VA HJR43

Directs the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) to study the need for and feasibility of creating a Secretariat of Rural Affairs in Virginia

Requires examination of whether divisions from 12 state agencies could be moved under the proposed Secretariat, including the Department of Agriculture, Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Department of Housing and Community Development, and Department of Health's Office of Rural Health

Study must assess how the Secretariat could improve rural access to housing, employment, transportation, economic development, health care, education, and broadband services

Cites rural Virginia challenges including 14.9% poverty rate (versus 8.5% in metropolitan areas), approximately 33% of rural hospitals at risk of closing, over 233,000 homes and businesses lacking broadband access as of January 2024, and declining populations

JLARC must complete meetings by October 1, 2026, and submit an executive summary of findings and recommendations by December 1, 2026