Virginia 2026 Regular Session

Virginia Senate Bill SR71

Introduced
2/24/26  
Refer
2/24/26  
Report Pass
2/27/26  
Engrossed
3/4/26  

Caption

Relating to a portrait of Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears.

Summary

Senate Resolution 71 authorizes the Senate to arrange for a painted and framed portrait of Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears to be placed in the Capitol. It designates a committee made up of the President pro tempore, the Senate Rules Chair, the Majority Leader, the Minority Leader, and the Clerk of the Senate to contract for the portrait and oversee its completion and placement. The resolution also authorizes the Clerk of the Senate to spend whatever amount is necessary from the Senate contingent fund to carry out the project. As a resolution focused on an official portrait, it does not amend the Code of Virginia or create broader policy changes; its effect is limited to a ceremonial and administrative expenditure by the Senate.

Impact

SR71 affects Senate administrative authority and use of contingent funds by directing the Clerk of the Senate to finance and execute the commissioning of an official portrait for the Capitol. It does not change substantive state law or regulate any private parties, but it does formally authorize a ceremonial Capitol display honoring the Lieutenant Governor.

Sentiment

The available record shows unanimous or near-unanimous institutional support, with the resolution agreed to by the Senate. Because there are no committee transcripts or recorded votes showing opposition, the overall sentiment appears positive and noncontroversial, reflecting a routine ceremonial action rather than a policy dispute.

Contention

No notable contention is evident in the provided materials. The resolution is a commemorative measure, and the only practical issue implied by the text is the use of Senate contingent funds and the selection/commissioning process for the portrait, but no objections or competing viewpoints are recorded.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

VA HJR502

Governor; portrait.

VA HR545

Commending the Hampton Roads Leadership Prayer Breakfast.

VA SJR270

Constitutional amendment; term limits for Lieutenant Governor & Attorney General (first reference).

VA SJR10

Constitutional amendment; term limits for Lieutenant Governor & Attorney General (first reference).

VA HB2462

Unauthorized use of name, portrait, etc.; digital replica, civil liability, statute of limitations.

VA HR479

Commending Grayson County High School.

VA HR542

Celebrating the life of First Lieutenant Zachary Dart Galli, USA.

VA SJR444

Celebrating the life of Lieutenant General Arthur J. Gregg, USA, Ret.

VA HR783

Celebrating the life of Lieutenant General Arthur J. Gregg, USA, Ret.

VA SR195

Commending Lieutenant Colonel Theresa M. Claiborne, USAF, Ret.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.