A BILL to amend and reenact § 1-510 of the Code of Virginia, relating to official emblems and designations; state fruit; pawpaw.
HB415 amends Virginia Code § 1-510, the statute that lists the Commonwealth’s official emblems and designations, to add the pawpaw fruit (Asimina triloba) as Virginia’s official state fruit. The bill is a symbolic designation measure and does not create a regulatory program, tax change, or enforcement mechanism. It simply expands the existing list of state symbols and honors alongside items such as the state bird, flower, tree, and other official emblems.
In practical terms, the bill would update state law to recognize pawpaw as an official Commonwealth symbol. Because the bill is limited to an emblem designation, its legal effect is narrow and primarily ceremonial. It would affect the text of § 1-510 and could be used in educational, promotional, or commemorative contexts, but it would not directly alter rights, duties, or benefits for residents, businesses, or agencies.
The bill would amend § 1-510 of the Code of Virginia, which governs official emblems and designations, by adding pawpaw fruit to the list as the state fruit. The change would modify the statutory catalog of Virginia symbols but would not otherwise affect substantive law, administrative authority, or funding. Any impact would be limited to official recognition and possible use in state branding, tourism, or educational materials.
The available context suggests the bill was noncontroversial and largely ceremonial. It was continued to the next session in the Rules Committee by voice vote, and there is no recorded committee transcript or vote split indicating opposition. The absence of recorded debate suggests general acceptance or low urgency rather than active disagreement.
There is no documented substantive contention in the provided materials. Because the bill concerns a symbolic state designation, any disagreement would likely have centered on whether pawpaw should be chosen over other candidate fruits or whether the legislature should spend time on honorary designations. However, no specific objections, amendments, or opposing viewpoints are included in the available record.