All Roll Calls
Yes: 237 • No: 0
Sponsored By: Jr. Robert S. Bloxom (Republican)
Became Law
Marine Resources Commission; beneficial use of dredged material. Provides that, beginning December 1, 2027, it is the policy of the Commonwealth to promote the beneficial use of dredged material, as defined in the bill, and that the Marine Resources Commission shall require the beneficial use of dredged material for all permits involving dredged material unless such approaches are not suitable based on criteria developed by the Commission. The bill also adds the sites of projects that are consistent with the beneficial use of dredged material to the sites that are given priority consideration for the disposal of that portion of dredged material determined to be suitable for such use by the Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources. The bill directs the Commission to establish a work group to assist in the development of any regulations or guidance to implement the provisions of the bill. As introduced, this bill was a recommendation of the Joint Subcommittee on Recurrent Flooding.
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3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Beaches and other approved beneficial-use sites get first priority for dredged material that is fit for beach nourishment. The Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources decides which material is suitable. The priority only covers the portion of material judged suitable.
The law defines beneficial use of dredged material from the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal rivers. Allowed uses are: restoring underwater grasses; restoring islands; fixing eroding shorelines; creating or restoring wetlands; and creating or improving fish or shellfish habitats. These definitions guide which projects and permits qualify.
The Marine Resources Commission requires the beneficial use of dredged material in all permits that involve dredging. This does not apply when the Commission’s criteria find beneficial use is not suitable. Permit applicants must follow or document those criteria in their plans. Beginning December 1, 2027, Virginia policy promotes beneficial use whenever feasible and consistent with federal and state law.
Jr. Robert S. Bloxom
Republican • House
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
All Roll Calls
Yes: 237 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/10/2026
Passed Senate Block Vote
Yes: 40 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/9/2026
Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/9/2026
Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading)
Yes: 40 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/6/2026
Reported from Finance and Appropriations
Yes: 14 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/24/2026
Reported from Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources and rereferred to Finance and Appropriations
Yes: 13 • No: 0
House vote • 2/3/2026
Read third time and passed House Block Vote
Yes: 98 • No: 0
House vote • 1/28/2026
Reported from Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources with amendment(s)
Yes: 22 • No: 0
House vote • 1/26/2026
Subcommittee recommends reporting with amendment(s)
Yes: 10 • No: 0
Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0908)
Approved by Governor-Chapter 908 (effective 7/1/2026)
Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB52)
Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 31, 2026
Signed by Speaker
Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB52ER)
Enrolled
Signed by President
Passed Senate Block Vote (40-Y 0-N 0-A)
Read third time
Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)
Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading) (40-Y 0-N 0-A)
Rules suspended
Reported from Finance and Appropriations (14-Y 0-N)
Assigned HACNR sub: Water Usage
Reported from Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources and rereferred to Finance and Appropriations (13-Y 0-N)
Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB52)
Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources
Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading)
Read third time and passed House Block Vote (98-Y 0-N 0-A)
Engrossed by House as amended
committee amendments agreed to
Read second time
Read first time
Chaptered
4/13/2026
Enrolled
3/30/2026
Engrossed
2/2/2026
Amendment
1/28/2026
Amendment
1/26/2026
Introduced
12/29/2025
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