Adds Tribes to Emergency Management Programs
Virginia · HB349 · Introduced Jan 12, 2026
Why it matters
Tribes in Virginia would get a formal role in state disaster planning, warnings, and recovery support. Tribal governments would need a signed contract or agreement to be covered.
What it does
- Defines a federally recognized tribe as one with a contract or agreement with the emergency department
- Adds tribes to statewide emergency plans, assessments, and preparedness programs
- Lets the emergency department make contracts and agreements with federally recognized tribes
- Includes tribes in emergency alerts and disaster liaison and recovery work
- Includes tribes in search and rescue coordination and training
Status
Latest action (2026-07-21): Continued from last session
About this bill
Would add federally recognized tribes to Virginia's emergency management programs, plans, alerts, and recovery work. Tribes must have a contract or agreement with the department to qualify.
Emergency services and disaster preparedness programs; inclusion of federally recognized tribes.
Perspectives
💬 The case for
Tribal groups would likely say the bill gives tribes a direct voice in disaster planning. It also gives them access to state emergency warnings and recovery help.
💬 The case against
Some local governments would likely say the added tribal duties make planning more complex. They may also worry about the cost of more coordination.
Sponsored by
Sponsor details for this state bill are at the source link.
News
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