VA HB390

Establishes the Habitat Policy Oversight Committee within the Virginia Marine Resources Commission to advise on habitat management policies and support coastal resilience efforts.

Committee consists of 11 voting members appointed by the Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources, plus the Chief of the Habitat Management Division and Deputy Commissioner as nonvoting ex officio members.

Membership includes representatives from Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Old Dominion University's Institute for Coastal Adaptation and Resilience, local wetlands boards, marine construction industry, environmental groups, aquaculture/fisheries, local government, and DEQ's Coastal Zone Management Program.

Committee duties include reviewing Division policies, recommending mitigation strategies for permits, providing input on habitat-related rulemaking, and recommending strategies to advance Chesapeake Bay Agreement goals.

Members serve staggered terms of two to four years initially, with four-year terms thereafter, and receive expense reimbursement but no compensation.