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HJ 498

Kindness Day; designating as April 6, 2025, and each succeeding year thereafter.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Chad Green

Designates April 6 as Kindness Day in Virginia each year, a ceremonial recognition honoring Josh Peck and promoting student kindness and volunteer service across the state.

Left in Rules
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Bill Summary · HJ 498

Summary of HJ 498 — Kindness Day; designation of April 6 as Kindness Day in Virginia

Status: Left in Rules
Introduced: January 16, 2025
Referred to Committee: Rules
Legislative actions: Presented and printed January 16, 2025; Left in Rules as of February 4, 2025

Overview

House Joint Resolution 498 would designate April 6, 2025, and each subsequent year, as Kindness Day in Virginia. The resolution is a symbolic, commemorative designation rather than a law requiring specific actions or spending.

Purpose and Intent

  • To honor the memory and legacy of Joshua Chamberlain Peck (known as Josh Peck), a child from a military family with ties to Williamsburg, Virginia.
  • To promote and encourage acts of kindness and volunteer service by Virginians, inspired by Josh Peck’s life and community initiatives.
  • To recognize Laurel Lane Elementary School’s “Josh’s Kindness Squad,” which has organized student-led kindness activities and service projects.

Key Provisions

  • Designation: April 6 of 2025 and every year thereafter shall be “Kindness Day” in Virginia.
  • Rationale: The resolution cites Josh Peck’s life, values (lifelong learning, integrity, servant leadership), and community impact (involvement in swimming, cooking, guitar, Cub Scouts, photography, old technology research; and acts of kindness at Laurel Lane Elementary School).
  • Recognition and Outreach:
    • The Clerk of the House is directed to transmit a copy of the resolution to Josh Peck’s family.
    • The Clerk is also instructed to post the designation on the General Assembly’s website.
  • Nature of the measure: As a joint resolution, it serves as a formal recognition rather than establishing regulatory requirements or budgetary provisions.

Who/What Would Be Affected

  • Virginia General Assembly and its website (official posting).
  • Students, educators, and communities across Virginia, to the extent they observe or participate in Kindness Day activities.
  • The family of Joshua Peck, who would receive formal acknowledgment from the General Assembly.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • This is a memorial/recognition measure moving through the standard joint-resolution process.
  • Current status is “Left in Rules,” indicating it has not advanced to floor votes as of the latest action.
  • If enacted, the designation would take effect annually on April 6 beginning in 2025.

Potential Impact

  • Heightens public awareness of kindness and volunteerism in Virginia.
  • Provides a recurring, symbolic opportunity for schools and communities to plan or highlight acts of service and appreciation.
  • Adds a formal commemorative timestamp on government records and the General Assembly website recognizing Josh Peck’s legacy.

Notes: The bill contains multiple “WHEREAS” statements detailing Josh Peck’s background, community involvement, and the rationale for the designation. There is no indicated fiscal appropriation or mandatory program; the change is largely ceremonial.

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

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