142 total bills, 74 anti-gun bills,
20 pro-gun bills for this session
Proposed Virginia Firearm Legislation
142 total bills, 74 anti-gun bills,
20 pro-gun bills for this session
2012-2013 Session2014-2015 Session2016-2017 Session2018-2019 Session2020-2021 Session2022-2023 Session2024-2025 Session
Filter: Click on bill number for details. jump to upper chamber
note: Virginia does not carry over legislation from session to session
Title: Knives; carrying as concealed weapons.
Description: Carrying concealed weapons; knives. Clarifies the types of knives that are prohibited from being carried in a concealed manner.
Last Action: Tabled in Public Safety (12-Y 9-N)
Last Action Date: January 19, 2024
Title: Handguns; firearm locking device required for sale or transfer, child safety warning required.
Description: Firearm locking device required for sale or transfer of handguns; child safety warning required; penalty. Makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor for any licensed manufacturer, licensed importer, or licensed dealer to sell, deliver, or transfer any handgun to any person, other than a licensed manufacturer, licensed importer, or licensed dealer, unless the transferee is provided with a locking device for such handgun and the handgun is accompanied by a warning, in conspicuous and legible type in capital letters printed on a label affixed to the gun and on a separate sheet of paper included within the packaging enclosing the handgun, that handguns should be locked and kept away from children and that there may be civil and criminal liability for failing to do so. The bill provides exceptions for law-enforcement and governmental agencies.
Last Action: Incorporated by Public Safety
Last Action Date: January 26, 2024
Title: Abuse and neglect of children; causing or enabling child to gain possession of a firearm, penalty.
Description: Abuse and neglect of children; causing or enabling child to gain possession of a firearm; penalty. Creates a Class 5 felony for any parent, guardian, or other person who is 18 years of age or older and is responsible for the care of a child under the age of 18 whose willful act or omission causes or enables that child to gain possession of a firearm (i) after having received notice of a preliminary determination, pursuant to relevant law, that such child poses a threat of violence or physical harm to self or others or (ii) when such parent, guardian, or other person responsible for the care of the child knows or reasonably should know that such child has been charged with, either by warrant or petition, convicted of, or adjudicated delinquent of a violent juvenile felony. Abuse and neglect of children; causing or enabling child to gain possession of a firearm; penalty. Creates a Class 5 felony for any parent, guardian, or other person who is 18 years of age or older and is responsible for the care of a child under the age of 18 whose willful act or omission causes or enables that child to gain possession of a firearm (i) after having received notice of a preliminary determination, pursuant to relevant law, that such child poses a threat of violence or physical harm to self or others or (ii) when such parent, guardian, or other person responsible for the care of the child knows or reasonably should know that such child has been charged with, either by warrant or petition, convicted of, or adjudicated delinquent of a violent juvenile felony. The bill provides that no person shall be subject to arrest or prosecution regarding knowledge of a preliminary threat determination if such person received notice that the threat assessment team concluded that the child does not indicate a threat of violence or physical harm to self or others or that any case or review opened or conducted by that threat assessment team as a result of such preliminary determination has been closed. The bill also provides that no person shall be subject to arrest or prosecution if such person has received notice that any pending charge for a violent juvenile felony has been dismissed or a nolle prosequi has been entered. The bill provides an affirmative defense to prosecution if the parent, guardian, or other person responsible for the care of a child caused or enabled such child to gain possession of a firearm while in a dwelling because of a reasonable belief that he or such child was in imminent danger of bodily injury. Lastly, the bill provides that the new offense is eligible for the enhanced earned sentence credits.
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0161)
Last Action Date: March 26, 2024
Title: Firearm; transfers to another person from a prohibited person.
Description: Firearm transfers to another person from a prohibited person. Provides that a person who is prohibited from possessing a firearm because such person is subject to a protective order or has been convicted of an assault and battery of a family or household member may transfer a firearm owned by such prohibited person to any person who is not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing such firearm, provided that such person who is not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing such firearm is 21 years of age or older and does not reside with the person who is subject to the protective order. Under current law, there is no requirement that such transferee cannot be younger than 21 years of age and cannot reside with such prohibited person. The bill also provides that such prohibited person who transfers, sells, or surrenders a firearm pursuant to the provisions of the bill shall inform the clerk of the court of the name and address of the transferee, the federally licensed firearms dealer, or the law-enforcement agency in possession of the firearm and shall provide a copy of such form to the transferee. The bill also provides that a person who is prohibited from possessing a firearm because such person is subject to a protective order or has been convicted of an assault and battery of a family or household member shall be advised that a law-enforcement officer may obtain a search warrant to search for any firearms from such person if such law-enforcement officer has reason to believe that such person has not relinquished all firearms in his possession.
Last Action: House sustained Governor's veto
Last Action Date: April 17, 2024
Title: Handguns; possession, purchase, or transportation by persons convicted of certain drug offenses.
Description: Possession, purchase, or transportation of handgun by persons convicted of certain drug offenses and operating a boat or vehicle while intoxicated prohibited; penalty. Provides that any person who within a five-year period has been convicted of two misdemeanor driving or boating while intoxicated offenses shall be ineligible to possess, purchase, or transport a handgun. The bill also provides that any person who within a three-year period has been convicted of two misdemeanor drug offenses shall be ineligible to possess a handgun. Under current law, such person who has been convicted of two misdemeanor drug offenses is ineligible to purchase or transport a handgun. The bill also provides that any person who is convicted of a second or subsequent offense for violating the prohibition on possessing, purchasing, or transporting a handgun following convictions of these offenses shall be given the opportunity to voluntarily relinquish any firearm in his possession.
Last Action: Left in Appropriations
Last Action Date: February 13, 2024
Title: Firearm locking device; required for sale or transfer of firearm.
Description: Firearm locking device required for sale or transfer of firearm; warning against accessibility to children; penalty. Makes it a Class 3 misdemeanor for any licensed manufacturer, licensed importer, or licensed dealer to sell, deliver, or transfer any firearm to any person other than a licensed manufacturer, licensed importer, or licensed dealer unless the transferee is provided with a locking device for that firearm and the firearm is accompanied by a warning, in conspicuous and legible type in capital letters printed on a separate sheet of paper included within the packaging enclosing the firearm, that firearms should be locked and kept away from children and that there may be civil and criminal liability for failing to do so. The bill provides exceptions for law-enforcement and governmental agencies.
Last Action: Continued to 2025 in Courts of Justice (15-Y 0-N)
Last Action Date: February 28, 2024
Title: Firearm locking device; required for sale or transfer of firearm.
