Richmond, Virginia — Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed legislation Monday eliminating state tax exemptions for several organizations tied to the Confederacy, marking a shift in how the state treats groups connected to Civil War history.
The bill, known as HB167, passed the Virginia House 62-35 and the Senate 21-17 earlier this year. It removes property tax exemptions for groups including the Virginia Division of the United Daughters of the Confederacy and the Confederate Memorial Literary Society.
Supporters of the measure argue it ensures taxpayer benefits are not extended to organizations associated with the Confederacy. State Del. Alex Askew, who sponsored the bill, called the signing “an important step forward for Virginia.”
Opponents, including United Daughters of the Confederacy President General Julie Hardaway, criticized the move as “viewpoint discrimination,” warning it could set a precedent for targeting other historical or nonprofit organizations.
The United Daughters of the Confederacy, founded in 1894, has long focused on preserving Confederate monuments and historical materials. According to tax filings, the organization reported more than $2 million in revenue and nearly $16 million in assets in 2025.
The law takes effect as part of broader debates over how states address Confederate history and public funding.
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