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HJ189 • 2026

Commending the Richmond Forum Speech & Debate Initiative & the National Speech & Debate Association.

Commending the Richmond Forum Speech & Debate Initiative and the National Speech & Debate Association.

Enacted

This bill passed the Legislature and reached final enactment based on the latest official action.

Sponsor
Willett
Last action
2026-04-09
Official status
Passed
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The bill does not provide specific details about the number of visitors or activities at the tournament, but it acknowledges their hosting efforts.

Praise for Speech and Debate Programs

This bill praises the Richmond Forum Speech & Debate Initiative and the National Speech & Debate Association for hosting the 2026 National Speech & Debate Tournament in Richmond, Virginia.

What This Bill Does

  • Says nice things about the Richmond Forum Speech & Debate Initiative and the National Speech & Debate Association.
  • Praises them for organizing the 2026 National Speech & Debate Tournament in Richmond, Virginia.

Who It Names or Affects

  • The Richmond Forum Speech & Debate Initiative
  • The National Speech & Debate Association

Terms To Know

Commendation
An official statement of praise or approval from a group like the government.

Limits and Unknowns

  • This bill does not give any money or make new laws, it only says nice things.
  • It does not mention thanking local educators and community partners explicitly in the official text.

Bill History

  1. 2026-04-09 House

    Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ189ER)

  2. 2026-03-11 Senate

    Agreed to by Senate Block Vote (Voice Vote)

  3. 2026-03-10 Senate

    Received

  4. 2026-03-10 Senate

    Laid on Clerk's Desk

  5. 2026-03-09 House

    Engrossed by House

  6. 2026-03-09 House

    Agreed to by House by voice vote

  7. 2026-02-27 House

    Presented and laid on Speaker's table 26108091D

Official Summary Text

Commending the Richmond Forum Speech & Debate Initiative and the National Speech & Debate Association.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
Commending the Richmond Forum Speech & Debate Initiative and the National Speech & Debate Association.
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 9, 2026
Agreed to by the Senate, March 11, 2026
WHEREAS, the Richmond Forum Speech & Debate Initiative, in partnership with the National Speech & Debate Association, is proud to host the 2026 National Speech & Debate Tournament in Richmond this June, welcoming more than 10,000 visitors to Virginia's capital; and
WHEREAS, the Richmond Forum Speech & Debate Initiative recognizes that the ability to clearly communicate and thoughtfully engage in civil discourse is fundamental to a functioning democracy and that competitive speech and debate programs empower Virginia students with critical thinking and leadership skills; and
WHEREAS, the Richmond Forum Speech & Debate Initiative's hosting of the National Speech & Debate Tournament highlights the significant growth and success of speech and debate programs across the Commonwealth, which has been fostered by the dedicated efforts of local educators and community partners; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Richmond Forum Speech & Debate Initiative and the National Speech & Debate Association for hosting the National Speech & Debate Association's 2026 National Speech & Debate Tournament; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to representatives of the Richmond Forum Speech & Debate Initiative and the National Speech & Debate Association as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for their work in promoting civil discourse and academic excellence.