The capitol building in Richmond

Mobilize for VMI: Speak up for State Support

Mobilizing the VMI Family

VMI’s strength has always come from the VMI family. Today, alumni, parents, cadets, and friends across the country have an important role to play in ensuring the Institute remains a vital part of the Commonwealth. The Virginia General Assembly is considering legislation that could significantly affect VMI’s future, and your voice can make the difference.

This page gives you everything you need to take action now: We invite you to contact legislators online, by phone, and in person.

 

Three Ways to Help: Write, Call, and Visit In Person During VMI Days Feb. 11 and Feb. 24

It is critical that the VMI family show up to support the Institute. The mobilization plan provides important links based on your desired method of support. Write your Virginia House of Delegates and Senate members, call their offices and speak with them, or, most importantly, go to Richmond and tell them in person how important VMI is to the Commonwealth and nation. It is important that this work gets started right now. If you can visit in person soon, please do so by referring to the mobilization plan below.

 

Latest Updates from Richmond

Legislation evolves quickly. We plan to release updates on new developments in Richmond on this page to provide a single point of reference.

 

HB1377 – Virginia Military Institute Advisory Task Force

March 9, 2026 – Senate Finance & Appropriations Committee (Resources Subcommittee):
HB1377 was reported with a substitute on a 10–4 vote. This marks the bill’s latest forward movement in the Senate.

Context of the Substitute:

  • The Senate substitute maintains the House compromise that removed earlier “defunding” language.
  • It adds more specific requirements for the task force’s final recommendations while still directing the group to study VMI’s institutional practices, governance, diversity efforts, and response to SCHEV’s 2021 report.

Status as of Today:

The bill is moving toward a full Senate floor vote and, depending on amendments, may return to the House for concurrence or go to a conference committee.

HB1374 – VMI Board of Visitors Restructuring

March 10, 2026 – Virginia Senate:
The Senate agreed to a motion to recommit HB1374 to committee (by voice vote). This effectively returns the bill for further committee-level consideration rather than moving it directly toward a final vote.

Context of Current Version:

HB1374 has undergone significant revision from its original version that proposed dissolving VMI’s Board of Visitors and transferring governance to Virginia State University.

The amended version:

  • Retains VMI’s Board of Visitors.
  • Restructures membership requirements, including:
    • No more than 8 alumni.
    • At least 6 non‑alumni VA residents.
    • At least 5 board members with U.S. military experience (E‑7 or O‑5+).

Status as of Today:

Because the Senate recommitted the bill, it is not currently advancing toward a final Senate vote and will receive additional review at the committee level.

 

The Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations, Resources Subcommittee reported a substitute version of HB 1377 that further refines the scope of the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) Advisory Task Force.

This Senate substitute maintains the compromise reached in the House to remove direct “defunding” language but adds specific requirements for the task force’s final recommendations.

The bill now moves to the full Senate of Virginia for a floor vote. If passed with these amendments, it will likely return to the House for concurrence or proceed to a conference committee to resolve any remaining differences between the two versions. The task force is still scheduled to complete its work by November 30, 2026.

 

The Senate and Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Resources is reviewing HB 1377 at a meeting starting March 9 at 9:00 a.m.. The meeting will be held in the Senate Finance & Appropriations Room, 13th Floor, General Assembly Building. Information and link to watch the live stream are available on the Senate Finance & Appropriations website.

 

HB1374 has been assigned to the Senate Education and Health Committee. HB1377 has been assigned to the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee. Neither has been assigned a subcommittee.

For VMI Day Feb. 24, plan on attending the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee wearing VMI colors at 9 a.m. in Senate Room A, Room 305. There is no information on whether HB1377 will go to a subcommittee or straight to a committee. View the mobilization plan page for details on visiting Richmond, including printable leave-behinds. 

 

The second VMI Advocacy Day has been scheduled for Feb. 24.

 

Lt. Gen. Furness ’87 released the following statement regarding HB1374:

Cadets, faculty, and staff:

This morning, I testified before the House Education Committee in support of an amended HB1374.

HB 1374 now focuses on the structure and makeup of the board members and no longer grants oversight of VMI to another school’s board of visitors. The amended bill keeps intact VMI’s Board of Visitors and will allow VMI’s board to continue to provide experienced, non-political oversight that is focused on the Institute’s mission and unique educational model.

I am appreciative to the patron of the bill for the time he spent listening to cadets during his visit to Lexington and his willingness to engage with the Institute. I look forward to working with the General Assembly to make all Virginians proud of VMI.

Many thanks to all who continue to demonstrate professional support and advocacy for VMI. Please keep reaching out to members of the General Assembly to share the value of the VMI experience

LtGen David J. Furness ’87, USMC (retired)
Superintendent​

 

 

While phone calls and emails are vital and provide a record of your efforts, we are designating a couple of days in Richmond to represent VMI, the first being Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, prior to cross-over, and one following cross-over on a date to be determined. View the mobilization plan page to help coordinate a visit to the Virginia State Capitol.

 

The effort and momentum so far have been essential to our progress. Lt. Gen. Furness ’87 continues to advocate for sustained support, underscoring the importance of maintaining constructive and respectful communication throughout. As he reminds us, “The work is not over. Continue to share the good news story about the value of VMI. Thank you for your continued support.”

Read Full Statement

 

Sign up for Zoom public comment on HB 1374 by visiting the Virginia House of Delegates website.

 

Take Action Now

Every letter, every phone call, and every conversation matters. Each contact ensures legislators understand the value of a VMI education and its impact on cadets, alumni, and the Commonwealth.

Understand the Legislation

Read a clear summary of the bills being considered and why they matter.

View Bill Information

Follow the Mobilization Plan

Whether you want to email, call, or meet with your legislator, this step‑by‑step plan walks you through exactly what to do online or in person.

View Mobilization Plan

Reference Talking Points

We’ve prepared concise, respectful, and effective talking points to inspire conversations with lawmakers whether you’re writing, calling, or speaking face‑to‑face.

Review Talking Points