Description: Firearm locking device required for sale or transfer of firearm; warning against accessibility to children; penalty. Makes it a Class 3 misdemeanor for any licensed manufacturer, licensed importer, or licensed dealer to sell, deliver, or transfer any firearm to any person other than a licensed manufacturer, licensed importer, or licensed dealer unless the transferee is provided with a locking device for that firearm and the firearm is accompanied by a warning, in conspicuous and legible type in capital letters printed on a separate sheet of paper included within the packaging enclosing the firearm, that firearms should be locked and kept away from children and that there may be civil and criminal liability for failing to do so. The bill provides exceptions for law-enforcement and governmental agencies. This bill incorporates HB 12.
Last Action: Left in Courts of Justice
Last Action Date: November 19, 2024
Title: Assault firearms; carrying in public areas prohibited, penalty.
Description: Carrying assault firearms in public areas prohibited; penalty. Prohibits the carrying of certain semi-automatic center-fire rifles and shotguns on any public street, road, alley, sidewalk, or public right-of-way or in any public park or any other place of whatever nature that is open to the public, with certain exceptions. Under current law, the current prohibition on carrying certain shotguns and semi-automatic center-fire rifles and pistols applies to a narrower range of firearms, only in certain localities, and only when such firearms are loaded.
Last Action: House sustained Governor's veto
Last Action Date: April 17, 2024
Title: Imprisonment; consecutive terms.
Description: Consecutive terms of imprisonment. Eliminates the required imposition of mandatory consecutive sentences of imprisonment.
Last Action: Failed to pass in House
Last Action Date: February 13, 2024
Title: Firearms; storage in residence where minor or person prohibited from possessing is present, penalty.
Description: Storage of firearms in a residence where a minor or person prohibited from possessing a firearm is present; penalty. Requires any person who possesses a firearm in a residence where such person knows that a minor or a person who is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm is present to store such firearm and the ammunition for such firearm in a locked container, compartment, or cabinet that is inaccessible to such minor or prohibited person. The bill provides that a violation is a Class 4 misdemeanor. The bill exempts (i) any person in lawful possession of a firearm who carries such firearm on or about his person and (ii) the storage of antique firearms and provides that the lawful authorization of a minor to access a firearm is not a violation of the bill's provisions. The bill also requires firearm dealers to post a notice stating such firearm storage requirements and the penalty for improperly storing such firearms.
Last Action: House sustained Governor's veto
Last Action Date: April 17, 2024
Title: Commonwealth Comprehensive Gun Safety Program; established, etc.
Description: Sale, transfer, etc., of certain firearms and firearm magazines; Virginia Firearm Buy-Back Program and Fund established; penalties. Provides that, unless otherwise prohibited by law, any person may import, sell, transfer, manufacture, or purchase an authorized rifle, defined in the bill, in accordance with the relevant provisions of law. The bill makes it a Class 6 felony for any person to import, sell, transfer, manufacture, or purchase a restricted rifle or large-capacity firearm magazine, both defined in the bill, with certain exceptions. The bill also provides that a person is civilly liable for injuries to person or property or wrongful death of another caused by a third party if it can be shown that the civil defendant sold or transferred a restricted rifle or large-capacity firearm magazine in violation of the provisions of the bill to the person who committed the crime resulting in such injury or death. Sale, transfer, etc., of certain firearms and firearm magazines; Virginia Firearm Buy-Back Program and Fund established; penalties. Provides that, unless otherwise prohibited by law, any person may import, sell, transfer, manufacture, or purchase an authorized rifle, defined in the bill, in accordance with the relevant provisions of law. The bill makes it a Class 6 felony for any person to import, sell, transfer, manufacture, or purchase a restricted rifle or large-capacity firearm magazine, both defined in the bill, with certain exceptions. The bill also provides that a person is civilly liable for injuries to person or property or wrongful death of another caused by a third party if it can be shown that the civil defendant sold or transferred a restricted rifle or large-capacity firearm magazine in violation of the provisions of the bill to the person who committed the crime resulting in such injury or death. The bill also provides that no person shall sell a firearm unless at least three days have elapsed from the time the prospective purchaser completes the written consent form to have a licensed dealer obtain criminal history record information, with exceptions enumerated in the bill. The bill also directs the Department of State Police to develop policies for the establishment of uniform standards for the creation of the Virginia Firearm Buy-Back Program. The bill clarifies that participation in the Program by a local law-enforcement agency is voluntary and also directs the Department to establish the Virginia Firearm Buy-Back Fund, a nonreverting fund to be used solely for the purposes of development and implementation of the Program.
Last Action: Continued to 2025 in Appropriations by voice vote
Last Action Date: February 7, 2024
Title: Commonwealth Comprehensive Gun Safety Program; established, etc.
Description: Sale, transfer, etc., of certain firearms and firearm magazines; Virginia Firearm Buy-Back Program and Fund established; penalties. Provides that, unless otherwise prohibited by law, any person may import, sell, transfer, manufacture, or purchase an authorized rifle, defined in the bill, in accordance with the relevant provisions of law. The bill makes it a Class 6 felony for any person to import, sell, transfer, manufacture, or purchase a restricted rifle or large-capacity firearm magazine, both defined in the bill, with certain exceptions. The bill also provides that a person is civilly liable for injuries to person or property or wrongful death of another caused by a third party if it can be shown that the civil defendant sold or transferred a restricted rifle or large-capacity firearm magazine in violation of the provisions of the bill to the person who committed the crime resulting in such injury or death. The bill also provides that no person shall sell a firearm unless at least three days have elapsed from the time the prospective purchaser completes the written consent form to have a licensed dealer obtain criminal history record information, with exceptions enumerated in the bill. The bill also directs the Department of State Police to develop policies for the establishment of uniform standards for the creation of the Virginia Firearm Buy-Back Program. The bill clarifies that participation in the Program by a local law-enforcement agency is voluntary and also directs the Department to establish the Virginia Firearm Buy-Back Fund, a nonreverting fund to be used solely for the purposes of development and implementation of the Program.
Last Action: Left in Appropriations
Last Action Date: November 18, 2024
Title: Concealed handgun; permit holder may store his firearms in motor vehicles in public parking lots.
Description: Carrying a concealed handgun with a permit; public parking lots. Provides that a concealed handgun permit holder may store his firearms or other weapons in a motor vehicle in a publicly or privately owned parking lot, traffic circle, or other means of vehicular ingress or egress to property that is open to the public regardless if such firearms or weapons are prohibited by the owner of such area.
Last Action: Left in Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 13, 2024
Title: Firearm safety device tax credit; definitions.
