Subcommittee backs extension for commission updating Virginia law on tribes
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Summary
Lawmakers advanced HB 140 to extend by two years the bipartisan commission that works with Virginia tribes to align state law with federal recognition. Testimony included tribal leaders and a UVA Law Clinic attorney; the bill was reported out by a unanimous 5–0 vote.
Delegate Krizek presented House Bill 140 to extend the bipartisan commission formed to update Virginia law in light of federal recognition for Virginia tribes. The commission, established in 2022, has been consulting tribal leaders and agencies and has produced multiple bills this term, Krizek said.
Emily Becker of the UVA Law Clinic, who works with the commission, told the subcommittee the commission voted unanimously to continue its work for two more years and that its work has produced several bipartisan bills. Becker said the fiscal impact came back as zero. Morgan Faulkner, who identified herself as a representative of the Upper Mattaponi tribe and a commission member, said the commission’s work has been valuable to tribal leaders.
Support came from conservation and environmental groups including the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, which said the commission is filling long‑overlooked gaps in the code. With no opposition present, the subcommittee voted to report HB 140 on a roll call of 5 to 0.
What’s next: HB 140 is reported out of the subcommittee for further consideration by the full House committee or the floor, per standard procedure.
