Bill > HB2326

This bill amends Virginia's fishing regulations to clarify the definition and licensing requirements for commercial fishing piers. Specifically, the bill excludes public fishing piers operated by political subdivisions (such as local government entities) from being classified as commercial fishing piers and from being subject to associated licensing fees and permitting requirements. The bill makes changes to several sections of the Code of Virginia, including modifying definitions in § 28.2-302 to explicitly state that a public fishing pier operated by a political subdivision is not considered a commercial fishing pier. Additionally, the bill adds a new exemption to the saltwater recreational fishing license requirements, specifically exempting public piers operated by political subdivisions. These changes will reduce regulatory burdens on local governments that operate public fishing piers, making it easier and potentially more cost-effective for them to provide fishing access to the community. The bill also makes some minor technical adjustments to numbering in existing exemption lists.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/HB2326