As most people who follow history and historic preservation now know, the Virginia Legislature recently voted strictly along party lines to pass HB 167. This unjust bill takes effect July 1st, 2026.
This bill removes the tax exempt status for real and personal property of five long time historical organizations in Virginia, while leaving dozens of similar organizations untouched. The targeted groups are, Virginia Divisions of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, Sons of Confederate Veterans, Confederate Memorial Literary Society, Stonewall Jackson Memorial, and the JEB Stuart Birthplace Preservation Trust.
There has been some misinformation concerning this bill.
The JEB Stuart Trust has lost its tax exemption on the property we own but we remain a non-profit all volunteer 501 C3 organization and all donations are still tax deductible under the IRS.
Do not be discouraged by the unfair actions of certain members of the Virginia General Assembly. In an ideal world our history and heritage would never be a political issue, but it has become increasingly clear in recent years that we cannot count on our political leaders to do the right thing concerning all of our collective history.
Today, it is up to us who study, understand the importance, and except the complexities of all our history. We are not going away and with your support the preservation efforts at Laurel Hill will continue to grow and move forward for many years to come. Visit our website at www.jebstuart.org. Thank you.
Ronnie S. Haynes,
JEB Stuart Birthplace Preservation Trust Inc.
