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Bill > HB1013
VA HB1013
VA HB1013Diamondback terrapin protection areas; MRC to develop in portions of Chesapeake Bay, etc.
summary
Introduced
01/14/2026
01/14/2026
In Committee
02/11/2026
02/11/2026
Crossed Over
02/09/2026
02/09/2026
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
2026 Regular Regular Session
Bill Summary
Marine Resources Commission; Chesapeake Bay; diamondback terrapin protection areas; use of bycatch reduction devices on crab traps; penalty. Requires the Marine Resources Commission, in collaboration with the Crab Management Advisory Committee and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, to develop and establish by December 1, 2027, diamondback terrapin protection areas in those portions of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries where interactions may occur between diamondback terrapins and any nets, traps, pots, or other fishing devices or gear. The bill directs the Commission to require by regulation bycatch reduction devices, as defined in the bill, on all recreational crab pots placed within any such diamondback terrapin protection area established by the Commission. A violation of such regulation is a Class 3 misdemeanor.
AI Summary
This bill requires the Marine Resources Commission (MRC), working with the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), to create special "diamondback terrapin protection areas" in parts of the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers by December 1, 2027, where these turtles might encounter fishing gear like nets and traps. Within these protected areas, the MRC will also mandate the use of "bycatch reduction devices" on all crab pots, which are specially designed openings that allow crabs to enter but prevent most diamondback terrapins from getting trapped. A violation of these new rules will be considered a Class 3 misdemeanor, a minor criminal offense.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Assigned HACNR sub: Water Usage (on 02/24/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB1013 |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1013) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1169149.PDF |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB1013/text/HB1013E |
| Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources Amendment | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB1013/text/HB1013AH1 |
| Chesapeake Subcommittee Amendment | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB1013/text/HB1013AHC2 |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1013) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1115783.PDF |
| Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources Amendment | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB1013/text/HB1013AHC1 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB1013/text/HB1013 |
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