CHIP IN for Veterans Act of 2026

This legislation, known as the "CHIP IN for Veterans Act of 2026," permanently extends a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pilot program that allows the agency to accept donated facilities and related improvements. It removes the "pilot" designation, making the program a permanent fixture. The bill also modifies the criteria for accepting such donations, requiring them to align with specific VA capital planning processes, five-year development plans, facility master plans, or annual capital needs inventories. Furthermore, the bill grants the VA new authority to accept donations covering the total or partial cost of minor construction projects , nonrecurring maintenance projects , or construction services for existing or new facilities. These donations must align with identified VA needs, come from eligible entities, and be determined by the Secretary to accelerate project completion, reduce expenses, improve facility conditions, or otherwise benefit veterans. Donors are required to enter into formal agreements that include provisions for VA oversight, compliance with codes, donor-provided insurance, and liability protections, ensuring the donation does not increase federal government costs for the project.