Virginia · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 596: Wildlife Corridor Action Plan; interagency implementation group, report.
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 596 is a bill introduced in the Virginia House on January 13, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: Wildlife Corridor Action Plan; interagency implementation group, report. Primary sponsor: Shelly Simonds (Democratic). It lists 2 additional sponsors. Most recent recorded action (February 18, 2026): Left in Committee Rules.
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.
Wildlife Corridor Action Plan; interagency implementation group; report. Directs the Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources to, in coordination with the Secretary of Transportation, convene an Interagency Implementation Group to advance projects, policies, and priorities identified under the Wildlife Corridor Action Plan. The bill requires the Group to (i) facilitate the development of a statewide memorandum of understanding among participating state agencies to formalize roles, data-sharing practices, and collaborative processes; (ii) facilitate sharing of wildlife vehicle collision data; (iii) support local level connectivity planning; (iv) develop and offer training to state agencies, localities, and metropolitan planning organizations relating to wildlife crossings and habitat connectivity strategies; (v) coordinate and prioritize projects identified in the Plan; and (vi) assist state agencies and political subdivisions, and by request any federal agency, in considering and incorporating wildlife corridors and the recommendations of the Plan when developing any governmental strategic plan, map, or action. The bill requires the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources to jointly submit a report of the Group's progress in advancing the Plan to the Chairs of the Senate Committees on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources and Transportation and the House Committees on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources and Transportation by September 1 of each year.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 2 · Republican 1
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shelly Simonds | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 70 |
| Buddy Fowler | Co-sponsor | Republican | House | 59 |
| Debra Gardner | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 76 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Left in Committee Rules
- Subcommittee recommends laying on the table (5-Y 0-N)
- Assigned HRUL sub: Studies Subcommittee
- Referred to Committee on Rules
- Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26103881D