1/16/2026 HJ 3 SEN.
HJ3
Constitutional amendment (second reference); marriage between two adult persons; repeal of same-sex marriage prohibition; affirmative right to marry.
Bill record
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Official record
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Constitutional amendment (second reference); marriage between two adult persons; repeal of same-sex marriage prohibition; affirmative right to marry. Repeals the constitutional provision defining marriage as only a union between one man and one woman as well as the related provisions that are no longer valid as a result of the United States Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges , 576 U.S. 644 (2015). The amendment prohibits the Commonwealth and its political subdivisions from denying the issuance of a marriage license to two adult persons seeking a lawful marriage on the basis of the sex, gender, or race of such persons. The Commonwealth and its political subdivisions are required to recognize any lawful marriage between two adult persons and to treat such marriages equally under the law, regardless of the sex, gender, or race of such persons.
Official activity
Bill history
- Approved by Governor-Chapter 975 (effective 7/1/2026)Governor
- Assigned Chapter 975 (Effective 7/1/2026)House
- Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0975)Governor
- Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0975)Governor
- Signed by SpeakerHouse
- Signed by PresidentSenate
- Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ3ER)House
- Read third timeSenate
- Agreed to by SenateSenate
- Floor offeredSenate
- Reading of amendment waived (Voice Vote)Senate
- Senator Jordan, Emily M. Amendment rejectedSenate
- Passed SenateSenate
- Read second timeSenate
- Reported from Privileges and Elections (10-Y 3-N)Privileges and Elections
- Referred to Committee on Privileges and ElectionsPrivileges and Elections
- Reported from Privileges and Elections (16-Y 6-N)Privileges and Elections
- Taken upHouse
- Engrossed by HouseHouse
- Agreed to by House (67-Y 31-N 0-A)House
Changes
Amendments
1 stored