Hello all -
Below is information about a few bills currently making their way through
the General Assembly that have been brought to my attention by members. If
you are inclined to take action against any of these bills, you can locate
your legislators here: http://whosmy.virginiageneralassembly.gov/
Remember phone calls from constituents are the most influential method,
followed by letters and emails.
*Black Vulture Bill - SB 37*
Here is a link to the text of the bill:
http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?161+sum+SB37
Here is a link to an article on the Senate's passage of the bill:
https://www.richmondsunlight.com/blog/2016/01/senate-passes-bill-targeting-vultures/
In short, the bill would allow permits to kill black vultures that are
acting as a nuisance to livestock. Apparently, a constituent of Del.
Carrico complained that black vultures were attacking newborn cattle. An
original version of this bill was much worse, but it was scaled down in
committee to require compliance with Migratory Bird Act, which requires
anyone killing a black vulture to have a permit to do so first. The bill
has already passed the Senate, so if you are inclined to take action on
this bill, be sure to contact your Delegate as he or she will have the next
level of approval on this measure.
Here is a link to the VSO's statement on this bill, which may be useful
when crafting a message to your Delegate:
http://digest.sialia.com/?rm=message;id=1137414
*Sling Shot Hunting - House Bill 1142*
Here is a link to the text of the bill:
http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?161+sum+HB1142
Here is a link to an article from the Richmond Times Dispatch about the
bill:
http://www.richmond.com/news/virginia/government-politics/article_ccea2c57-9801-58f9-9c60-557ccdd54041.html
In short, the bill would add sling shots as a weapon for small game
(including birds). There some concern that hunters using sling shots could
easily skirt laws and regulations, as use of such devices would be
difficult to detect. If you are inclined to take action on this measure and
live in Delegate Ware's district, start with a message to his office. Del.
Ware sits on the Natural Resources Committee which is the next level of
approval for this bill.
*Sunday Hunting Exemption for Rails - SB 344*
Here is a link to the text of the bill:
http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?161+sum+SB344
In short, the bill would create a carve-out of the Sunday Hunting ban in
Virginia for hunters of rails. There has been an effort to move various
exemptions to the Sunday Hunting Ban through every year, and this is
another one of those efforts. Every year a few of these pass, so
eventually the Sunday Hunting ban will be virtually meaningless. If you
are inclined to take action on this bill, contact your Senator. The
measure has already advanced out of committee and will be acted upon by the
entire Senate soon.
Thanks,
ERG