Description: Firearm safety device tax credit; definitions. Defines an "eligible transaction" for purposes of the firearm safety device tax credit as one in which a taxpayer purchases one or more firearm safety devices from a commercial retailer, as defined in the bill.
Last Action: Left in Finance
Last Action Date: February 13, 2024
Title: Firearm industry members; creates standards of responsible conduct, civil liability.
Description: Firearm industry members; standards of responsible conduct; civil liability. Creates standards of responsible conduct for firearm industry members and requires such members to establish and implement reasonable controls regarding the manufacture, sale, distribution, use, and marketing of the firearm industry member's firearm-related products, as those terms are defined in the bill. Such reasonable controls include reasonable procedures, safeguards, and business practices that are designed to (i) prevent the sale or distribution of a firearm-related product to a straw purchaser, a firearm trafficker, a person prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law, or a person who the firearm industry member has reasonable cause to believe is at substantial risk of using a firearm-related product to harm themselves or unlawfully harm another or of unlawfully possessing or using a firearm-related product; (ii) prevent the loss of a firearm-related product or theft of a firearm-related product from a firearm industry member; (iii) ensure that the firearm industry member complies with all provisions of state and federal law and does not otherwise promote the unlawful manufacture, sale, possession, marketing, or use of a firearm-related product; and (iv) ensure that the firearm industry member does not engage in an act or practice in violation of the Virginia Consumer Protection Act. The bill also provides that a firearm industry member may not knowingly or recklessly create, maintain, or contribute to a public nuisance, as defined in the bill, through the sale, manufacturing, importing, or marketing of a firearm-related product. The bill creates a civil cause of action for the Attorney General or a local county or city attorney to enforce the provisions of the bill or for any person who has been injured as a result of a firearm industry member's violation to seek an injunction and to recover costs and damages.
Last Action: House sustained Governor's veto
Last Action Date: April 17, 2024
Title: Firearms instructors & safety prog.; removes reference to NRA & U.S. Concealed Carry Assoc. in Code.
Description: Firearms instructors and safety programs; National Rifle Association and United States Concealed Carry Association. Removes references to the National Rifle Association (the NRA) and the United States Concealed Carry Association from the Code that allow the organizations to certify ranges and instructors and for courses offered by them to serve as proof of demonstrated competence in firearms safety and training for the purpose of obtaining a concealed handgun permit or receiving training as a minor in the use of pneumatic guns. The bill also repeals authority for special license plates in support of the NRA.
Last Action: Left in Appropriations
Last Action Date: November 18, 2024
Title: Firearms instructors & safety prog.; removes reference to NRA & U.S. Concealed Carry Assoc. in Code.
Description: Firearms instructors and safety programs; National Rifle Association and United States Concealed Carry Association. Removes references to the National Rifle Association (the NRA) and the United States Concealed Carry Association from the Code that allow the organizations to certify ranges and instructors and for courses offered by them to serve as proof of demonstrated competence in firearms safety and training for the purpose of obtaining a concealed handgun permit or receiving training as a minor in the use of pneumatic guns. The bill also repeals authority for special license plates in support of the NRA.
Last Action: Continued to 2025 in Appropriations by voice vote
Last Action Date: February 7, 2024
Title: Richmond, City of; amending charter, extensive updates, removing outdated provisions.
Description: Charter; City of Richmond. Makes extensive updates to the charter for the City of Richmond. Many changes in the bill have the effect of removing outdated or duplicative provisions and more closely aligning the city's powers with those set out in general law. Other changes include authorizing compensation to individual council members as may be set by the city council by resolution as compensation for attending meetings of standing committees or other meetings of the city council, in addition to the sums permitted by general law. In addition, the bill authorizes the city council to fix an additional sum to be paid to the president and vice president of the city council, notwithstanding the limitations set out in general law. The bill makes the city's chief administrative officer, rather than the mayor, responsible for making certain recommendations to the council concerning the personnel system. Further changes in the bill provide for additional protected classes to include all of the protected classes recognized under general law. The bill also removes the requirement that the mayor annually submit a capital budget program to the city council and authorizes the city's chief administrative officer, not the mayor, to make transfers between completed projects and projects that are incomplete. The bill contains numerous technical amendments.
Last Action: Continued to 2025 in Counties, Cities and Towns by voice vote
Last Action Date: February 2, 2024
Title: Richmond, City of; amending charter, extensive updates, removing outdated provisions.
Description: Charter; City of Richmond. Makes extensive updates to the charter for the City of Richmond. Many changes in the bill have the effect of removing outdated or duplicative provisions and more closely aligning the city's powers with those set out in general law. Other changes include authorizing compensation to individual council members as may be set by the city council by resolution as compensation for attending meetings of standing committees or other meetings of the city council, in addition to the sums permitted by general law. In addition, the bill authorizes the city council to fix an additional sum to be paid to the president and vice president of the city council, notwithstanding the limitations set out in general law. The bill makes the city's chief administrative officer, rather than the mayor, responsible for making certain recommendations to the council concerning the personnel system. Further changes in the bill provide for additional protected classes to include all of the protected classes recognized under general law. The bill also removes the requirement that the mayor annually submit a capital budget program to the city council and authorizes the city's chief administrative officer, not the mayor, to make transfers between completed projects and projects that are incomplete. The bill contains numerous technical amendments.
Last Action: Left in Counties, Cities and Towns
Last Action Date: November 18, 2024
Title: Firearm; locking device required for purchase, households where minor resides, penalty.
