Bill Text: VA HB928 | 2024 | Regular Session | Chaptered
Bill Title: Interference with commercial fishing vessels or activity; penalty.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 4-2)
Status: (Passed) 2024-04-04 - Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0403) [HB928 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2024-HB928-Chaptered.html
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 18.2-146.2 as follows:
§18.2-146.2. Interference with commercial fishing vessels or activity; penalty.
A. As used in this section, "commercial fishing activity" means the business of extracting fish, bivalves, or crustaceans from waters for sale or resale.
B. Any person who knowingly and intentionally interferes with or impedes the operation or commercial fishing activity of a commercial fishing vessel within the territorial waters of the Commonwealth is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
C. A prosecution under this section is a bar to prosecution under §29.1-554.1.
D. Any person convicted of a first offense under this section shall be ineligible for any license issued under Chapter 3 (§28.2-300 et seq.) of Title 28.2 or Chapter 3 (§29.1-300 et seq.) of Title 29.1 for a period of one year. Any person convicted of a second or subsequent offense under this section shall be ineligible for any such license for a period of three years.
E. In addition to any other penalties provided by law, any person convicted of a violation of this section shall be ordered to complete boating safety education as described in §29.1-735.2.
