Published Feb. 17, 2026
Dear VMI Alumni, Family, and Friends,
All of us at the VMI Alumni Agencies have been extraordinarily concerned regarding the bills pertaining to VMI introduced by legislators. We have been working very closely with the Institute to ensure the best possible legislative outcomes. The update below outlines the progress from our combined efforts, including those of our alumni and VMI family base; members of the legislature; professional consultants; VMI government relations office; and, of course, Lt. Gen. David Furness ’87, superintendent.
Much of the concerning language related to the defunding of VMI and the dissolution of the VMI Board of Visitors has been removed from the bills. Regarding the task force evaluation proposed in HB1377, as Lt. Gen. Furness said, “VMI has nothing to hide,” and we “do not fear a fair and balanced investigation.”
As a reminder, the next VMI Advocacy Day will take place Tuesday, Feb. 24, in Richmond, as we continue sharing VMI’s story with members of the General Assembly.
We will continue to provide the VMI family with facts related to the legislation. Please view the Mobilize for VMI website for more updates.
In the Bonds,
Brandon Bissell ’98
Chief Operating Officer
VMI Alumni Association
HB1377
Originally, HB1377 would establish the Virginia Military Institute Advisory Task Force to determine if VMI should remain a state-sponsored institution. The task force was to evaluate VMI’s cost, academic rigor, student welfare, and actions regarding past racial issues, submitting a recommendation by Nov. 30, 2026.
What has changed: HB1377 was amended to remove the language regarding VMI’s state funding. The goal of the bill is now to establish a task force to study and examine VMI’s educational and institutional practices. The task force will evaluate academic quality, military training, governance, diversity efforts, and other aspects of the Institute’s operations. It will also look at how VMI has responded to the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia’s 2021 report on the institution. The task force will complete its meetings by Nov. 30, 2026, and report back to the General Assembly and the governor by the start of the 2027 legislative session.
HB1377 was sent to the Virginia Senate Feb. 6, 2026, and now awaits consideration.
HB1374
Originally, HB1374 proposed to dissolve the VMI Board of Visitors. The bill would transfer the governance, control, and oversight of VMI to the board of visitors of Virginia State University.
What has changed: HB1374 was amended to remove the language regarding dissolving the VMI Board of Visitors and transferring its governance. The amended HB1374 retains the VMI BOV rather than dissolving it and reshapes how the board is composed. The BOV is composed of 16 members appointed by the governor. HB1374 proposes that no more than eight board members will be VMI alumni and at least six will be non-alumni who are Virginia residents. It also states that at least five will have U.S. Military experience at the rank of E-7 or O-5 or higher, and these members would either be retired or honorably discharged. The VMI Alumni Association will have the opportunity to submit no more than three nominees for each vacant seat on the board to the governor, who may then appoint a member from the list of nominees. This would apply to all VMI BOV members appointed on or after July 1, 2026. HB1374 also stipulates that no BOV member as of June 30, 2026, will be removed from the BOV to comply with this act.
Following committee action Feb. 11, 2026, and if approved by the full House of Delegates, HB1374 will advance through the legislative process in its amended form and be sent to the Virginia Senate for consideration.