Description: Firearm locking device required for purchase of a firearm; warning against accessibility to children; penalty. Requires any person who purchases a firearm to either (i) obtain or purchase from a licensed dealer a locking device for such firearm if a minor is present in such person's residence for 14 days or more in a calendar month or (ii) complete a certification statement on a form provided by the Department of State Police certifying that a minor is not present in such person's residence for 14 days or more in a calendar month, with exceptions enumerated in the bill. Accordingly, the bill provides that it is unlawful for any licensed manufacturer, licensed importer, or licensed dealer to sell, deliver, or transfer any firearm to any person, other than a licensed manufacturer, licensed importer, or licensed dealer, unless (a) the firearm is accompanied by a warning, in conspicuous and legible type in capital letters printed on a separate sheet of paper included within the packaging enclosing the firearm, that firearms should be locked and kept away from children and that there may be civil and criminal liability for failing to do so and (b) the transferee (1) obtains or purchases a locking device for such firearm if a minor is present in such person's residence for 14 days or more in a calendar month or (2) completes the certification statement. A violation of either provision is a Class 3 misdemeanor. Firearm locking device required for purchase of a firearm; warning against accessibility to children; penalty. Requires any person who purchases a firearm to either (i) obtain or purchase from a licensed dealer a locking device for such firearm if a minor is present in such person's residence for 14 days or more in a calendar month or (ii) complete a certification statement on a form provided by the Department of State Police certifying that a minor is not present in such person's residence for 14 days or more in a calendar month, with exceptions enumerated in the bill. Accordingly, the bill provides that it is unlawful for any licensed manufacturer, licensed importer, or licensed dealer to sell, deliver, or transfer any firearm to any person, other than a licensed manufacturer, licensed importer, or licensed dealer, unless (a) the firearm is accompanied by a warning, in conspicuous and legible type in capital letters printed on a separate sheet of paper included within the packaging enclosing the firearm, that firearms should be locked and kept away from children and that there may be civil and criminal liability for failing to do so and (b) the transferee (1) obtains or purchases a locking device for such firearm if a minor is present in such person's residence for 14 days or more in a calendar month or (2) completes the certification statement. A violation of either provision is a Class 3 misdemeanor.
Last Action: House sustained Governor's veto
Last Action Date: April 17, 2024
Title: Firearms; purchase, etc., following an assault and battery of a family or household member, etc.
Description: Purchase, possession, or transportation of firearm; assault and battery of a family or household member or intimate partner; penalties. Adds to the existing definition of "family or household member" a person's intimate partner, defined in the bill as an individual who, within the previous 12 months, was in a romantic, dating, or sexual relationship with the person. The bill also provides that any person who knowingly and intentionally purchases, possesses, or transports any firearm following a misdemeanor conviction for an offense that occurred on or after July 1, 2024, for the offense of assault and battery against an intimate partner or an offense substantially similar under the laws of any other state or of the United States is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Last Action: House sustained Governor's veto
Last Action Date: April 17, 2024
Title: Concealed handgun; carrying without a permit.
Description: Carrying a concealed handgun; permit not required. Allows any person who is otherwise eligible to obtain a concealed handgun permit to carry a concealed handgun without a permit anywhere he may lawfully carry a handgun openly within the Commonwealth.
Last Action: Left in Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 13, 2024
Title: Concealed handgun; applying for enhanced permit.
Description: Enhanced concealed handgun permit. Provides that any person 21 years of age or older who applies for a concealed handgun permit may elect to apply for an enhanced concealed handgun permit. The bill provides that such permit would allow a person who has been issued an enhanced concealed handgun permit to carry a firearm any place a law-enforcement officer may carry a firearm. The bill provides that to obtain such enhanced concealed handgun permit, a person must demonstrate competence with a handgun and such demonstration shall include a live fire shooting exercise conducted on a range with the expenditure of a minimum of 100 rounds of ammunition.
Last Action: Left in Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 13, 2024
Title: Firearm/explosive material; carrying w/in Capitol Square or bldg. owned or leased by Commonwealth.
Description: Carrying a firearm or explosive material within Capitol Square or building owned or leased by the Commonwealth; exemptions; public institutions of higher education; penalty. Limits the exemption from the prohibition on the carrying of any firearm or explosive material within any building owned or leased by the Commonwealth or agency thereof or any office where employees of the Commonwealth or any agency thereof are regularly present for the purpose of performing their official duties that currently applies to any property owned or operated by a public institution of higher education to instead apply to any individual within a building owned or operated by a public institution of higher education who possesses a weapon as part of such public institution of higher education's curriculum or activities or as part of any organization authorized by such public institution of higher education to conduct its programs or activities within such building, as such uses are approved through the law-enforcement or public safety unit of such institution.
Last Action: House sustained Governor's veto
Last Action Date: April 17, 2024
Title: Concealed handgun permits; reciprocity with other states.
Description: Concealed handgun permits; reciprocity with other states. Provides that the Superintendent of State Police, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, shall determine whether states meet the statutory qualifications for Virginia to recognize the concealed handgun permit of a person from another state. Under current law, any out-of-state permit is recognized in the Commonwealth provided that (i) the issuing authority provides the means for instantaneous verification of the validity of all such permits or licenses issued within that state, accessible 24 hours a day; (ii) the permit or license holder carries a photo identification issued by a government agency of any state or by the U.S. Department of Defense or U.S. Department of State and displays the permit or license and such identification upon demand by a law-enforcement officer; and (iii) the permit or license holder has not previously had a Virginia concealed handgun permit revoked. The bill also provides that a Virginia resident who has not been issued a valid resident concealed handgun permit may not use a concealed handgun or concealed weapon permit or license issued by another state to carry a concealed handgun in the Commonwealth. Concealed handgun permits; reciprocity with other states. Provides that the Superintendent of State Police, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, shall determine whether states meet the statutory qualifications for Virginia to recognize the concealed handgun permit of a person from another state. Under current law, any out-of-state permit is recognized in the Commonwealth provided that (i) the issuing authority provides the means for instantaneous verification of the validity of all such permits or licenses issued within that state, accessible 24 hours a day; (ii) the permit or license holder carries a photo identification issued by a government agency of any state or by the U.S. Department of Defense or U.S. Department of State and displays the permit or license and such identification upon demand by a law-enforcement officer; and (iii) the permit or license holder has not previously had a Virginia concealed handgun permit revoked. The bill also provides that a Virginia resident who has not been issued a valid resident concealed handgun permit may not use a concealed handgun or concealed weapon permit or license issued by another state to carry a concealed handgun in the Commonwealth. The bill requires the Superintendent of State Police, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, to review any agreements for reciprocal recognition that are in place with any other states as of July 1, 2024, to determine whether the requirements and qualifications of those states' laws are adequate to prevent possession of a permit or license by persons who would be denied a permit in the Commonwealth and revoke any reciprocity agreement or recognition of any states that do not meet such requirements or qualifications by December 1, 2024. The bill requires the Attorney General to provide a written explanation for any determination that a state's laws are adequate to prevent possession of such permit or license by persons who would be denied such permit in the Commonwealth.
Last Action: House sustained Governor's veto
Last Action Date: April 17, 2024
Title: School bd. policy; parental notification of responsibility of safe storage of firearms in household.
Description: School board policies; parental notification; safe storage of firearms in the household. Requires each local school board to develop and implement a policy to require the annual notification of the parent of each student enrolled in the local school division, to be sent by email and, if applicable, SMS text message within 30 calendar days succeeding the first day of each school year, of the parent's legal responsibility to safely store any firearm present in the household, risks associated with improperly stored firearms, statistics relating to firearm-related accidents, injuries, and death among youth, and other tips and strategies. The bill requires each school board to make such parental notification available in multiple languages on its website.
