VA HB169

Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security must establish a work group to evaluate existing emergency management needs in Virginia, analyze funding sustainability, and review alternative funding models used by other states

Work group members include representatives from the Department of Emergency Management, Department of Planning and Budget, Virginia Emergency Management Association, Virginia Association of Counties, Virginia Municipal League, and other stakeholders

Analysis must cover local capability assessment reports, after-action reports from declared emergencies, historical federal homeland security funding trends, anticipated federal funding changes, current funding gaps, and best practices from other states

Work group may hire an outside consultant to assist with the evaluation

Findings and recommendations must be reported to the House and Senate Appropriations and General Laws committees by October 1, 2026