Delegate Austin asks committee to approve special commemorative session in Williamsburg on Oct. 7, 2026

Delegate Austin presented House Joint Resolution 203 to the Rules Committee, saying the resolution "directs the joint rules committee to develop plans for a special commemorative session in Williamsburg on October the 7th, 2026 in recognition of the 250th anniversary of Virginia's general assembly's first meeting following our nation's independence." He asked the committee to approve HJ 203 and move it forward for planning.

Miss Lamb reported that a substitute for HJ 203 was available to committee members at their seats and online; the substitute was moved, seconded and accepted. The committee reported HJ 203 as substituted (roll recorded in the transcript as "Eyes 18 0").

Delegate Austin framed the session as a ceremonial recognition of a historic milestone: the meeting of Virginia's first General Assembly on Oct. 7, 1776, a step from colonial governance toward constitutional governance. The resolution directs the joint rules committee to prepare the logistics and plans for the commemorative session in Williamsburg.

Next steps: The committee reported HJ 203 as substituted and referred the matter as recorded; the joint rules committee and clerk will follow up on planning steps to implement the resolution’s directive ahead of the October 2026 date.