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HJ198 • 2026

Commending Brad Hughes.

Commending Brad Hughes.

Education
Enacted

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

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

Plain English Breakdown

Checked against official source text during the last sync.

Praise for Brad Hughes

This legislation commends Brad Hughes for raising awareness about safe driving habits.

What This Bill Does

  • Honors Brad Hughes for his efforts in making roads safer by talking about the dangers of distracted driving.
  • Recognizes Brad Hughes's bravery and dedication after he was injured while helping people during a car accident caused by a distracted driver.
  • Acknowledges that Brad Hughes has spoken to over 40,000 students and community groups about safe driving.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Brad Hughes is the person being honored in this legislation.

Terms To Know

Distracted Driving
When a driver does something that takes their attention away from driving, like using a phone or eating.

Limits and Unknowns

  • This resolution is just an expression of praise and does not create any new laws or rules.
  • The bill does not specify how Brad Hughes will receive the commendation.

Bill History

  1. 2026-04-09 House

    Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ198ER)

  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

    Taken up for immediate consideration

  6. 2026-03-09 House

    Engrossed by House

  7. 2026-03-09 House

    Agreed to by House by voice vote

  8. 2026-03-03 House

    Passed by for the day until March 9, 2026

  9. 2026-03-02 House

    Presented and laid on Speaker's table 26105370D

Official Summary Text

Commending Brad Hughes.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
Commending Brad Hughes.
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 9, 2026
Agreed to by the Senate, March 11, 2026
WHEREAS, Brad Hughes, a special deputy with the Powhatan County Sheriff's Office, has worked diligently to make the Commonwealth's roadways safer by raising awareness of the dangers of distracted driving; and
WHEREAS, on March 17, 2014, Brad Hughes responded to the scene of a 17-car pile-up on Midlothian Turnpike during an ice storm; and
WHEREAS, while assisting victims of the crash, Brad Hughes was struck by a distracted driver and sustained serious injuries, resulting in the amputation of both his legs; and
WHEREAS, demonstrating incredible resilience and determination, Brad Hughes made it his personal mission to prevent distracted driving and save lives; and
WHEREAS, as a special deputy with the community engagement team of the Powhatan County Sheriff's Office, Brad Hughes regularly speaks to public school students or community groups about his story and the dangers of distracted driving; and
WHEREAS, Brad Hughes has touched the lives of more than 40,000 students through his heartfelt and engaging presentations; and
WHEREAS, Brad Hughes has received widespread recognition for his public safety advocacy, including the 2025 Virginia Highway Safety Awards-Rising Star Award, the 2025 Cole Sydnor Trauma Survivor Giving Back Award, and the 2024 Martin H. Schlosser Award for Traffic Safety Activism; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Brad Hughes for his achievements in advocacy for safe driving habits; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Brad Hughes as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for his courage, dedication, and commitment to public safety.