HB 550 Assigned to New Senate Committee
HB 550 has been reassigned to the Rehabilitation and Social Services Committee. Although we have no definitive date for when HB 550 will be heard, this committee meets weekly on Friday, so we are anticipating this bill to be on the committee’s docket for Friday, February 23rd.
We need your help in contacting the members of the Senate Rehabilitation and Social Services Committee, asking them to vote YES on HB550.
We have made it easy for you to do this by including a sample message that you can modify as necessary. We have also included email addresses and phone numbers for the members below.
Also, if you are willing and able to visit the Capitol in Richmond to meet with Senators this week to advocate for the passage of HB 550, please contact us immediately.
Suggested Messages
Sample Message for Virginia-Born Adopted Persons
Subject: Vote YES on HB 550 – Adult Adoptee Access to Original Birth Certificates
Dear [Senator’s Name],
As an adopted person, I am writing to express my unwavering support for HB550 (Adult adoptee access to original birth certificate) and request your favorable vote in the upcoming Rehabilitation and Social Services Committee meeting.
HB550 simply restores the right of adult adopted persons, born in Virginia, to obtain their own original birth certificate without hindrances. I firmly believe adult adopted people should be treated with dignity, respect, and as equals under the law to non-adopted citizens of Virginia.
I am personally affected by this bill and I strongly encourage you to support HB550, as written, by voting YES! Your affirmative vote will help advance adoption policies towards a more inclusive and compassionate direction.
Sincerely,
[INSERT YOUR NAME]
[INSERT YOUR CITY AND STATE – If you live in Virginia]
Sample Message for Birth/First Parents
Subject: Vote YES on HB 550 – Adult Adoptee Access to Original Birth Certificates
Dear [Senator’s Name],
As a birth/first parent with a deep commitment to the well-being of individuals affected by adoption, I am reaching out to express my strong support for HB550. I kindly urge you to vote favorably for this crucial bill when it comes before you in the Rehabilitation and Social Services Committee.
HB550 holds particular significance as it seeks to restore the essential right of adult adopted individuals, born in Virginia, to obtain their original birth certificates without unnecessary barriers. I firmly believe in the importance of treating adult adoptees with dignity, respect, and equality under the law, ensuring they have the same rights as non-adopted citizens of Virginia.
I sincerely hope you will consider the importance of HB550 and support it, as written. Your positive vote will contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate approach to adoption policies.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[INSERT YOUR NAME]
[INSERT YOUR CITY AND STATE – If you live in Virginia]
Sample Message for Virginia Residents
Subject: Vote YES on HB 550 – Adult Adoptee Access to Original Birth Certificates
Dear [Senator’s Name],
As your constituent, I am requesting your favorable vote in support HB550 (Adult adoptee access to original birth certificate) in the upcoming Rehabilitation and Social Services Committee meeting.
HB550 simply restores the right of adult adopted persons, born in Virginia, to obtain their own original birth certificate without hindrances. I firmly advocate for treating adult adoptees with dignity, respect, and equality under the law, the same as non-adopted citizens of Virginia.
This bill is very important to me and my family and I enthusiastically urge you to support HB 550 in its current form by voting YES!
Sincerely,
[INSERT YOUR NAME]
[INSERT YOUR ADDRESS]
Senate Rehabilitation and Social Service Committee Members
| Jennifer D. Carroll Foy | [email protected] | Democrat | (804) 698-7533 |
| Bill DeSteph | [email protected] | Republican | (804) 698-7520 |
| Barbara A. Favola (Committee Chair) | [email protected] | Democrat | (804) 698-7540 |
| Timmy French | [email protected] | Republican | (804) 698-7501 |
| Christopher T. Head | [email protected] | Republican | (804) 698-7503 |
| Emily M. Jordan | [email protected] | Republican | (804) 698-7517 |
| Ryan T. McDougle | [email protected] | Republican | (804) 698-7526 |
| Russet W. Perry | [email protected] | Democrat | (804) 698-7531 |
| Bryce E. Reeves | [email protected] | Republican | (804) 698-7528 |
| Aaron R. Rouse | [email protected] | Democrat | (804) 698-7522 |
| Saddam Azlan Salim | [email protected] | Democrat | (804) 698-7537 |
| Scott A. Surovell | [email protected] | Democrat | (804) 698-7534 |
| Schuyler T. VanValkenburg | [email protected] | Democrat | (804) 698-7516 |
| Angelia Williams Graves | [email protected] | Democrat | (804) 698-7521 |
Committee Members Plain Text Emails
Please BCC [email protected] when you send your email.
Also, if you receive a reply with any feedback from a Senator or their staff, please forward the message to [email protected] to help us in identifying any issues that we need to address.