RICHMOND โAt the urging of legislators representing the Eastern Shore, the General Assembly seems likely to approve a law to ensure fair fishing rights for Virginia's commercial fishermen.
The Senate has unanimously passed Senate Bill 192, sponsored by Sen. Ralph Northam, D-Norfolk. And the House is considering final approval of the almost identical House Bill 1291, sponsored by Del. Lynwood Lewis, D-Accomac.
The bills would address inequities in fishing rights along the East Coast.
In some states, fishermen cannot buy a license for certain types of commercial fishing, so they purchase it in Virginia, where it isn't restricted.