Subcommittee reports several bills, creates work group for scholar program; continues Hampton University land‑grant restoration

The House Appropriations Subcommittee of Higher Education moved multiple bills on Feb. 12, advancing a work group and several administrative changes while continuing one restoration measure for further drafting.

House Bill 404 (Delegate Reid) was described by the committee analyst as creating a work group to review an existing scholar program and clarifying that program costs may not be passed to enrolled students; the analyst said the bill had no fiscal impact and the committee voted to report the bill out of committee.

A substitute for House Bill 417 (Delegate Guzman) was presented that shortens an administrative filing window from 10 years to four years; committee members said the change reduces administrative burden and the substitute was reported out of committee.

House Bill 1016 (Delegate Tran) would create a list of common houseplants that are toxic to cats and dogs. The committee moved to report the bill and recorded a roll vote of 7–0 in favor.

House Bill 1497 (Delegate Ward) would restore Hampton University's 1890 land‑grant status, a change the sponsor said would make the university eligible for federal funding and federal programs established through the Morrill Act. Committee members agreed there is more work to do; by motion the subcommittee continued the bill and plans to revisit it in the 2027 session so sponsors and staff can refine the proposal.

The committee adjourned after advancing the items and noting follow‑up work on bills slated for further development.