Kiggans Introduces Legislation in Honor of Fallen VBPD Officers

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) introduced the Virginia Beach Heroes Act, a bipartisan bill that would ensure philanthropic donations to the charitable relief funds for the families of fallen Virginia Beach law enforcement officers Cameron Girvin and Christopher Reese are protected and tax-exempt during this time of mourning. Specifically, this bill aims to ensure that cash contributions made for the relief of their families will not fail to qualify as charitable contributions, and that payments made by charitable organizations to the families of the two fallen law enforcement officers will maintain a tax-exempt status.

The Virginia Beach Heroes Act is supported by the Virginia Beach Police Foundation and is cosponsored by Virginia Representatives Rob Wittman (VA-01), Bobby Scott (VA-03), John McGuire (VA-05), Ben Cline (VA-06), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), Don Beyer (VA-08), and Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10).

"Our community lost two local heroes when a cowardly criminal gunned down two of Virginia Beach's finest during a routine traffic stop," said Congresswoman Kiggans. "Officers Cameron Girvin and Christopher Reese were taken too soon, leaving behind grief-stricken families and a forever grateful community. I am proud to introduce this bill to ensure the families of our fallen heroes can receive the charitable support they deserve with ease. The City of Virginia Beach, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the United States of America will forever be grateful to these officers who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting our community, and their families will always remain in our prayers."

"We are very supportive of the legislation introduced by Representative Kiggans and deeply appreciative of her efforts, along with that of the multiple cosponsors, to help protect the financial well-being of the widows of Police Officers Cameron Girvin and Christopher Reese who were killed in the line of duty in Virginia Beach on February 22, 2025," said Jake Jacocks, President of the Virginia Beach Police Foundation.

Background:

You can find the full text of this bill here.

You can find a one pager on this bill here.

• On February 22, 2025, Virginia Beach Police Department officers Cameron Girvin and Christopher Reese were tragically killed in the line of duty when responding to a routine traffic stop in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

• The Virginia Beach Police Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has set up a fund within their Foundation to be gifted directly to the widows and dependents of Virginia Beach Police Officers Cameron Girvin and Christopher Reese.

• Donations to the Virginia Beach Police Foundation are tax deductible as the Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. However, under current law, a cash contribution made for the benefit of an individual or private citizen, as opposed to a foundation or charity, is not considered a "charitable contribution" and is therefore not tax-deductible.

• This bill would:
  • Ensure that cash contributions made for the relief of the families of the two fallen law enforcement officers in Virginia Beach will not fail to qualify as charitable contributions as defined under Section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and shall be deductible under said code.
  • Ensure that payments made by charitable organizations to the families of the two fallen law enforcement officers will maintain a tax-exempt status.

• On February 25, 2025, Congresswoman Kiggans delivered remarks and led the Virginia Congressional Delegation in a moment of silence on the House Floor to honor the memory, service, and sacrifice of officers Cameron Girvin and Christopher Reese.

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