Bill > HB65

This bill repeals the Virginia State Apple Board and its associated Apple Fund effective July 1, 2028, with several key provisions. The bill will stop collecting the excise tax on apples grown in Virginia after July 1, 2026, and prevents any new appointments to the Apple Board after that date, though existing board members can continue serving until the board's dissolution. The chair of the Apple Board is required to file a final report with the Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services by June 30, 2028, detailing the board's total receipts and disbursements for the fiscal year. Any remaining funds in the Apple Fund will be transferred to the Governor's Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund when the board is dissolved. The bill makes consequential amendments to various sections of Virginia code to remove references to the Apple Board and ensure a smooth wind-down of the board's operations, reflecting a decision to eliminate this particular agricultural oversight and funding mechanism.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB65