HB1396
Dogs; hunting game animals, fur-bearing animals, and nuisance species, permits.
Status:
In Senate
Latest Action:
Feb. 17, 2026
House: Read third time and passed House (55-Y 39-N 0-A)
Chief Patron:
Marty Martinez (D)
Session:
2026 Regular Session
Summary
As Passed House of Origin. Department of Wildlife Resources; permits; use of dogs in hunting game animals, fur-bearing animals, and nuisance species; civil penalties.
Directs the Department of Wildlife Resources to establish a permit for persons and a permit for organizations that hunt game animals, fur-bearing animals, or nuisance species with the aid of dogs and makes it unlawful for any person to (i) release a dog to hunt, pursue, or chase any game ... (More) animal, fur-bearing animal, or nuisance species on any tract of real property or (ii) engage in hunting for any game animal, fur-bearing animal, or nuisance species with the aid of any dog unless such person has been issued a permit to hunt with dogs by the Department. The bill exempts from permitting requirements any person or organization (a) engaged in mounted fox hunting or hunting waterfowl, migratory birds, or upland game birds; (b) using a tracking dog to retrieve a wounded or dead bear, turkey, or deer; (c) whose dog remains in the immediate visual presence and control of such person or organization; or (d) on public lands where hunting is allowed. Finally the bill subjects any person who violates the provisions of the bill to a civil penalty of no more than $50 for a first violation and no less than $100 but no more than $250 for a second or subsequent violation within three years. (Less)-
Bill History
- 01/22/2026 - House: Presented and ordered printed 26105415D
- 01/22/2026 - House: Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources
- 01/30/2026 - House: Assigned HACNR sub: Agriculture
- 02/03/2026 - House: Placed on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources Agenda
- 02/04/2026 - House: House subcommittee offered
- 02/04/2026 - House: Subcommittee failed to recommend passing by indefinitely (3-Y 5-N)
- 02/04/2026 - House: Subcommittee recommends reporting with substitute (6-Y 3-N)
- 02/09/2026 - House: Placed on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources Agenda
- 02/11/2026 - House: House committee offered
- 02/11/2026 - House: Reported from Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources with substitute (15-Y 7-N)
- 02/11/2026 - House: Committee substitute printed 26107741D-H1
- 02/13/2026 - House: Read first time
- 02/16/2026 - House: Read second time
- 02/16/2026 - House: committee substitute agreed to
- 02/16/2026 - House: Engrossed by House - committee substitute
- 02/17/2026 - House: Read third time and passed House (55-Y 39-N 0-A) Close Floor Vote