Last Action: Governor: Vetoed by Governor
Last Action Date: May 17, 2024
Title: Firearms-related offenses; mandatory minimum sentences, penalty.
Description: Firearms-related offenses; mandatory minimum sentences; penalty. Increases from five to 10 years for a second or subsequent offense the mandatory minimum sentences for use or display of a firearm during the commission of certain felonies.
Last Action: Left in Courts of Justice
Last Action Date: February 13, 2024
Title: Home-based firearms dealers; prohibited near schools, penalties.
Description: Home-based firearms dealers; prohibited near schools; penalties. Provides that no home-based firearms dealer, as defined in the bill, shall be engaged in the business of selling, trading, or transferring firearms at wholesale or retail within 1.5 miles of any elementary or middle school, including buildings and grounds. The bill provides that any person who willfully violates such prohibition is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor for a first offense and guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor for a second or subsequent offense.
Last Action: House sustained Governor's veto
Last Action Date: April 17, 2024
Title: Firearm Violence Intervention and Prevention, Virginia Center for, etc.; created.
Description: Virginia Center for Firearm Violence Intervention and Prevention; Virginia Firearm Violence Intervention and Prevention Fund; creation. Creates the Virginia Center for Firearm Violence Intervention and Prevention (the Center) within the Department of Criminal Justice Services and the Virginia Firearm Violence Intervention and Prevention Fund, to be administered by the Center, to replace the existing Virginia Gun Violence Intervention and Prevention Fund.
Last Action: Continued to 2025 in Appropriations by voice vote
Last Action Date: February 7, 2024
Title: Firearm Violence Intervention and Prevention, Virginia Center for, etc.; created.
Description: Virginia Center for Firearm Violence Intervention and Prevention; Virginia Firearm Violence Intervention and Prevention Fund; creation. Creates the Virginia Center for Firearm Violence Intervention and Prevention (the Center) within the Department of Criminal Justice Services and the Virginia Firearm Violence Intervention and Prevention Fund, to be administered by the Center, to replace the existing Virginia Gun Violence Intervention and Prevention Fund.
Last Action: Left in Appropriations
Last Action Date: November 18, 2024
Title: Firearms or explosive materials; carrying into a building owned or leased by the Commonwealth.
Description: Carrying a firearm or explosive material into a building owned or leased by the Commonwealth; exception for highway rest areas. Provides that the prohibition on carrying a firearm or explosive material in any building owned or leased by the Commonwealth shall not apply to any highway rest area.
Last Action: Left in Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 13, 2024
Title: Pneumatic guns; Class 6 felony to possess.
Description: Pneumatic guns; penalties. Makes it a Class 6 felony to possess a pneumatic gun upon (i) the property of any child day center or public, private, or religious preschool or elementary, middle, or high school, including buildings and grounds; (ii) that portion of any property open to the public and then exclusively used for school-sponsored functions or extracurricular activities while such functions or activities are taking place; or (iii) any school bus owned or operated by any such school.
Last Action: Left in Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 13, 2024
Title: Concealed handguns; demonstrated competence for a permit, firearms instructors and safety programs.
Description: Demonstrated competence for a concealed handgun permit; firearms instructors and safety programs. Requires that any course, class, or training to demonstrate competence with a handgun as required to obtain a concealed handgun permit must include a live fire shooting exercise conducted on a range, including the expenditure of a minimum of 10 rounds of ammunition, and provides that no course, class, or training that does not include such live fire shooting exercise meets the requirements to obtain a concealed handgun permit. The bill removes references to the National Rifle Association (the NRA) and the United States Concealed Carry Association from the Code that allow the organizations to certify ranges and instructors and for courses offered by them to serve as proof of demonstrated competence in firearms safety and training for the purpose of obtaining a concealed handgun permit or receiving training as a minor in the use of pneumatic guns. The bill has a delayed effective date of January 1, 2025. Demonstrated competence for a concealed handgun permit; firearms instructors and safety programs. Requires that any course, class, or training to demonstrate competence with a handgun as required to obtain a concealed handgun permit must include a live fire shooting exercise conducted on a range, including the expenditure of a minimum of 10 rounds of ammunition, and provides that no course, class, or training that does not include such live fire shooting exercise meets the requirements to obtain a concealed handgun permit. The bill removes references to the National Rifle Association (the NRA) and the United States Concealed Carry Association from the Code that allow the organizations to certify ranges and instructors and for courses offered by them to serve as proof of demonstrated competence in firearms safety and training for the purpose of obtaining a concealed handgun permit or receiving training as a minor in the use of pneumatic guns. The bill has a delayed effective date of January 1, 2025.
Last Action: House sustained Governor's veto
Last Action Date: April 17, 2024
Title: Firearms; purchase, possession, etc., following an assault and battery or stalking violation.
Description: Purchase, possession, or transportation of firearm following an assault and battery or stalking violation; prohibition period; penalty. Prohibits a person who has been convicted of assault and battery, assault and battery of a family or household member, or stalking from purchasing, possessing, or transporting a firearm. The prohibition expires five years after the date of conviction, at which point the person's firearm rights are restored, unless he receives another disqualifying conviction. A person who violates the provisions of the bill is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. The bill also extends from three years to five years the existing prohibition period for persons convicted of assault and battery of certain family or household members. Purchase, possession, or transportation of firearm following an assault and battery or stalking violation; prohibition period; penalty. Prohibits a person who has been convicted of assault and battery, assault and battery of a family or household member, or stalking from purchasing, possessing, or transporting a firearm. The prohibition expires five years after the date of conviction, at which point the person's firearm rights are restored, unless he receives another disqualifying conviction. A person who violates the provisions of the bill is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. The bill also extends from three years to five years the existing prohibition period for persons convicted of assault and battery of certain family or household members.
Last Action: House sustained Governor's veto
Last Action Date: April 17, 2024
Title: Concealed handgun permit applications; fingerprints required by local governments.
Description: Concealed handgun permit applications; fingerprints required by local governments. Requires an applicant for a concealed handgun permit or a renewal of such permit to submit fingerprints as part of the application. The bill provides that any demonstrated administrative costs associated with such fingerprints taken shall be the responsibility of and shall be assessed to the applicant. The bill has a delayed effective date of July 1, 2025. Concealed handgun permit applications; fingerprints required by local governments. Requires an applicant for a concealed handgun permit or a renewal of such permit to submit fingerprints as part of the application. The bill provides that any demonstrated administrative costs associated with such fingerprints taken shall be the responsibility of and shall be assessed to the applicant. The bill has a delayed effective date of July 1, 2025.
