Virginia · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 986: Fire Programs Fund; allocation, Virginia At Risk Fire Grant Program established.
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 986 is a bill introduced in the Virginia House on January 13, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: Fire Programs Fund; allocation, Virginia At Risk Fire Grant Program established. Primary sponsor: Tom Garrett (Republican). Most recent recorded action (February 18, 2026): Left in Labor and Commerce.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
Insurance; Fire Programs Fund; purposes; Virginia At Risk Fire Grant Program established. Increases the assessment on certain insurance companies from one percent to 1.5 percent. The bill provides that the portion of the Fire Programs Fund allocated to localities may be used for the additional purposes of (i) constructing, improving, or expanding fire station facilities; (ii) providing mental health resources for fire personnel; or (iii) hiring additional fire personnel and funding recruitment and retention programs. The bill also prohibits such funds from being used, except as provided, for the purposes of investments, operating expenses, debt repayment, taxes, or fees. The bill also establishes the Virginia At Risk Fire Grant Program, to be funded by 0.25 percent of the assessments on insurance companies, for the purposes of providing assistance to localities with fire departments that are determined to be most at risk of being unable to provide fire suppression or rescue activities or maintain compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Republican 1
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tom Garrett | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 56 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Left in Labor and Commerce
- Subcommittee recommends laying on the table (6-Y 3-N)
- Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB986)
- Assigned HCL sub: Subcommittee #1
- Referred to Committee on Labor and Commerce
- Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26104255D