Virginia: Sunday Hunting Bill Passes in Senate

Today, Senate Bill 154, the Senate companion to House Bill 1237, passed by a 29-10 vote in the Virginia Senate, putting Virginia hunters one step closer to having the opportunity to hunt on Sundays on private land.

As previously reported, SB 154, sponsored by state Senator Phil Puckett (D-38), would allow hunting on private lands with written permission from the owner - while still prohibiting hunting within 200 yards of a house of worship, the hunting of deer with dogs and the hunting of bear.  If enacted, this new law would take effect on July 1.  This important pro-hunting legislation encourages hunter retention and recruitment by allowing busy families the ability to teach hunting to the next generation, since school and sport activities often dominate Saturdays for children.

SB 154 now goes to the House Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources Committee for consideration.  The House companion bill, HB 1237, is now before the Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Committee to be heard this Thursday.  The House committee passed HB 1237 by a 12-10 vote on January 22 and the Senate committee passed SB 154 by a 9-4 vote on January 30.  Please keep up the momentum of support for this important legislation and once again contact members of this key Senate committee and encourage them to support HB 1237.

Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Committee:

Senator Phil Puckett (D-38), Chairman
Tazewell
(804) 698-7538
[email protected]

Senator Emmett Hanger (R-24)
Mount Solon
(804) 698-7524
[email protected]
     
Senator John Watkins (R-10)
Midlothian
(804) 698-7510
[email protected]
   
Senator Frank Ruff (R-15)
Clarksville
(804) 698-7515
[email protected]
         
Senator Don McEachin (D-9)
Richmond
(804) 698-7509
[email protected]
     
Senator Chap Petersen (D-34)
Fairfax
(804) 698-7534
[email protected]
     
Senator Richard Stuart (R-28)
Montross
(804) 698-7528
[email protected]
     
Senator Dave Marsden (D-37)
Burke
(804) 698-7537
[email protected]
     
Senator Bill Stanley (R-20)
Richmond
(804) 698-7520
[email protected]
     
Senator John Miller (D-1)
Newport News
(804) 698-7501
[email protected]
     
Senator Adam Ebbin (D-30)
Alexandria
(804) 698-7530
[email protected]

Senator John Cosgrove (R-14)
Chesapeake
(804) 698-7514
[email protected]

Senator Ryan McDougle (R-4)
Mechanicsville
(804) 698-7504
[email protected]

Senator Jennifer Wexton (D-33)
Leesburg
(804) 698-7533
[email protected]

Senator Lynwood Lewis (D-6)
Accomac
(804) 698-7506
[email protected]