Virginia HB 1110: Blue catfish; Marine Products Board shall establish Chesapeake Wild Harvest certification.

Bill Text

2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26103700D

HOUSE BILL NO. 1110

Offered January 14, 2026

Prefiled January 14, 2026

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Article 1 of Chapter 2 of Title 28.2 a section numbered 28.2-208.4, relating to Marine Resources Commission; blue catfish; Chesapeake Wild Harvest certification.

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Patron—Hodges

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Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources

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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Article 1 of Chapter 2 of Title 28.2 a section numbered 28.2-208.4 as follows:

§ 28.2-208.4. Chesapeake Wild Harvest certification for blue catfish.

A. For the purposes of this section:

"Chesapeake Wild Harvest" means any blue catfish that is (i) taken or caught in the Chesapeake Bay or its tributaries and (ii) processed in the Commonwealth.

"Processed" means a substantial transformation at a U.S. Department of Agriculture-inspected facility in the Commonwealth whereby a blue catfish is slaughtered, cut, deboned, filleted, or otherwise changed into different marketable forms.

B. The Commission shall establish and maintain a voluntary Chesapeake Wild Harvest certification and labeling program for blue catfish products that meet the definition of Chesapeake Wild Harvest pursuant to subsection A.

C. A person shall not label any product as Chesapeake Wild Harvest unless such product meets the definition of Chesapeake Wild Harvest pursuant to subsection A.