Skip to Main Content

Due to exceptionally dry conditions, the Department of Wildlife Resources has implemented a complete ban on any open burning (e.g., campfires, grills) on all DWR properties west of Interstate 95, effective immediately and lasting until further notice.

2023 Virginia General Assembly Legislation

Through this summary, Virginia DWR will provide information on bills filed during the 2023 General Assembly related to the Department’s mission or that may affect our operations and be of interest to you.

Commenting on Legislation

The most appropriate way to express your opinion about these bills, or any other legislation, is through your local delegate and/or senator. For more information about your legislators and how to contact them, please visit the Virginia General Assembly website.

Legislative Sportsman’s Caucus Meetings

Under the leadership of Caucus Chairs Senator Emmett Hanger and Delegate James Edmunds, the Legislative Sportsman’s Caucus meets on Thursday mornings at 7:00 AM during the legislative session to discuss issues impacting Virginia’s sportsmen and women.

These meetings are typically attended by Caucus members, state agency representatives, and various sportsman’s groups.

Bills

Click on the bill number to go directly to the state’s Legislative Information System (LIS) to view the full text of the legislation. The current committee to which the legislation is assigned and agendas/dockets for committee meetings can be found under the “Committee” column. Summary information and latest status is available in the “Latest Information” column. Please note that the “Committee” information will be updated on the LIS only when there has been action on the specific piece of legislation; not all bills will be acted on in the same timeframes.

Legislation will be added to this list as it is introduced. Please be aware that new legislation is introduced every day, especially during the pre-session and early session periods.

Last Updated: February 21, 2023

BillChief PatronCatch LineCommitteeLatest Information
HB1930Chris RunionVirginia Self-Service Storage Act; default by occupant; watercraft.

House General Laws
– Subcommittee reported (8-Y 0-N)
– Reported from GL (22-Y 0-N)
– Passed House (100-Y 0-N)
Senate General Laws & Technology
– Reported from GL&T (14-y 1-N)

Summary and Status
House Bills
HB2101David L. BulovaAdministrative Process Act; Department of Wildlife Resources; exemptions; endangered species.

House Ag, Chesapeake, Nat Resources
– Nat Res Subcommittee
– Referred to General Laws
– Subcommittee recommends reporting with substitute (8-Y 0-N)
– Reported from GL w/substitute (22-Y 0-N)
– Passed House (99-Y 0-N)
Senate Ag, Cons, Nat Resources
– Reported from ACNR (12-Y 3-N)
Passed Senate w/amendments (36-Y 4-N)

Summary and Status
Senate Bills
SB979Mark PeakeVirginia Self-Service Storage Act; default by occupant; watercraft.

General Laws & Technology
– Reported from GL&T (14-Y 0-N)
– Passed Senate (36-Y 0-N 2-A)
House General Laws
– Reported from GL (22-Y 0-N)
– Passed House (99-Y 0-N)
Passed House and Senate

Summary and Status
Bills No Longer Moving Forward in the Legislative Process
HB1811Marie MarchHunting deer; establish continuous open season.

House Ag, Chesapeake, Nat Resources
– Nat Res Subcommittee
– Failed to Report

Summary and Status
This bill is no longer moving forward.
HB1989Kay KoryProhibition of killing contests.

House Ag, Chesapeake, Nat Resources
– Nat Res Subcommittee
– Failed to report (3-Y 3-N)

Summary and Status
This bill is no longer moving forward.
HB2470James EdmundsHunting and fishing licenses.

House Ag, Ches, Nat Resources
– Nat Res Subcommittee
– Reported (6-Y 0-N)
– Referred to Appropriations
– Left in Appropriations

Summary and Status
This bill is no longer moving forward.
SB1348Monty MasonAdministrative Process Act; Department of Wildlife Resources; exemptions not to extend to agency actions regarding certain wildlife.

General Laws & Technology
– Passed by indefinitely in General Laws and Technology with letter (9-Y 5-N)

Summary and Status
This bill is no longer moving forward.