2026 SESSION

ENROLLED

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 198

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.