Great News! Yesterday, Virginia's "Freedom to Float" bill passed the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources. The bill could now move to the full VA Senate for a vote as early as Tuesday of next week (1/28/14). It is more important than ever that every paddler that enjoys Virginia rivers contact state Senators.
The voting record from the Committee hearing is as follows:
- Yeas (supported SB 629): Watkins, McEachin, Petersen, Marsden, Black, Miller, Ebbin.
- Nays (opposed SB 629): Hanger, Puckett, Obenshain, Stuart, Stanley, Cosgrove
Please call or email VA Senators between now and next Tuesday. Let them know that you are a paddler and you support SB 629, the Freedom to Float Bill, and share why paddling rivers without fear of trespass charges is important to you.
Here are a few ideas for outreach priorities:
If you are a Virginia Resident:
- The most important thing you can do is call your own Senator.
No matter where you live:
- Call or email Senators on the Ag Committee and thank them if they voted for the bill or ask them to reconsider if they voted against it.
- Call or email Senators representing areas where you paddle, or any others.
Find their Contact Information here.
More information can be found in this recent AW article.
Thanks – make those calls and emails!