Aquaculture - Placement of Shellfish, Bags, Nets, and Structures on Submerged Aquatic Vegetation - Extension

Legislative status

1. Introduced
2. In Committee
3. Reported by Committee
4. Floor Vote Scheduled
5. Passed One Chamber
6. Passed Both Chambers
7. Sent to Executive
8. Signed into Law

Summary

The bill lengthens the period—now through June 30, 2030—during which aquaculture leaseholders may, after written approval from the Department of Natural Resources, put shellfish, bags, nets and structures on submerged aquatic vegetation. It keeps existing limits such as a 500‑yard buffer from waterfowl hunting blinds, bans on subleasing, and requirements for approved harvest times. The extension gives the industry longer certainty while preserving vegetation and wildlife protections.

AI-generated summary — may be incomplete or inaccurate. Verify against the official bill text.

Hearings

• Education, Energy, and the Environment — Bill Hearing
  Education, Energy, and the Environment · Mar 24, 2026
• Senate Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee
  Senate Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee · Mar 24, 2026
• Environment and Transportation — Bill Hearing
  Environment and Transportation · Feb 25, 2026

History

1. Apr 28, 2026Approved by the Governor - Chapter 255
2. Apr 9, 2026Returned Passed
3. Apr 8, 2026Third Reading Passed
4. Apr 7, 2026Second Reading Passed
5. Apr 7, 2026Favorable Adopted
6. Apr 6, 2026Favorable Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment
7. Mar 13, 2026Hearing 3/24 at 1:00 p.m.
8. Mar 12, 2026Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment
9. Mar 11, 2026Third Reading Passed
10. Mar 10, 2026Second Reading Passed
11. Mar 10, 2026Favorable Adopted
12. Mar 9, 2026Favorable Report by Environment and Transportation

The 12 most recent of 14 recorded actions.

Sponsors

• D. Jones · sponsor

Bill text

Opens the legislature’s own copy.

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