Last Action: House sustained Governor's veto
Last Action Date: April 17, 2024
Title: Weapons; carrying into hospital that provides mental health services.
Description: Weapons; possession or transportation; hospital that provides mental health services or developmental services; penalty. Makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person to knowingly possess in or transport into the building of any hospital that provides mental health services or developmental services in the Commonwealth, including an emergency department or other facility rendering emergency medical care, any (i) firearm or other weapon designed or intended to propel a missile or projectile of any kind; (ii) knife, except a pocket knife having a folding metal blade of less than three inches; or (iii) other dangerous weapon, including explosives and stun weapons. The bill also provides that notice of such prohibitions shall be posted conspicuously at the public entrance of any hospital and no person shall be convicted of the offense if such notice is not posted, unless such person had actual notice of the prohibitions. The bill provides that any such firearm, knife, explosive, or weapon shall be subject to seizure by a law-enforcement officer and forfeited to the Commonwealth and specifies exceptions to the prohibition.
Last Action: Governor: Vetoed by Governor
Last Action Date: May 17, 2024
Title: Firearms and ammunition; property rights in parking areas owned or controlled by the Commonwealth.
Description: Property rights in parking areas owned or controlled by the Commonwealth; firearms and ammunition. Provides that with certain exceptions the Commonwealth shall not adopt or enforce any statute or regulation that prevents an employee, visitor, or contractor from storing a lawfully possessed firearm and ammunition in a locked private motor vehicle parked at any parking area owned or controlled by the Commonwealth. The bill also provides that any previously enacted statutes, promulgated regulations, policies, or rules that are inconsistent with the provisions of the bill are null and void.
Last Action: Left in Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 13, 2024
Title: Elections administration; prohibits possession of firearm within 100 feet of certain locations.
Description: Elections administration; certain activities or conduct prohibited at polling places applicable to locations for absentee voting in person; prohibited possession of firearm within 100 feet of certain locations. Clarifies that the provisions of law prohibiting certain activities or conduct in and around a polling place shall also apply to locations where absentee voting in person is available. The bill also prohibits any person, with certain exceptions, from (i) knowingly carrying any firearm and (ii) knowingly doing so within 100 feet of the entrance of a polling place, the building used by the local electoral board to meet to ascertain election results, the building used to conduct a recount of an election, and other additional locations used for voting-related and elections-related activities. Under current law, this prohibition applies within 40 feet of such entrances. Elections administration; certain activities or conduct prohibited at polling places applicable to locations for absentee voting in person; prohibited possession of firearm within 100 feet of certain locations. Clarifies that the provisions of law prohibiting certain activities or conduct in and around a polling place shall also apply to locations where absentee voting in person is available. The bill also prohibits any person, with certain exceptions, from (i) knowingly carrying any firearm and (ii) knowingly doing so within 100 feet of the entrance of a polling place, the building used by the local electoral board to meet to ascertain election results, the building used to conduct a recount of an election, and other additional locations used for voting-related and elections-related activities. Under current law, this prohibition applies within 40 feet of such entrances.
Last Action: House sustained Governor's veto
Last Action Date: April 17, 2024
Title: Firearm safety device; expands definition of device.
Description: Firearm safety device tax credit; definition of firearm safety device. Expands the definition of "firearm safety device" as it relates to the firearm safety device tax credit to include any device that, when installed on a firearm, is designed to prevent the firearm from being operated without first deactivating the device.
Last Action: Incorporated by Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 2, 2024
Title: Noncitizens of the United States; removes term aliens throughout Code.
Description: Noncitizens of the United States; terminology. Removes the term "alien" as it pertains to persons who are not citizens or nationals of the United States and replaces it with synonymous language, as appropriate, throughout the Code of Virginia.
Last Action: Governor: Vetoed by Governor
Last Action Date: May 17, 2024
Title: Concealed handgun; carrying without a permit.
Description: Carrying a concealed handgun; permit not required. Allows any person who is otherwise eligible to obtain a concealed handgun permit to carry a concealed handgun without a permit anywhere he may lawfully carry a handgun openly within the Commonwealth.
Last Action: Left in Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 13, 2024
Title: Nonresident concealed handgun permits; time limit for issuance.
Description: Nonresident concealed handgun permits. Provides that if the Department of State Police has not issued a nonresident concealed handgun permit nor determined that the applicant for such permit is disqualified within 90 days of receipt of the application for such permit, the Department shall immediately issue the permit. Current law does not specify a time limit for issuance of such permit or determination of disqualification. The bill retains the current requirement that if after issuance of the permit the permittee is found by the Department to be disqualified, the permit shall be revoked and the person shall return the permit after being so notified by the Department.
Last Action: Left in Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 13, 2024
Title: Assault firearms; age requirement for purchase, penalty.
Description: Purchase of certain firearms; age requirement; penalty. Prohibits any person under 21 years of age from purchasing a handgun or assault firearm, with exceptions for the purchase of an assault firearm by a law-enforcement officer, correctional officer, jail officer, or member of the Armed Forces of the United States, the Virginia National Guard, or the National Guard of any other state. Accordingly, the bill prohibits a licensed dealer from selling, renting, trading, or transferring from his inventory a handgun or assault firearm to any person under 21 years of age. A violation of either prohibition is a Class 6 felony. The bill also expands the definition of "assault firearm" as the term applies to criminal history record information checks.
Last Action: House sustained Governor's veto
Last Action Date: April 17, 2024
Title: Firearms; waiting period for purchases, penalty.
Description: Purchase of firearms; waiting period; penalty. Provides that no person shall sell a firearm unless at least five days have elapsed from the time the prospective purchaser completes the written consent form to have a licensed dealer obtain criminal history record information, with exceptions enumerated in relevant law.
Last Action: House sustained Governor's veto
Last Action Date: April 17, 2024
Title: Resident concealed handgun permits; elimination of fees.
Description: Fees for resident concealed handgun permits. Eliminates the fees that may be charged for the processing of an application for or issuing of a resident concealed handgun permit, including any costs associated with the clerk's consultation with law-enforcement agencies, which under current law is $10; a fee not to exceed $35 to the law-enforcement agency conducting the background investigation; and a fee not to exceed $5 to the State Police to cover its costs associated with processing the application.
Last Action: Left in Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 13, 2024
Title: School board employees, certain; possession of firearms on school property.
