Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger signed legislation eliminating state tax exemptions for several organizations tied to the Confederacy. This action concludes a protracted legislative effort by Democrats aiming to sever the state’s financial ties to its history as the capital of the secessionist states. The measure passed both chambers of the General Assembly after years of sponsorship attempts.

The primary organization affected is the United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC), whose Richmond headquarters sits on state-deeded property valued around $4.7 million. Losing the tax breaks could jeopardize the UDC’s ability to maintain the site, which previously incurred over $57,000 annually in property taxes. The UDC president previously criticized the bill as discriminatory.

Spanberger also approved a separate bill discontinuing specialty license plates featuring Robert E. Lee and the Sons of Confederate Veterans. Her predecessor, Glenn Youngkin, had twice vetoed versions of the tax bill, arguing that targeting specific groups created an inappropriate precedent. This legislative shift reflects a clear political realignment following Spanberger’s decisive election victory in November.

These financial adjustments come amid ongoing tensions over Confederate memory, including disputes over school names in Shenandoah County and a federal move to restore a Confederate memorial in Arlington. The legislation forces immediate financial review for groups tied to the Civil War era.