CHAPTER 131
An Act to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 28.2-104.2 , relating to Marine Resources Commission; Habitat Policy Oversight Committee established; powers and duties; report.
[H 390]
Approved April 6, 2026
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 28.2-104.2 as follows:
§ 28.2-104.2 . Habitat Policy Oversight Committee; powers and duties; report.
A. For the purposes of this section:
"Committee" means the Habitat Policy Oversight Committee established in subsection B.
"Division" means the Habitat Management Division of the Commission.
B. There is hereby established within the Commission the Habitat Policy Oversight Committee, which shall advise the Commission and the Division on policies within their jurisdiction and support the Commission's coastal resilience efforts. The Commission shall retain ultimate regulatory authority, but the Division and the Commission shall consider and give due weight to the Committee's recommendations in decision-making processes. The Division shall report to the Commission on Committee activities and how the Committee's recommendations have informed policy and program development, and the Division shall consult with the Committee on all updates or revisions to policy matters not requiring formal Commission approval.