RICHMOND — In a move to safeguard property rights and support Virginia’s agricultural backbone, the Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Committee reported House Bill 129 with a substitute by a 13-2 vote on March 3, 2026. The legislation, sponsored by Delegate Mitchell Cornett, addresses the escalating issue of deer damage to residential plants and commercial crops across the Commonwealth.

White-tailed deer populations in Virginia, estimated between 850,000 and 1 million, have led to significant economic losses. The Department of Wildlife Resources notes that deer damage to agricultural crops, fruit trees, and residential landscaping, along with vehicle collisions, continues to rise. Hunters harvested 227,302 deer during the 2025-2026 seasons, underscoring the need for targeted management to prevent overabundance from harming landowners.

HB129 amends Section 29.1-529 of the Code of Virginia to authorize the Director of the Department of Wildlife Resources or a designee to issue permits for killing a limited number of antlered deer when they damage residential plants. This requires an inspection confirming clear and convincing evidence of the damage.

For commercial agricultural production lands, the bill mandates the issuance of permits upon a landowner or lessee’s request to kill antlerless deer causing harm to fruit trees, Christmas trees, crops, plants, or personal property used in such production. When antlered deer are responsible for similar damage on these lands, permits for a limited number must be issued following evidence verification.

The measure streamlines access to these protections, ensuring swift response to verified deer depredation without unnecessary delays. Fiscal impact statements from the Department of Planning and Budget have been issued multiple times, including on March 6, February 11, and February 4, reflecting thorough review.

Introduced by Cornett on January 14, 2026, and prefaced on January 2, the bill moved quickly through the House. Assigned to the Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources subcommittee on January 19, it received a recommendation to report with a substitute by 10-0 on January 28. The full committee reported it with substitute 26106494D by 21-1 on February 4.

Engrossed on February 9 after agreeing to the committee substitute, it passed the House on February 10 with an overwhelming 88-9 vote. Referred to the Senate committee on February 11, it saw a subcommittee substitute on February 24 and full committee action shortly after.

Senate progress includes assignment to the Rural Affairs subcommittee on February 25, reporting from committee on March 3, and printing of substitute 26108431D. On March 4, another fiscal statement was released. The chamber passed the bill by for the day on March 5 with constitutional reading dispensed 39-0, and again on March 6 via block vote.

Delegate Cornett, serving District 46 in southwest Virginia—which includes Grayson, Smyth, Wythe, and portions of Pulaski counties—champions issues vital to rural communities. Agriculture remains a cornerstone of these areas, where deer overbrowsing threatens livelihoods and property values.

Virginia’s deer management program highlights ongoing challenges: despite a robust hunting economy exceeding $500 million annually, property damage inflicts millions in losses yearly. Studies show widespread impacts, with historical data indicating over half of respondents experiencing deer damage to plantings.

By empowering the Department of Wildlife Resources to act decisively, HB129 upholds the rights of property owners to defend their investments. The bill’s strong committee support in both chambers signals broad recognition of the problem and the need for practical solutions.

As the 2026 Regular Session nears its conclusion, HB129 positions itself for potential final passage, promising relief for Virginians battling deer invasions on their lands. This targeted approach promotes balanced wildlife management while prioritizing the economic stability of farmers and homeowners statewide.