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SR35 • 2026

Commending Bernard A. Pishko.

Commending Bernard A. Pishko.

Enacted

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

Sponsor
Williams Graves
Last action
2026-02-06
Official status
Passed
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The candidate explanation includes details about Bernard A. Pishko's work that are not directly supported by the plain text of the resolution but are implied from the context provided in the bill text.

Commending Bernard A. Pishko

This resolution commends Bernard A. Pishko for his long service as city attorney of Norfolk.

What This Bill Does

  • Commemorates Bernard A. Pishko's work as the city attorney of Norfolk.
  • Acknowledges his contributions to legal matters and public service in Norfolk over four decades.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Bernard A. Pishko
  • The City of Norfolk

Terms To Know

City Attorney
A lawyer who provides legal advice to a city government and represents the city in court.
Resolution
An official statement or decision made by a legislative body, often expressing approval or commendation.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The resolution does not provide any financial support or legal benefits.
  • It is an expression of appreciation and has no enforceable actions.

Bill History

  1. 2026-02-06 Senate

    Bill text as passed Senate (SR35ER)

  2. 2026-02-05 Senate

    Agreed to by Senate by voice vote

  3. 2026-02-05 Senate

    Agreed to by Senate by Block Vote (Voice Vote)

  4. 2026-02-04 Senate

    Presented 26106870D

  5. 2026-02-04 Senate

    Laid on Clerk's Desk

Official Summary Text

Commending Bernard A. Pishko.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
Commending Bernard A. Pishko.
Agreed to by the Senate, February 5, 2026
WHEREAS, Bernard A. Pishko, a respected legal mind and dedicated public servant, is retiring as city attorney of the City of Norfolk after more than four decades of distinguished service; and
WHEREAS, throughout his tenure, Bernard Pishko provided steady, principled, and insightful legal counsel to Norfolk's elected officials, executive leadership, and municipal departments, ensuring that the city's actions were grounded in sound law, ethical practice, and a commitment to the public good; and
WHEREAS, Bernard Pishko's work touched every corner of municipal governance, from land use and economic development to public safety, environmental stewardship, and constitutional matters, and he consistently approached complex issues with clarity, fairness, and a deep respect for the rule of law; and
WHEREAS, through his leadership as city attorney, Bernard Pishko strengthened Norfolk's legal foundation and supported major public institutions, including the Norfolk School Board, the Norfolk Employees' Retirement System, the Community Services Board, the Chrysler Museum of Art, and Lake Taylor Transitional Care Hospital; and
WHEREAS, Bernard Pishko guided Norfolk through significant legal challenges and policy decisions, including a landmark charter interpretation affirming the city attorney's authority in prosecuting local ordinance violations, and he provided continuity and stability through numerous transitions in city leadership; and
WHEREAS, Bernard Pishko's career reflects the highest ideals of public law and his contributions have strengthened not only the City of Norfolk but the Commonwealth as a whole; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate of Virginia, That Bernard A. Pishko hereby be commended for his exemplary record of public service on the occasion of his retirement as city attorney of the City of Norfolk; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Bernard A. Pishko as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's admiration for his many years of commitment to the Norfolk community and best wishes for a fulfilling retirement.