📄 Written Testimony – HB 291 House Committee on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources Natural Resources Subcommittee January 21, 2026 Submitted by: Bob Tubbs Founder & Advocate, Virginia Animal Protection Group Written Statement in Support of HB 291 Thank you for the opportunity to submit written comments in support of HB 291, relating to fishing tackle recycling and disposal education. HB 291 takes a practical, education-first approach to a well-documented conservation issue. Improperly discarded fishing line and tackle can entangle birds, turtles, fish, and other wildlife—often restricting movement, cutting circulation, or preventing animals from feeding or escaping predators. In many cases, these injuries are preventable through simple awareness of proper disposal and recycling practices. Rather than creating new regulations or penalties, HB 291 focuses on public education by directing the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources to provide clear, accessible information to anglers and the general public. This approach supports ethical recreation, protects wildlife, and promotes stewardship of Virginia’s waterways without burdening the fishing community. The bill is also fiscally responsible. It relies on existing agency infrastructure, includes periodic evaluation to ensure effectiveness, and provides transparency through reporting to the General Assembly—without mandating program expansion. HB 291 represents a thoughtful balance between conservation, recreation, and responsible governance. I respectfully encourage the subcommittee to support the bill. Thank you for your time and consideration. Respectfully submitted, Bob Tubbs Founder & Advocate, Virginia Animal Protection Group 2023 Recipient, Animal Legal Defense Fund – Compassion in Action Award