2026 SESSION

SENATE SUBSTITUTE

26107712D

SENATE BILL NO. 274

AMENDMENT IN THE NATURE OF A SUBSTITUTE

(Proposed by the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations

on February 11, 2026)

(Patron Prior to Substitute—Senator Locke)

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Chapter 31 of Title 23.1 an article numbered 10, consisting of sections numbered 23.1-3139 and 23.1-3140, relating to educational and cultural institutions; restoration of Hampton University as a land-grant university; requirements.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Chapter 31 of Title 23.1 an article numbered 10, consisting of sections numbered 23.1-3139 and 23.1-3140, as follows:

Article 10.

Hampton University as a Land-Grant University.

§ 23.1-3139. Recognition of Hampton University as a land-grant university; eligibility for funding.

A. As used in this article, "land-grant university" means an institution of higher education in the United States designated to receive federal funding under the Morrill Act of 1862 (7 U.S.C. § 301 et seq.) and the Morrill Act of 1890 (7 U.S.C. § 321 et seq.).

B. Hampton University is hereby recognized and restored as an 1862 and 1890 land-grant university of the Commonwealth. As a land-grant university, Hampton University shall be eligible to receive federal funding and participate in federal and state programs established under the Morrill Act of 1862 (7 U.S.C. § 301 et seq.) and the Morrill Act of 1890 (7 U.S.C. § 321 et seq.), and any subsequent federal land-grant legislation.

C. Hampton University, as a redesignated 1862 and 1890 land-grant university of the Commonwealth pursuant to subsection B, shall be eligible for:

1. Competitive and formula-based federal land-grant funds administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Education, the National Science Foundation, the National Institute of Health, the National Cancer Institute, and other relevant agencies connected to or involved in land-grant funding opportunities;

2. State matching funds, as required pursuant to federal law for designated 1862 and 1890 land-grant universities or supplemental land-grant awards; and

3. Participation in statewide agricultural research, extension, marine science, atmospheric science, pharmaceutical, and biomedical programs.

D. The recognition and restoration of Hampton University's status as a land-grant university pursuant to subsection B shall not be construed to alter the status of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University or Virginia State University as land-grant universities. No provision of this article or any appropriation or other funds provided to Hampton University as a land-grant university under the provisions of this article shall result in a reduction in any existing funding formula for Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University or Virginia State University. Any state matching funds required pursuant to subdivision C 2 shall be paid with such funds as may be appropriated for such purpose or through designated federal revenue streams.

§ 23.1-3140. Hampton University as a land-grant university; powers and duties.

Hampton University, as a land-grant university of the Commonwealth pursuant to § 23.1-3139, shall advance its mission as a land-grant university through:

1. Agricultural and environmental research that is beneficial to the Commonwealth's coastal, rural, and urban communities;

2. Participation in cooperative extension programs aimed at underserved populations, such as the Cooperative Extension Service Program within Virginia State University as recognized pursuant to § 23.1-2608;

3. Workforce development initiatives in biotechnology, proton therapy, cancer and pharmaceutical research, marine and atmospheric science, and advanced engineering manufacturing;

4. Programs honoring Hampton University's historical service to African American and Native American communities; and

5. Such other initiatives as are appropriate, reflect statewide needs, and are not duplicative of existing initiatives.

2. That, upon federal recognition of Hampton University as an institution eligible to receive federal funding and participate in federal and state programs established under the Morrill Act of 1862 (7 U.S.C. § 301 et seq.) and the Morrill Act of 1890 (7 U.S.C. § 321 et seq.) and any subsequent federal land-grant legislation, the Chairs of the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations and the House Committee on Appropriations shall each appoint an evaluation task force consisting of at least two Senators and two Delegates. The task force shall evaluate the status of Hampton University and the feasibility of recognizing the institution as a land-grant university of the Commonwealth pursuant to § 23.1-3139 of the Code of Virginia, as created by this act, including benefits, associated cost estimates, and a timeline and implementation plan. The task force shall report its findings to the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations and the House Committee on Appropriations no later than six months following such federal recognition of Hampton University or November 1st of the year in which the federal recognition occurs, whichever is sooner.