Youth Program Proposal Becomes House and Senate Bill

House Bill 300, introduced by Delegate Ed Scott (R-Madison County), and Senate Bill 354, introduced by Senator Creigh Deeds (D-Bath), were originally the brainchild of members of the College Leaders Class of 2011. The policy group, comprised of Rebecca Lamb, Scott Bennett, Danny Yates, Kelli Montgomery, and Kevin Muchiri, presented their cumulative project at the end of their month-long Sorensen experience last June.  

HB 300 and SB 354 would create a tax credit for new beehives of $200 per hive for registered beekeepers who have the hives inspected by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The bill limits the credit to $2,400 per taxpayer per calendar year. These are the first bills with strong ties to Sorensen youth program alumni to be proposed this session.

Executive Director Bob Gibson stated, "It's great to see that the College Leaders Program, which develops legislative solutions to Virginia's problems, has yet another proposal introduced as legislation."

The bills are currently awaiting a vote in the Finance Committees of each legislative body.  

To track HB 300, use the Richmond Sunlight or the Commonwealth's Legislative Information System.

Follow SB 354 in the Richmond Sunlight or the Commonwealth's Legislative Information System.