2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26100334D

SENATE BILL NO. 461

Offered January 14, 2026

Prefiled January 13, 2026

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Article 1 of Chapter 2 of Title 28.2 a section numbered 28.2-208.4, relating to Marine Resources Commission; commercial electrofishing licenses.

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Patron—Stuart

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Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources

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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Article 1 of Chapter 2 of Title 28.2 a section numbered 28.2-208.4 as follows:

§ 28.2-208.4. Commercial electrofishing licenses.

A. As used in this section, "electrofishing" means a method used to capture fish by which fish are immobilized by an electrical field that is created by pulsing direct current at a frequency not above 15 hertz (Hz).

B. The Commission shall not issue any commercial electrofishing license to any person to take, harvest, or possess any species of fish by means of electrofishing in the tidal rivers and streams of the Commonwealth.