bill type: House Resolution (HR 2162)
  • Session/Jurisdiction: Virginia, 2026 Special Session I
  • Purpose: Commendation of the Honorable Joseph Walton Milam, Jr. upon his retirement from the bench

Main purpose and intent

  • The resolution formally commends and honors Joseph Walton Milam, Jr. for his 24 years of service as chief judge of the Twenty-Second Judicial Circuit (Danville, Pittsylvania County, and Franklin County) and for his broader contributions to Virginia’s judiciary and community.

Key provisions and changes

  • Expressions of commendation:
    • Acknowledges Milam’s retirement from the judiciary in 2026.
    • Highlights his education: geology degree from Emory University and a J.D. from the University of Richmond School of Law (1983), with roles on the Law Review and Student Legal Forum.
    • Outlines his professional career prior to becoming a judge (Woods Rogers PLC; leadership roles and practice areas).
    • Details his judicial tenure: elected to the Twenty-Second Judicial Circuit in 2001, reelected in 2009 and 2017.
    • Notes his broader service: Judicial Council of Virginia, Judicial Conference of Virginia, mentoring programs, and various Bar associations.
    • Describes post-retirement activity: mediator/neutral with The McCammon Group.
    • Mentions community involvement: multiple local organizations and charitable/community groups.
  • Formal acknowledgments:
    • The Clerk of the House of Delegates is instructed to prepare and present a copy of the resolution to Milam as a formal expression of admiration and best wishes.

Who is affected

  • Primary subject: The Honorable Joseph Walton Milam, Jr.
  • No direct operational or financial impact on state agencies or programs.
  • The resolution serves as a ceremonial recognition by the Virginia House of Delegates.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced and laid on the Speaker’s table on June 20, 2026, during Special Session I.
  • As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new law, funding, or regulatory changes.
  • Sponsored by Representatives Whittle and Phillips (co-sponsors).

Impact and significance

  • Symbolic importance: Official statewide recognition of Milam’s contributions to Virginia’s judiciary and community service.
  • Potential civic value: Highlights the role of judges, mentors, and bar associations in the legal system, potentially encouraging public service and professional engagement.

If you’d like, I can add a brief biographical timeline drawn from the text or compare this resolution to typical commendations in Virginia legislative practice.

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

Sign in to ask a question.