Description: Certain school board employees; possession of firearms on school property. Permits any school board to authorize any school board employee to possess a firearm on school property, in addition to those individuals expressly authorized to possess such a firearm as otherwise provided in statute, provided that any school board employee so authorized by the school board receives advanced firearms training in accordance with criteria established by the Department of Criminal Justice Services. The bill requires the Department of Criminal Justice Services to develop and distribute to each local school board such criteria no later than August 1, 2024.
Last Action: Left in Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 13, 2024
Title: Concealed handguns; protective orders.
Description: Carrying concealed handguns; protective orders. Authorizes any person 21 years of age or older who is not prohibited from purchasing, possessing, or transporting a firearm and is protected by an unexpired protective order to carry a concealed handgun for 45 days after the protective order was issued. The bill provides that if the person issued the protective order applies for a concealed handgun permit during such 45-day period, such person will be authorized to carry a concealed handgun for an additional 45 days and be given a copy of the certified application, which shall serve as a de facto concealed handgun permit. During the period such person is authorized to carry a concealed handgun, the bill provides that the person may carry a handgun any place a law-enforcement officer may carry a firearm. The bill requires such person to have the order or certified application and photo identification on his person when carrying a concealed handgun and to display them upon demand by a law-enforcement officer; failure to do so is punishable by a $25 civil penalty.
Last Action: Continued to 2025 in Public Safety by voice vote
Last Action Date: February 2, 2024
Title: Concealed handguns; protective orders.
Description: Carrying concealed handguns; protective orders. Authorizes any person 21 years of age or older who is not prohibited from purchasing, possessing, or transporting a firearm and is protected by an unexpired protective order to carry a concealed handgun for 45 days after the protective order was issued. The bill provides that if the person issued the protective order applies for a concealed handgun permit during such 45-day period, such person will be authorized to carry a concealed handgun for an additional 45 days and be given a copy of the certified application, which shall serve as a de facto concealed handgun permit. During the period such person is authorized to carry a concealed handgun, the bill provides that the person may carry a handgun any place a law-enforcement officer may carry a firearm. The bill requires such person to have the order or certified application and photo identification on his person when carrying a concealed handgun and to display them upon demand by a law-enforcement officer; failure to do so is punishable by a $25 civil penalty.
Last Action: Left in Public Safety
Last Action Date: November 18, 2024
Title: Firearms, certain; criminal history record information check required for transfer.
Description: Criminal history record information check required for the transfer of certain firearms. Eliminates the requirement that firearms dealers must mail or deliver the written criminal history information record check consent to the Department of State Police on the last day of the week following the sale or transfer of any firearm.
Last Action: Left in Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 13, 2024
Title: Firearms; valid permit to purchase, penalties.
Description: Firearm purchases; permit to purchase a firearm required; penalties. Requires any person purchasing a firearm from a firearms dealer to present a valid permit issued by the Department of State Police that allows the holder to purchase a firearm. The bill prohibits a firearms dealer from selling, renting, trading, or transferring from his inventory any firearm to any person until he has received such permit. The bill sets forth the procedures to apply for the permit and prohibits the permitting of any person who (i) is younger than 21 years of age; (ii) is prohibited from purchasing, possessing, or transporting a firearm; (iii) within the two years prior to the date of application, has been convicted of any offense against a person that is an act of violence, force, or threat or a firearm-related offense that is punished as a Class 1 misdemeanor; (iv) is an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance; (v) within the two years prior to the date of application, has not completed a firearms safety or training course or class offered to the public by a law-enforcement agency, institution of higher education, or private or public institution or organization or by a firearms training school utilizing instructors certified or approved by the Department of Criminal Justice Services, and with a required curriculum, detailed in the bill; or (vi) for whom it would not be in the interest of the public health, safety, or welfare of the Commonwealth as determined by the Department of State Police for the person to obtain a permit because the person is found to be lacking in essential character or temperament necessary to be entrusted with a firearm. The bill provides that such permit is valid for five years from the date of issuance. The bill details reasons for revocation of a permit and provides that any person who fails to return a revoked permit to the Superintendent of State Police within five days' notice of revocation is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. The bill also states that any person who willfully and intentionally makes a materially false statement on the application form for a permit is guilty of a Class 5 felony.
Last Action: Left in Public Safety
Last Action Date: November 18, 2024
Title: Firearms; valid permit to purchase, penalties.
Description: Firearm purchases; permit to purchase a firearm required; penalties. Requires Firearm purchases; permit to purchase a firearm required; penalties. Requires any person purchasing a firearm from a firearms dealer to present a valid permit issued by the Department of State Police that allows the holder to purchase a firearm. The bill prohibits a firearms dealer from selling, renting, trading, or transferring from his inventory any firearm to any person until he has received such permit. The bill sets forth the procedures to apply for the permit and prohibits the permitting of any person who (i) is younger than 21 years of age; (ii) is prohibited from purchasing, possessing, or transporting a firearm; (iii) within the two years prior to the date of application, has been convicted of any offense against a person that is an act of violence, force, or threat or a firearm-related offense that is punished as a Class 1 misdemeanor; (iv) is an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance; (v) within the two years prior to the date of application, has not completed a firearms safety or training course or class offered to the public by a law-enforcement agency, institution of higher education, or private or public institution or organization or by a firearms training school utilizing instructors certified or approved by the Department of Criminal Justice Services, and with a required curriculum, detailed in the bill; or (vi) for whom it would not be in the interest of the public health, safety, or welfare of the Commonwealth as determined by the Department of State Police for the person to obtain a permit because the person is found to be lacking in essential character or temperament necessary to be entrusted with a firearm. The bill provides that such permit is valid for five years from the date of issuance. The bill details reasons for revocation of a permit and provides that any person who fails to return a revoked permit to the Superintendent of State Police within five days' notice of revocation is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. The bill also states that any person who willfully and intentionally makes a materially false statement on the application form for a permit is guilty of a Class 5 felony.
Last Action: Continued to 2025 in Public Safety by voice vote
Last Action Date: February 2, 2024
Title: Renewal of concealed handgun permit; demonstrated competence.
Description: Renewal of concealed handgun permit; demonstrated competence. Provides that a person who was previously issued a concealed handgun permit is not required to provide any proof of training or demonstration of competence to be issued a renewal permit.
Last Action: Left in Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 5, 2025
Title: Fees for concealed handgun permits.
Description: Fees for concealed handgun permits. Reduces from $50 to $25 the total amount assessed for processing an application for a concealed handgun permit by reducing the total amount charged by the local law-enforcement agency from $35 to $10.
Last Action: Left in Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 5, 2025
Title: Firearm safety device tax credit; defines commercial retailer.
