SB344Introduced in the Senate
Mammalian wildlife; separation and hybridization prohibited, exceptions.
Introduced by Jennifer Boysko, District 38
What does this bill do?
Plain-English breakdown
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Official description
Department of Wildlife Resources; premature separation and hybridization of mammalian wildlife prohibited; exceptions. Makes it unlawful to separate any mammalian wildlife offspring born in captivity from the mother prior to the offspring turning four months of age or such other species-specific age as may be prescribed by regulation of the Board of Wildlife Resources, except that wildlife offspring may be prematurely separated if a medical necessity exists pursuant to a written order from a veterinarian who is licensed to practice in the Commonwealth and has received training or experience in the care and management of the species being attended. The bill excludes the following from its provisions: (i) agricultural animals; (ii) noncommercial transfers or trades between accredited zoological facilities; (iii) an accredited zoological facility, as defined in the bill, that retains the mammalian wildlife offspring separated by such zoological facility; (iv) the Department of Wildlife Resources, a person operating under a wildlife rehabilitator, scientific collection, or endangered and threatened species permit approved by the Department, or a person operating under a species recovery plan approved by the Department; (v) the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; or (vi) any person rendering emergency neonatal aide, including the temporary separation of up to 72 hours until a licensed veterinarian can be engaged for assessment and treatment. The bill also makes it unlawful to intentionally and for commercial purposes propagate mammalian wildlife of different species, also known as hybridization. This bill is identical to HB 112.
Where it stands
Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP1004)
April 22, 2026
How did lawmakers vote?
House of Delegates votes
3 recorded votes · each counted separately
Senate votes
4 recorded votes · each counted separately
SenateStage: Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (24-Y 15-N 0-A) · April 22, 2026
24
Yes
15
No
1
Absent or Not Voting
40 senators recorded in this Senate vote. Colors show vote categories only, not whether a vote was good or bad.
See how each senator voted
| Senator | District | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Elizabeth Bennett-Parker | 5 | Yes |
| Michael Jones | 77 | Yes |
| Timmy French | 1 | No |
| Mark Obenshain | 2 | No |
| Chris Head | 3 | Absent |
| David Suetterlein | 4 | Yes |
| Travis Hackworth | 5 | No |
| Todd Pillion | 6 | No |
| William Stanley | 7 | Yes |
| Mark Peake | 8 | No |
Bill history
Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26104692D
Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources
Senate committee offered
Senate committee offered
Reported from Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources with substitute (10-Y 3-N)
Committee substitute printed 26107014D-S1
Rules suspended
Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 1st reading) (40-Y 0-N 0-A)
Passed by for the day (Voice Vote)
Read second time
Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Substitute agreed to
Engrossed by Senate - committee substitute (Voice Vote)
Read third time and passed Senate (26-Y 14-N 0-A)
Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB344)
Placed on Calendar
Read first time
Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources
Reported from Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources (19-Y 3-N)
Read second time
Read third time
Passed House (74-Y 25-N 0-A)
Enrolled
Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB344ER)
Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB344)
Signed by Speaker
Signed by President
Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 10, 2026
Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
Governor's recommendation received by Senate
Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (24-Y 15-N 0-A)
House concurred in Governor's recommendation (67-Y 30-N 0-A)
Governor's recommendation adopted
Reenrolled
Reenrolled bill text (SB344ER2)
Signed by Speaker
Signed by President
Approved by Governor-Chapter 1004 (effective 7/1/2026)
Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP1004)
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