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Bill

HJ 679

Commending United Methodist Family Services.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Lamont Bagby and 4 co-sponsors

A ceremonial resolution from the General Assembly commends United Methodist Family Services for 125 years of service to children and families, with no policy or funding changes.

Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ679ER)
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Bill Summary · HJ 679

Summary of House Joint Resolution 679 (HJ679ER)

Overview

  • Official title: House Joint Resolution No. 679, enrolled as HJ679ER
  • Purpose: Ceremonial resolution commending United Methodist Family Services (UMFS) on the occasion of its 125th anniversary (1900–2025)
  • Status: Enrolled; text as passed by both the House and Senate
  • Introduced: February 14, 2025
  • Key outcome: A formal expression of the General Assembly’s admiration and gratitude to UMFS, with a directive to the Clerk to present a copy of the resolution to UMFS’s board of directors

What the bill does

  • Public acknowledgment: The General Assembly commends UMFS for 125 years of service to children and families in the Commonwealth.
  • Descriptive background: The resolution highlights UMFS as a private, nonprofit, nonsectarian organization that provides services to children in crisis, foster families, and vulnerable youth; notes UMFS’s origins in 1900 and its evolution into a statewide leader in:
    • Child welfare
    • Foster care
    • Adoption services
    • Community-based services
    • Specialized education via Charterhouse School
    • Residential treatment
    • Therapeutic foster care
    • Independent living support for youth aging out of foster care
  • Partnerships: Acknowledges UMFS’s collaborations with state and local government agencies, faith communities, volunteers, and other nonprofit organizations
  • Formal directive: The Clerk of the House of Delegates is instructed to prepare a copy of the resolution for presentation to the UMFS board of directors

Provisions and language (highlights)

  • “Whereas” clauses recount UMFS’s history, mission, and impact
  • “Resolved” clauses formalize the commendation and authorize presentation to UMFS
  • The resolution serves purely ceremonial/recognition purposes; it does not create new programs, funding, or policy changes

Who is affected

  • United Methodist Family Services (UMFS) and its board of directors receive formal recognition from the General Assembly
  • No statutory or fiscal changes are imposed on UMFS or Commonwealth agencies
  • The general public may learn of UMFS’s 125-year history through this official recognition

Legislative history and timeline

  • Introduced: February 14, 2025
  • House actions: Engrossed February 18, 2025; agreed to by House by voice vote (same day)
  • Senate actions: Agreed to by Senate by voice vote February 20, 2025
  • Enrolled: March 24, 2025 (HJ679ER)
  • Current status: Enrolled; text reflects the agreed-upon ceremonial resolution

Potential impact and uses

  • Symbolic value: Elevates awareness of UMFS’s contributions to child welfare in the Commonwealth
  • Public relations: May support UMFS’s fundraising, donor engagement, and community visibility
  • Policy relevance: None; no new mandates, appropriations, or regulatory changes are created

Quick facts

  • Patronage: House patrons Carr, Reid, Cousins, and McQuinn; Senator Bagby
  • Effective date: Ceremonial resolution; no operative effective date beyond enactment as enrolled resolution
  • Related material: The resolution recognizes 125 years of service and its impact on children, youth, and families in the Commonwealth

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

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