Virginia Bill Would Exempt Nonprofits from Verifying Eligibility for Federal Aid Recipients

A bill introduced in the Virginia General Assembly seeks to change how nonprofit organizations distribute federal public benefits by removing their obligation to verify recipient eligibility.

House Bill 1369, sponsored by Delegate Jessica L. Anderson (R), would prohibit state agencies from requiring nonprofit charitable organizations that administer federally funded public benefit programs to determine, verify, or require proof of eligibility from applicants. The bill applies to programs governed by the federal definition of “public benefit” under 8 U.S.C. § 1611(c), which includes a wide range of assistance, such as food, housing, or medical aid funded by federal dollars.

According to the bill text, the measure would amend the Virginia code to prevent state agencies from imposing eligibility-checking requirements on nonprofits that serve as intermediaries for federal benefits.

The proposal has drawn criticism from some lawmakers, who argue it could open the door to waste or abuse of public funds. On January 24, Delegate Michael J. Webert (R-Fauquier) posted on Facebook, calling the bill “absurd,” and claiming it reflects a lack of accountability in government. “The fact that Virginia Democrats think that not verifying whether a nonprofit organization is qualified for funds is absurd,” Webert wrote. “This is why the government, both Federal and state, has grown excessively large with zero accountability.”

Supporters of the bill, including its patron, say the aim is to reduce administrative burdens on nonprofit providers who may not have the infrastructure or resources to handle complex eligibility screenings. Some proponents argue that such verifications are already conducted at other levels, and requiring duplicate checks slows down service delivery to vulnerable populations.

HB1369 has been referred to the House Committee on Rules, where it will be considered before potentially advancing to the full House for a vote.