VA HB237

Bill

VA HB237

Va. Coastal Resilience Master Plan; identifying areas where marshes may migrate in face of sea rise.

Introduced
01/08/2026

In Committee
03/03/2026

Crossed Over
03/10/2026

Passed
04/13/2026

Dead

Signed/Enacted/Adopted
04/13/2026

Introduced Session

Potential new amendment

2026 Regular Regular Session

Bill Summary

Department of Conservation and Recreation; Virginia Coastal Resilience Master Plan. Directs the Department of Conservation and Recreation, when updating the Virginia Coastal Resilience Master Plan, to identify areas where marshes may migrate in the face of sea level rise.

AI Summary

This bill, amending the Code of Virginia, directs the Department of Conservation and Recreation to update the Virginia Coastal Resilience Master Plan, a comprehensive strategy for addressing flooding and sea-level rise. A key provision requires the plan to specifically identify areas where coastal marshes, which act as natural buffers against flooding, might naturally shift inland as sea levels rise. This is intended to inform future planning and adaptation measures, ensuring that the Commonwealth can better prepare for the impacts of climate change and protect its communities and natural resources.

Committee Categories

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Sponsors (2)

Alfonso Lopez (D)*, Virgil Thornton (D),

Last Action

Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0915) (on 04/13/2026)

Official Document

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB237

Version:

Document Type	Source Location
State Bill Page	https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB237
BillText	https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB237/text/CHAP0915
Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB237)	https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1214760.PDF
BillText	https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB237/text/HB237ER
Senate Amendment	https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB237/text/HB237EDOC
Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Amendment	https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB237/text/HB237AS1
Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Amendment	https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB237/text/HB237ASC1
Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB237)	https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1143257.PDF
BillText	https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB237/text/HB237H1
BillText	https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB237/text/HB237HC2
BillText	https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB237/text/HB237HC1
BillText	https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB237/text/HB237

Bill > HB237

summary

Introduced Session

Bill Summary

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Official Document

bill text

bill summary

bill summary

bill summary