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HB 45

Fees to hunt, fish, and trap; free or partially discounted, reimbursement.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Cherry and 3 co-sponsors

HB 45 would eliminate or discount Virginia hunting/fishing/trapping license fees with state reimbursement, shifting costs from users to general taxpayers.

Assigned HAPP sub: Commerce Agriculture & Natural Resources
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Bill Summary · HB 45

Legislative bill overview

HB 45 would make hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses free or partially discounted for Virginia residents, with the state reimbursing licensing agencies for lost revenue. The bill has advanced through agricultural and natural resources committees with unanimous support and now awaits appropriations review to determine fiscal feasibility.

Why is this important

Hunting and fishing licenses generate substantial revenue for wildlife management, habitat conservation, and enforcement programs. Eliminating or reducing these fees would shift funding responsibility to the state budget while potentially increasing participation in outdoor recreation, but would require identifying alternative revenue sources or reducing conservation spending.

Potential points of contention

  • Budget impact: The Department of Planning and Budget's fiscal impact statement will be critical—eliminating license fees could cost millions annually that currently fund wildlife programs
  • Equity and fairness: Questions about whether general taxpayers (including non-hunters/fishers) should subsidize outdoor recreation for participants who traditionally self-fund through licensing fees
  • Conservation funding: Risk that reimbursement may not fully cover lost revenue, potentially reducing funding for habitat restoration, wildlife research, and enforcement of hunting/fishing regulations

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

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