Virginia House Bill HB1465

Virginia 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/19/24
• Refer: 1/19/24

Caption

Interference with commercial fishing vessel; penalties.

Impact

The bill further escalates penalties for individuals who make threats towards those engaged in commercial fishing activities. Threats of bodily harm or damage to vessels are categorized as Class 6 or Class 5 felonies, depending on the nature of the threat and the apprehension instilled in the crew. This change aims to enhance the legal framework protecting commercial fishermen, sending a strong message against intimidation in the state's waters.

Summary

House Bill 1465 introduces a new segment in the Code of Virginia concerning the protection of commercial fishing vessels. It states that any individual approaching a commercial fishing vessel within 50 feet without consent, with the intention to coerce, intimidate, or harass, will be committing a Class 1 misdemeanor. This provision highlights the importance of maintaining a respectful distance from commercial fishing operations to ensure the safety and integrity of marine activities.

Contention

A notable aspect of HB 1465 is its emphasis on group accountability, as individuals working collectively to breach this law can face joint and several penalties. Another significant point is the consequence of losing eligibility for fishing-related licenses for those found guilty, which could affect individuals or groups seeking to engage in fishing activities. This provision has raised discussions about its potential impact on community fishing practices and how it will be enforced by law enforcement agencies.