SJ 248: Constitutional amendment (first reference); qualifications of voters; right to vote; persons not entitled to vote.

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

Constitutional amendment (first reference); qualifications of voters; right to vote; persons not entitled to vote. Provides that every person who meets the qualifications of voters set forth in the Constitution of Virginia shall have the fundamental right to vote in the Commonwealth and that such right shall not be abridged by law, except for persons who have been convicted of a felony and persons who have been adjudicated to lack the capacity to understand the act of voting. The amendment provides that a person who has been convicted of a felony shall not be entitled to vote during any period of incarceration for such felony conviction, but upon release from incarceration for that felony conviction and without further action required of him, such person shall be invested with all political rights, including the right to vote. Currently, in order to be qualified to vote a person convicted of a felony must have his civil rights restored by the Governor or other appropriate authority. The amendment also provides that a person adjudicated by a court of competent jurisdiction as lacking the capacity to understand the act of voting shall not be entitled to vote during this period of incapacity until his capacity has been reestablished as prescribed by law. Currently, the Constitution of Virginia provides that a person who has been adjudicated to be mentally incompetent is not qualified to vote until his competency is reestablished.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 19

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. March 24, 2025Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0604)
2. March 24, 2025Assigned Chapter 604 (Effective 07/01/25)
3. March 10, 2025Signed by President
4. March 7, 2025Signed by Speaker
5. March 7, 2025Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ248ER)
6. March 7, 2025Enrolled
7. February 13, 2025Agreed to by House (55-Y 42-N)
8. February 13, 2025Taken up
9. February 12, 2025Passed by for the day
10. February 7, 2025Reported from Privileges and Elections (13-Y 9-N)
11. February 4, 2025Referred to Committee on Privileges and Elections
12. January 21, 2025Read third time and agreed to by Senate (21-Y 18-N)

Showing 12 most recent of 21 actions. Full history