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VA HB129

Bill

Status

Engrossed

2/9/2026

Primary Sponsor

Mitchell Cornett

Click for details

Origin

House of Delegates

2026 Regular Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Authorizes the Department of Wildlife Resources Director to issue permits for killing antlerless deer that damage residential plants, including ornamental and noncommercial agricultural vegetation
  • Requires landowners and lessees experiencing deer damage to commercial agricultural property (fruit trees, Christmas trees, crops, horticultural plants) to receive kill permits upon request without limits on antlerless deer
  • Permits for killing antlered deer require inspection and clear, convincing evidence that antlered deer caused the damage, with limits set by the Department
  • Commercial agricultural damage permits expire December 31 annually and can be reissued through a simplified renewal process upon reporting the previous year's deer kill
  • Prohibits persons with suspended or revoked hunting licenses from assisting with kill permit activities until restrictions are lifted

Legislative Description

Deer; permit may be issued to kill if damaging residential plants and certain property.

Last Action

Senate substitute agreed to by House (91-Y 8-N 0-A)

3/10/2026

Committee Referrals

Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources: Rural Affairs2/25/2026
Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources2/11/2026
Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources: Agriculture1/19/2026
Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources1/2/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available