Bill
Bill > HB1396
VA HB1396
VA HB1396Dogs; hunting game animals, fur-bearing animals, and nuisance species, permits, civil penalties.
summary
Introduced
01/22/2026
01/22/2026
In Committee
02/24/2026
02/24/2026
Crossed Over
02/16/2026
02/16/2026
Passed
Dead
03/14/2026
03/14/2026
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Regular Session
Bill Summary
Department of Wildlife Resources; permits; use of dogs in hunting game animals, fur-bearing animals, and nuisance species; civil penalties. Directs the Department of Wildlife Resources to establish a permit for persons and a permit for organizations that hunt game animals, fur-bearing animals, or nuisance species with the aid of dogs and makes it unlawful for any person to (i) release a dog to hunt, pursue, or chase any game animal, fur-bearing animal, or nuisance species on any tract of real property or (ii) engage in hunting for any game animal, fur-bearing animal, or nuisance species with the aid of any dog unless such person has been issued a permit to hunt with dogs by the Department. The bill exempts from permitting requirements any person or organization (a) engaged in mounted fox hunting or hunting waterfowl, migratory birds, or upland game birds; (b) using a tracking dog to retrieve a wounded or dead bear, turkey, or deer; (c) whose dog remains in the immediate visual presence and control of such person or organization; or (d) on public lands where hunting is allowed. Finally the bill subjects any person who violates the provisions of the bill to a civil penalty of no more than $50 for a first violation and no less than $100 but no more than $250 for a second or subsequent violation within three years.
AI Summary
This bill requires individuals and organizations that hunt game animals, fur-bearing animals, or nuisance species using dogs to obtain a permit from the Department of Wildlife Resources, with applications costing $19 and the Department establishing regulations for permit issuance, enforcement, dog identification, and preventing dogs from entering unauthorized property. This new requirement, effective July 1, 2027, makes it illegal to release a dog to hunt or to hunt with a dog without this permit, though exceptions exist for mounted fox hunting, hunting waterfowl or game birds, using tracking dogs to retrieve downed animals, when dogs are kept in immediate visual control, on public hunting lands, for rabbit chase foot packs, and for landowners and their immediate family on their own property. Violators will face civil penalties of up to $50 for a first offense and $100 to $250 for subsequent offenses within three years, with proceeds going to the Game Protection Fund, and repeat offenders may have their permits suspended or revoked.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Continued to next session in Finance and Appropriations (15-Y 0-N) (on 03/04/2026)
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/HB1396 |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1396) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1190419.PDF |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB1396/text/HB1396S1 |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1396) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1181460.PDF |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB1396/text/HB1396SC1 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB1396/text/HB1396H1 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB1396/text/HB1396HC3 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB1396/text/HB1396HC2 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB1396/text/HB1396HC1 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB1396/text/HB1396 |
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