HB 1475

Virginia Fungi Task Force established; report. Requires the Director of the Department of Wildlife Resources to establish the Virginia Fungi Task Force to assess, categorize, and protect the Commonwealth's natural fungi species and explore the economic potential of fungi. The bill directs the Task Force to develop recommendations to (i) conduct a gap analysis and needs assessment on the Commonwealth's natural fungi species; (ii) identify economic development opportunities for fungi; (iii) build a Virginia database of native and invasive fungi species; (iv) incorporate vulnerable fungi species in the 2035 Wildlife Action Plan; (v) conduct statewide fungal monitoring and research; (vi) support forest health, agriculture, and water quality in the Commonwealth; (vii) provide guidance on toxic mushrooms and public safety; (viii) coordinate with universities with mycology expertise; (ix) support academic expertise related to mycology; and (x) build public education and identification resources on fungi in the Commonwealth. The bill requires the Task Force to report its initial findings and recommendations to the Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources and the Chairs of the House Committee on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources and Senate Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources by December 1, 2027, and update such report at least every five years.