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VA HB1396

Bill

Status

Engrossed

2/16/2026

Primary Sponsor

Marty Martinez

Click for details

Origin

House of Delegates

2026 Regular Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Requires a $19 permit from the Department of Wildlife Resources for individuals and organizations using dogs to hunt game animals, fur-bearing animals, or nuisance species, effective July 1, 2027

  • Exempts mounted fox hunting, waterfowl and bird hunting, tracking wounded animals, hunting on public lands, rabbit chase foot packs, and landowners hunting on their own property with immediate family

  • Mandates the Board of Wildlife Resources establish regulations covering permit procedures, dog identification standards, enforcement criteria, and practices to prevent dogs from entering property without landowner permission

  • Imposes civil penalties of up to $50 for first violations and $100-$250 for subsequent violations within three years, with proceeds deposited into the Game Protection Fund

  • Requires permit suspension or revocation for repeat violations of the permit conditions or regulations

Legislative Description

Dogs; hunting game animals, fur-bearing animals, and nuisance species, permits, civil penalties.

Last Action

Continued to next session in Finance and Appropriations (15-Y 0-N)

3/4/2026

Committee Referrals

Finance and Appropriations2/24/2026
Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources: Companion Animals2/24/2026
Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources2/18/2026
Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources: Agriculture1/30/2026
Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources1/22/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available