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Bill

HB 847

Extreme Weather Taxpayer Protection Program and Fund; established.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Nadarius Clark and 7 co-sponsors

Virginia bill establishes Extreme Weather Taxpayer Protection Program and Fund to provide financial assistance to residents and businesses affected by severe weather events.

Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB847)
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Bill Summary · HB 847

Legislative bill overview

HB 847 establishes a new "Extreme Weather Taxpayer Protection Program and Fund" in Virginia, creating a dedicated financial mechanism to address damages and recovery costs from severe weather events. The bill creates both the program structure and a corresponding fund to support taxpayers affected by extreme weather conditions.

Why is this important

Extreme weather events—including hurricanes, floods, and severe storms—cause billions in damage annually and disproportionately impact lower-income households who lack resources for recovery. This bill attempts to provide systematic financial support rather than relying on ad-hoc disaster relief or individual insurance markets, potentially reducing long-term financial hardship for affected Virginians.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding source unclear: The bill's fiscal impact statement (filed January 28, 2026) will determine whether this program is funded through general revenues, new taxes, or reallocation—a critical detail not apparent from the bill summary
  • Scope and eligibility: Questions remain about who qualifies for assistance, what weather events are covered, and whether coverage extends to property damage, business interruption, or both
  • Long-term cost sustainability: Without climate modeling and risk assessment, the program's future financial obligations are unknown, raising concerns about unfunded liabilities or inadequate reserves

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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