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HB 1396

Dogs; hunting game animals, fur-bearing animals, and nuisance species, permits, civil penalties.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Nadarius Clark and 1 co-sponsor

HB 1396 modifies Virginia hunting dog regulations and civil penalties for hunting game, fur-bearing, and nuisance animals, with fiscal implications for state enforcement.

Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1396)
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Bill Summary · HB 1396

Legislative bill overview

HB 1396 modifies Virginia's regulations governing the use of dogs for hunting game animals, fur-bearing animals, and nuisance species. The bill adjusts permitting requirements and establishes or modifies civil penalties related to these hunting practices. The specific substantive changes are not detailed in the available legislative actions, though the bill has undergone committee review with a substitute version proposed.

Why is this important

Virginia's hunting regulations directly affect wildlife management, animal welfare standards, and recreational hunting traditions in the state. Changes to permitting and penalty structures can impact both hunters' practices and wildlife populations, while also influencing how the state enforces conservation laws. The fiscal impact statement suggests the bill has budgetary implications for state enforcement or administrative agencies.

Potential points of contention

  • Animal welfare concerns: Regulations on dogs used for hunting may conflict with animal protection advocates' interests versus traditional hunting community practices
  • Enforcement and penalties: Civil penalty adjustments could be seen as either insufficient deterrents or unfairly burdensome to hunting participants
  • Permitting accessibility: Changes to permit requirements may affect hunters' ability to participate in traditional hunting practices or create administrative barriers

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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