Senate measure to dissolve Virginia Apple Board and related laws passes both House and Senate

The bill put forward by State Sen. Timmy F. French intends to dissolve the Virginia Apple Board, phase out its activities, and amend related provisions in state law, as noted by the Virginia State Senate.

It cleared both legislative bodies and was formally enrolled on March 5, 2026, passing the House 99-0 and the Senate 40-0.

Introduced as SB390 on Jan. 14, 2026, during the 2026 regular session, the bill was summarized by the legislature as: “Apple Board; repealing Board and Apple Fund effective July 1, 2028, delayed effective date, report.”

The following provides further explanation based on the actual bill text, along with clarifying interpretation for its contents.

In summary, the bill calls for repealing the statutes establishing the Virginia Apple Board, effective July 1, 2028, as well as making necessary updates to state law—including changes to Freedom of Information Act references and the list of designated agricultural funds. New appointments to the Board end after July 1, 2026, with the Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services authorized to fill any unexpired terms. The state excise tax on apples grown in Virginia will no longer be collected after July 1, 2026. Any funds remaining in the Apple Fund as of July 1, 2028, are to be transferred to the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund. A final financial report from the Board is mandated by June 30, 2028.

House approval included votes from 64 Democrats and 35 Republicans.

Senate approval included support from 21 Democrats and 19 Republicans.

The legislation was sponsored solely by Sen. Timmy F. French, a Republican representing the 1st District.

French won election to the Virginia State Senate in 2024, succeeding former state Sen. T. Monty Mason in representing the 1st Senate district.

The legislative process in Virginia begins with a bill’s introduction in either the House of Delegates or the Senate, where it is considered in committee before being debated and voted on by both chambers. Passage in both chambers sends the bill to the governor, who may sign, veto, or allow the bill to become law without signature. The Virginia General Assembly meets annually in a session beginning the second Monday of January. Hundreds of bills are filed each session, but a smaller portion are enacted into law.

Information in this article was obtained from the Virginia State Senate. The source data can be found here.