Bill > SB274

This bill officially recognizes and restores Hampton University's status as a land-grant university—a designation historically given by the federal government to institutions of higher education intended to focus on agriculture, science, and practical arts—specifically under the federal Morrill Acts of 1862 and 1890. By granting this state-level recognition, the legislation makes Hampton University eligible for various competitive and formula-based federal funds from agencies like the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Science Foundation, as well as required state matching funds and participation in statewide research, extension, marine science, and health programs. To ensure that this change does not negatively impact existing institutions, the bill explicitly states that it will not alter the status of or reduce funding formulas for Virginia's current land-grant universities, which are Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) and Virginia State University. Furthermore, the bill directs that once Hampton University receives official federal recognition as a land-grant institution, legislative leaders must appoint a joint evaluation task force to study the feasibility, costs, benefits, and implementation timeline of this state recognition, with the task force required to report its findings back to the General Assembly's budget committees within six months or by November 1st of that year, whichever comes first.