CHIP IN for Veterans Act of 2026

This bill permanently extends a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pilot program that allows the VA to accept donated facilities and related improvements, and authorizes the VA to accept donations of construction services, minor construction or nonrecurring maintenance projects, and targeted contributions.

Sec. 2, Permanent extension of pilot program on acceptance of donated facilities and related improvements: This section makes the existing pilot program permanent by removing the word "pilot" throughout the law and deleting the program's expiration date. It also modifies the conditions for accepting donated property, requiring that the donation aligns with a need identified in a VA priority list, development plan, master plan, or capital needs inventory, or any component or phase of such a need.

Sec. 3, Authority to accept donations of construction services, minor construction or nonrecurring maintenance projects, and targeted contributions: This section authorizes the VA Secretary to accept donations covering the total or partial cost of minor construction projects, nonrecurring maintenance projects, or construction services related to such projects or VA facilities. Donations are only accepted if they align with a VA-identified need, come from an eligible entity, would accelerate completion, reduce expense, improve facility condition, or benefit veterans, and are governed by a formal agreement with the VA. The agreement must include oversight, compliance with codes and laws, insurance and liability protections, donation and funding amounts, and a guarantee that the donation does not increase federal costs. For donations not involving real property transfer, streamlined requirements apply, including environmental and historic preservation due diligence, permit acquisition, and simplified agreements. The VA must report on these donations separately in existing reports.