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Bill > HB1238
VA HB1238
VA HB1238Local ordinances; locality may regulate or prohibit sale of animals in a pet shop, effective clause.
summary
Introduced
01/14/2026
01/14/2026
In Committee
02/18/2026
02/18/2026
Crossed Over
02/16/2026
02/16/2026
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
2026 Regular Regular Session
Bill Summary
Local ordinances; regulation of pet shops. Authorizes the governing body of any locality to, by ordinance, regulate or prohibit the sale of animals in a pet shop. Such ordinance may distinguish between certain types of pet shops and include provisions for special licensing, inspections, reporting, restrictions, or prohibitions on the sale of certain types of animals. The bill also includes certain existing statewide provisions related to pet shops in the list of sections for which a locality may adopt parallel or more stringent ordinances. The provisions of the bill do not become effective unless reenacted by the 2027 Session of the General Assembly.
AI Summary
This bill allows local governments in Virginia to create their own rules, called ordinances, for pet shops. These ordinances can regulate how pet shops get, advertise, and sell animals, as long as they don't conflict with state laws. Localities can also create special permits, require inspections, demand reports, or put restrictions on selling certain types of animals, and these rules can be different for different kinds of pet shops. The bill also clarifies that local governments can adopt and even make stricter existing state rules about pet shops, including those related to permits, record-keeping, and penalties for mistreatment of animals.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources, Government Affairs
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Continued to next session in Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources (11-Y 3-N) (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/HB1238 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB1238/text/HB1238E |
| Counties, Cities and Towns Amendment | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB1238/text/HB1238AH1 |
| Counties, Cities and Towns Amendment | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB1238/text/HB1238AHC1 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB1238/text/HB1238 |
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