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SB 274

Hampton University; recognition and restoration of status as a land-grant university.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lashrecse Aird and 1 co-sponsor

Virginia bill seeks to restore Hampton University's land-grant status, aiming to increase federal research funding and educational resources for the historically Black institution.

Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB274)
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Bill Summary · SB 274

Legislative bill overview

SB 274 seeks to restore Hampton University's status as a land-grant institution, a designation it lost in 1964 when Virginia State University was designated as the state's land-grant university. Land-grant status provides federal funding, research grants, and access to agricultural extension programs. The bill recognizes Hampton's historical contributions and aims to restore benefits associated with this federal designation.

Why is this important

Land-grant status brings substantial federal funding streams for research, infrastructure, and educational programs. Restoration could increase Hampton's competitive capacity for grants, enhance agricultural and STEM programs, and provide economic benefits to the institution and surrounding community. For a historically Black university, this addresses a historical inequity in resource distribution.

Potential points of contention

  • Federal coordination complexity: Land-grant status requires federal designation through USDA and Congress, not just state action. Virginia alone cannot unilaterally restore this status without federal legislative changes or USDA approval.
  • Financial implications: The fiscal impact statements (requested twice) suggest uncertainty about state funding obligations, potential costs to existing land-grant institutions, or resource allocation concerns that remain unresolved.
  • Virginia State University's position: As the current state land-grant university since 1964, there may be concerns about dual land-grant designations, competition for state appropriations, or perceived diminishment of VSU's status.

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

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