Why 4/5: Establishes a new 'no net loss' policy for wetlands, directly impacting environmental permitting and conservation efforts.
The Marine Resources Commission will be required to ensure no net loss of existing wetland acreage and functions when setting standards and issuing permits. This change means that permits for wetland use and development will include stricter requirements for compensating environmental impacts.
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Passed by for the day
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Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB521)
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Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Substitute agreed to
Substitute adopted
Engrossed by Senate - committee substitute
Passed a chamber
Passed Senate with substitute (21-Y 19-N 0-A)
Substitute adopted
Senate substitute agreed to by House (70-Y 25-N 0-A)
Enrolled
Enrolled
Passed a chamber
Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB521ER)
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Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB521)
This bill has passed its votes and is headed to the Governor's desk. You still have a say — the Governor's office reads messages before deciding whether to sign.
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Summarized from the official bill text (“Marine Resources Commission; powers and duties, impacts on wetlands, report.”) · Read the actual bill →
Passed a chamber
Signed by President
Passed a chamber
Signed by Speaker
Enrolled
Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 14, 2026
Sent to the Governor
Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
Signed into law
Approved by Governor-Chapter 161 (effective 7/1/2026)
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Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0161)