2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26103120D

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 23

Offered January 14, 2026

Prefiled January 12, 2026

Designating August, in 2026 and in each succeeding year, as Make-A-Will Month in Virginia.

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Patrons—Price, Anderson, Anthony, Askew, Carnegie, Carr, Clark, Cole, J.G., Cole, N.T., Cousins, Feggans, Glass, Henson, Hope, LeVere Bolling, Maldonado, Rasoul, Schmidt, Shin and Watts; Senator: Aird

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Referred to Committee on Rules

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WHEREAS, a will is a legal document that contains instructions concerning what should be done with one's assets and property following their death; and

WHEREAS, all Virginians, regardless of their income level, should create a will to ensure that their property, possessions, and assets are properly bequeathed, their children are adequately cared for, and their wishes for everything under their care and power are fully known; and

WHEREAS, despite the importance of a will, many individuals have failed to establish one, leaving major decisions to be determined by the government and through applicable laws, putting added pressure and stress on grieving family members; and

WHEREAS, creating a will gives individuals the ability to plan for how their digital assets and online accounts should be handled following their death, as well to support charities and causes of their choosing; and

WHEREAS, there are a number of organizations and entities, such as the American Red Cross and FreeWill.com, that are dedicated to helping individuals overcome the challenges and complexities of creating a will; and

WHEREAS, recognizing August as Make-A-Will Month will provide the relevant state and local agencies with an opportunity to offer free resources and information on the importance of establishing a will, while encouraging individuals to either create or revisit their will for the benefit of their descendants; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly designate August, in 2026 and in each succeeding year, as Make-A-Will Month in Virginia; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates transmit a copy of this resolution to the American Red Cross so that members of the organization may be apprised of the sense of the General Assembly of Virginia in this matter; and, be it

RESOLVED FINALLY, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates post the designation of this month on the General Assembly's website.