HB 856 VA
Shelter pets; designating as official state pet.
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Summary
This bill would designate shelter pets as Virginia's official state pet. States traditionally designate official state symbols like state birds, state flowers, and state animals to represent the state. This bill would establish shelter pets—pets adopted from animal shelters and rescue organizations—as Virginia's official state pet designation. The designation would promote animal adoption and shelter pet awareness as an official symbol of the Commonwealth.
AI-generated plain-language summary of the bill (from the OpenStates abstract — no full text available yet) — neutral, and may be imperfect.
Official abstract
A BILL to amend and reenact § 1-510 of the Code of Virginia, relating to official emblems and designations; state pet; shelter pets.
Sponsor (1)
- Paul E. Krizek Democratic · primary
Action history (8)
- Jan 13, 2026 Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26104249D · lower
- Jan 13, 2026 Referred to Committee on Rules · lower
- Jan 30, 2026 Assigned HRUL sub: Studies Subcommittee · lower
- Feb 2, 2026 House subcommittee offered · lower
- Feb 2, 2026 House subcommittee offered · lower
- Feb 2, 2026 Subcommittee recommends continuing to (Voice Vote) · lower
- Feb 6, 2026 Continued to next session in Rules (Voice Vote) · lower
- Jul 21, 2026 Continued from last session · lower
Full text
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