VirginiaHB1122026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Mammalian wildlife; separation and hybridization prohibited, exceptions.

Sponsored By: Amy J. Laufer (Democratic)

Became Law

Summary

Department of Wildlife Resources; premature separation and hybridization of mammalian wildlife prohibited; exceptions. Makes it unlawful to prematurely separate any mammalian wildlife offspring born in captivity from the mother prior to the offspring turning four months of age, except that wildlife offspring may be prematurely separated if a medical necessity exists pursuant to a written order from a veterinarian with appropriate species-specific experience and expertise licensed to practice in the Commonwealth. The bill excludes the following from its provisions: (i) agricultural animals; (ii) noncommercial transfers or trades between accredited zoological facilities; (iii) an accredited zoological facility, as defined in the bill, that retains the mammalian wildlife offspring separated by such zoological facility; (iv) the Department of Wildlife Resources, a person operating under a wildlife rehabilitator, scientific collection, or endangered and threatened species permit approved by the Department, or a person operating under a species recovery plan approved by the Department; (v) the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; or (vi) any person rendering emergency neonatal aide, including the temporary separation of up to 72 hours until a licensed veterinarian can be engaged for assessment and treatment. The bill also makes it unlawful to intentionally and for commercial purposes propagate mammalian wildlife of different species, also known as hybridization. This bill is identical to SB 344.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Breeders: no early separation or hybrids

Breeders and wildlife holders must not separate captive-born mammal young from the mother before 4 months old, unless a species rule sets a different age. A Virginia-licensed vet can order earlier separation for medical need, and you must try to reintroduce the young after care. Other exceptions are for agricultural animals, accredited zoo trades or retention, the Department and approved permit holders or recovery plans, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and emergency neonatal aid for up to 72 hours. An “accredited zoo” must be accredited by an organization active on January 1, 2024, with published standards and 20+ accredited members. The law also bans intentional, commercial breeding of mammalian wildlife hybrids.

Teachers can show wildlife without permits

Elementary and secondary teachers can possess and display wildlife for class. No permit application or fee is required. The teacher must notify the Department and follow Board standards. Standards may set allowed species, cage and enclosure rules, ban releases, and require notice if animals get sick or escape.

Fish-raising permit and wildlife fee caps

If you run a private facility, you can get a permit to raise trout, catfish, largemouth bass, and other sunfish for sale. If you paid the subsection A fee and let people fish there, they do not need a separate fishing license to fish at your facility. The Board can charge permit fees, but they are capped at $20 per year for endangered-species scientific-collection and wildlife-holder permits, and $50 per year for all other wildlife permits.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Amy J. Laufer

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 263 • No: 100

Senate vote 4/22/2026

Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation

Yes: 23 • No: 16

House vote 4/22/2026

House concurred in Governor's recommendation

Yes: 67 • No: 33

Senate vote 3/2/2026

Passed Senate

Yes: 26 • No: 14

Senate vote 2/26/2026

Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading)

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/26/2026

Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/24/2026

Reported from Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources

Yes: 10 • No: 4

House vote 2/10/2026

Read third time and passed House

Yes: 71 • No: 27

House vote 2/4/2026

Reported from Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources with substitute

Yes: 18 • No: 4

House vote 1/28/2026

Subcommittee recommends reporting with substitute

Yes: 8 • No: 2

Actions Timeline

  1. Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (23-Y 16-N 0-A)

    4/22/2026Senate
  2. House concurred in Governor's recommendation (67-Y 33-N 0-A)

    4/22/2026House
  3. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP1035)

    4/22/2026Governor
  4. Reenrolled bill text (HB112ER2)

    4/22/2026House
  5. Reenrolled

    4/22/2026House
  6. Approved by Governor-Chapter 1035 (effective 7/1/2026)

    4/22/2026Governor
  7. Signed by President

    4/22/2026Senate
  8. Signed by Speaker

    4/22/2026House
  9. Governor's recommendation adopted

    4/22/2026Governor
  10. Governor's recommendation received by House

    4/13/2026Governor
  11. Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026

    3/10/2026Governor
  12. Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 10, 2026

    3/10/2026House
  13. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB112)

    3/6/2026House
  14. Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB112ER)

    3/6/2026House
  15. Enrolled

    3/6/2026House
  16. Signed by President

    3/6/2026Senate
  17. Signed by Speaker

    3/6/2026House
  18. Passed Senate (26-Y 14-N 0-A)

    3/2/2026Senate
  19. Passed by for the day

    2/27/2026Senate
  20. Read third time

    2/27/2026Senate
  21. Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

    2/26/2026Senate
  22. Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading) (40-Y 0-N 0-A)

    2/26/2026Senate
  23. Rules suspended

    2/26/2026Senate
  24. Reported from Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources (10-Y 4-N)

    2/24/2026Senate
  25. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB112)

    2/11/2026House

Bill Text

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