VirginiaHB522026 Regular SessionHouse

Marine Resources Commission; beneficial use of dredged material.

Sponsored By: Jr. Robert S. Bloxom (Republican)

Became Law

Summary

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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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Beaches get priority for clean dredge

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.

What counts as beneficial dredge use

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.

Permits must reuse dredged material

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.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Jr. Robert S. Bloxom

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

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

Actions Timeline

  1. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0908)

    4/13/2026Governor
  2. Approved by Governor-Chapter 908 (effective 7/1/2026)

    4/13/2026Governor
  3. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB52)

    4/2/2026House
  4. Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026

    3/31/2026Governor
  5. Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 31, 2026

    3/31/2026House
  6. Signed by Speaker

    3/31/2026House
  7. Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB52ER)

    3/30/2026House
  8. Enrolled

    3/30/2026House
  9. Signed by President

    3/30/2026Senate
  10. Passed Senate Block Vote (40-Y 0-N 0-A)

    3/10/2026Senate
  11. Read third time

    3/10/2026Senate
  12. Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

    3/9/2026Senate
  13. Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading) (40-Y 0-N 0-A)

    3/9/2026Senate
  14. Rules suspended

    3/9/2026Senate
  15. Reported from Finance and Appropriations (14-Y 0-N)

    3/6/2026Senate
  16. Assigned HACNR sub: Water Usage

    2/24/2026Senate
  17. Reported from Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources and rereferred to Finance and Appropriations (13-Y 0-N)

    2/24/2026Senate
  18. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB52)

    2/6/2026House
  19. Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources

    2/4/2026Senate
  20. Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading)

    2/4/2026Senate
  21. Read third time and passed House Block Vote (98-Y 0-N 0-A)

    2/3/2026House
  22. Engrossed by House as amended

    2/2/2026House
  23. committee amendments agreed to

    2/2/2026House
  24. Read second time

    2/2/2026House
  25. Read first time

    1/30/2026House

Bill Text

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