Virginia · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 521: Marine Resources Commission; powers and duties, impacts on wetlands, report.
Enacted Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 521 is a bill introduced in the Virginia House on January 13, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: Marine Resources Commission; powers and duties, impacts on wetlands, report. Primary sponsor: Phil Hernandez (Democratic). Most recent recorded action (April 6, 2026): Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0161).
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
Marine Resources Commission; powers and duties; wetlands; work group; report. Requires the Marine Resources Commission to ensure that, in promulgating minimum standards for protection and conservation of wetlands, no net loss of existing wetland acreage and functions is achieved. The bill requires permits for the use and development of wetlands to contain requirements for compensating impacts on wetlands sufficient to achieve no net loss of existing wetland acreage and functions. The bill also directs the Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources to convene a stakeholder work group to address mitigation requirements for tidal nonvegetated wetlands and directs the work group to submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the Chairs of the House Committee on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources and the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources no later than July 1, 2027.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 1
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phil Hernandez | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 94 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0161)
- Approved by Governor-Chapter 161 (effective 7/1/2026)
- Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
- Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 14, 2026
- Signed by Speaker
- Signed by President
- Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB521)
- Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB521ER)
- Enrolled
- Senate substitute agreed to by House (70-Y 25-N 0-A)
- Passed Senate with substitute (21-Y 19-N 0-A)
- Engrossed by Senate - committee substitute
Showing 12 most recent of 38 actions. Full history