Virginia to Update State Code with Commanders Name Amid Team Resurgence

Legislation to officially remove “Washington Redskins” from the Code of Virginia and replace it with “Washington Commanders” took a step forward Tuesday, advancing to the full House Transportation Committee.

The moves comes after the franchise concluded an 18-month rebranding process in 2022, changing its name to the Commanders following mounting pressure from Indigenous groups, fans, and corporate sponsors like, FedEx, which previously sponsored its stadium.

The timing couldn’t be more symbolic as on Sunday, the Commanders wrapped up one of their best seasons in years, finishing with a 12-5 record and advancing to the Top 4 teams in the playoffs before falling just short of a trip to the Super Bowl LIX.

House Bill 2721, sponsored by Del. Adele McClure, D-Arlington, aims to update state law regarding special license plates for team supporters. The bill would replace “Redskins” with “Commanders” on the plates and allow vehicle owners with existing plates to keep them until they expire.

According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, special license plate fees can be $10, $15, or $25 annually or a one-time $10, $25 or $50 fee based on the plate design, in addition to the registration fees. Personalization is an additional $10 annually.

When vehicle owners renew their plates, $15 of the renewal fee would be directed to the Washington Commanders Foundation Fund, which supports community initiatives. Currently, the funds go to the Washington Redskins Leadership Council.

With fans still buzzing over the Washington Commanders’ strong season, Del. Terry Austin, R-Botetourt, couldn’t resist a joke during the discussion of the bill. He asked McClure if she might consider adding a delay in the bill’s enactment tied to her comment about the team winning a Super Bowl.

“I would consider that a friendly amendment,” McClure said, drawing laughter from the committee.

The panel unanimously advanced the bill, which will next be considered at the House Transportation Committee’s meeting on Thursday.

by Nathaniel Cline, Virginia Mercury

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