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HB 104

Virginia Historic Landmarks Register; bicentennial farms.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jason Ballard

Proposes registering 200-year-old family farms as historic landmarks in Virginia, but subcommittee unanimously rejected it citing unspecified concerns.

Left in Committee Agriculture Chesapeake and Natural Resources
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Bill Summary · HB 104

Legislative bill overview

HB 104 proposes to add bicentennial farms (agricultural operations that have been family-owned and operated for 200+ years) to Virginia's Historic Landmarks Register. The bill would provide formal recognition and potential protections for these long-standing agricultural properties that represent significant historical continuity in the state.

Why is this important

Virginia's agricultural heritage is foundational to the state's identity and economy. Formal recognition of bicentennial farms could increase property value, facilitate heritage tourism, and help preserve working agricultural land in an era of development pressure and farm consolidation.

Potential points of contention

  • Property rights concerns: Adding farms to a historic register may impose restrictions on owners' ability to develop, sell, or modify their land without approval processes
  • Subjective criteria: Defining what qualifies as a "bicentennial farm" and verifying 200 years of continuous family operation could be administratively complex and dispute-prone
  • Unclear incentives: The bill does not specify tax breaks, grants, or conservation easements that might offset any restrictions, limiting appeal to farm owners
  • Committee rejection signal: The subcommittee's 10-0 recommendation to strike the bill from the docket suggests significant legislative skepticism about its current form or necessity

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

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