Description: Firearm safety device tax credit; defines commercial retailer. Redefines an "eligible transaction" for purposes of the firearm safety device tax credit as one in which a taxpayer purchases one or more firearm safety devices from a commercial retailer, as defined in the bill. Current law defines "eligible transaction" as one in which a taxpayer purchases one or more firearm safety devices from a federally licensed dealer. The provisions of the bill apply to taxable years beginning on and after January 1, 2025.
Last Action: Incorporated by Finance (HB2595-Singh) (Voice Vote)
Last Action Date: January 22, 2025
Title: Firearms; secure storage, penalties.
Description: Secure storage of firearms; penalties. Creates a Class 4 misdemeanor for any person who fails to securely store a firearm on any premises where such person knows, or reasonably should know, that a minor or a person who is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm is, or is likely to be, present. The bill increases the penalty to a Class 1 misdemeanor if a minor or a person who is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm obtains such firearm. The bill includes certain exceptions and requires firearms dealers to post a notice stating firearm storage requirements and the penalty for improperly storing such firearms. The bill also creates a Class 4 misdemeanor for any person who fails to report to law enforcement the theft or loss of a firearm from a vehicle and a Class 1 misdemeanor if another person obtains such firearm. Finally, the bill requires the Superintendent of State Police, in conjunction with the Commissioner of Health, to create a public awareness campaign on the importance of the secure storage of firearms by January 1, 2026.
Last Action: Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1597)
Last Action Date: February 24, 2025
Title: Purchase, sale, transfer, etc., of assault firearms and certain ammunition feeding devices prohibited; penalties.
Description: Importation, sale, manufacture, etc., of assault firearms and certain ammunition feeding devices prohibited; penalties. Creates a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person who imports, sells, manufactures, purchases, or transfers an assault firearm, as that term is defined in the bill with some exceptions, and prohibits a person who has been convicted of such violation from purchasing, possessing, or transporting a firearm for a period of three years from the date of conviction. The bill provides that an assault firearm does not include any firearm that is an antique firearm, has been rendered permanently inoperable, is manually operated by bolt, pump, lever, or slide action, or was manufactured before July 1, 2025. The bill also prohibits the sale of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, as that term is defined in the bill. The bill provides that any person who willfully and intentionally (i) sells an assault firearm to another person or (ii) purchases an assault firearm from another person is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor and that any person who imports, sells, barters, or transfers a large capacity ammunition feeding device is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. The bill also makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person younger than 21 years of age to import, sell, manufacture, purchase, possess, transport, or transfer an assault firearm regardless of the date of manufacture of such assault firearm with some exceptions. This bill is identical to SB 1181.
Last Action: Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., March 24, 2025
Last Action Date: March 3, 2025
Title: Firearm industry members; creates standards of responsible conduct, civil liability.
Description: Firearm industry members; standards of responsible conduct; civil liability. Creates standards of responsible conduct for firearm industry members and requires such members to establish and implement reasonable controls regarding the manufacture, sale, distribution, use, and marketing of the firearm industry member's firearm-related products, as those terms are defined in the bill. Such reasonable controls include reasonable procedures, safeguards, and business practices that are designed to (i) prevent the sale or distribution of a firearm-related product to a straw purchaser, a firearm trafficker, a person prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law, or a person who the firearm industry member has reasonable cause to believe is at substantial risk of using a firearm-related product to harm themselves or unlawfully harm another or of unlawfully possessing or using a firearm-related product; (ii) prevent the loss of a firearm-related product or theft of a firearm-related product from a firearm industry member; (iii) ensure that the firearm industry member complies with all provisions of state and federal law and does not otherwise promote the unlawful manufacture, sale, possession, marketing, or use of a firearm-related product; and (iv) ensure that the firearm industry member does not engage in an act or practice in violation of the Virginia Consumer Protection Act. The bill also provides that a firearm industry member may not knowingly or recklessly create, maintain, or contribute to a public nuisance, as defined in the bill, through the sale, manufacturing, importing, or marketing of a firearm-related product. The bill creates a civil cause of action for the Attorney General or a local county or city attorney to enforce the provisions of the bill or for any person who has been injured as a result of a firearm industry member's violation to seek an injunction and to recover costs and damages.
Last Action: Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., March 24, 2025
Last Action Date: March 5, 2025
Title: Firearm in unattended motor vehicle; civil penalty.
Description: Firearm in unattended motor vehicle; civil penalty. Provides that no person shall leave, place, or store a handgun in an unattended motor vehicle, as defined in the bill, when such handgun is visible to any person who is outside such unattended motor vehicle. The bill provides that any person violating such prohibition is subject to a civil penalty of no more than $500 and that such unattended motor vehicle may be subject to removal for safekeeping.
Last Action: Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice (14-Y 1-N)
Last Action Date: February 10, 2025
Title: Trigger activator; definition does not include semi-automatic replacement trigger, etc., penalty.
Description: Trigger activator definition; penalty. Defines "trigger activator" as a conversion kit, tool, accessory, or device designed to alter the rate of fire of a semi-automatic firearm to mimic automatic weapon fire or used to increase the rate of fire to a rate faster than such semi-automatic firearm not equipped with a conversion kit, tool, accessory, or device.
Last Action: Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB1660ER)
Last Action Date: March 7, 2025
Title: School board policies; parental notification; safe storage of prescription drugs and firearms in the household.
Description: School board policies; parental notification; safe storage of prescription drugs and firearms in the household. Requires each local school board to develop and implement a policy to require the annual notification of the parent of each student enrolled in the local school division, to be sent by email and, if applicable, SMS text message within 30 calendar days succeeding the first day of each school year, of (i) the importance of securely storing any prescription drug, as defined in relevant law, present in the household and (ii) the parent's legal responsibility to safely store any firearm present in the household. The bill requires each school board to make such parental notification available in multiple languages on its website. This bill is identical to SB 1048.
Last Action: Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., March 24, 2025
Last Action Date: February 18, 2025
Title: Va. Residential Landlord & Tenant Act; landlord obligations access, of tenant to broadband services.
Description: Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act; landlord obligations; access of tenant to broadband services. Prohibits the landlord of a multifamily dwelling unit from accepting payment from a provider of broadband service for granting such provider mere access to the landlord's tenants or giving such tenants mere access to such service. The bill also prohibits a landlord from demanding or accepting payment from tenants in exchange for such a service unless the landlord itself is the provider of the service.
Last Action: Left in General Laws
Last Action Date: February 4, 2025
Title: Firearm Violence Intervention and Prevention, Va. Center for; created, etc.
Description: Virginia Center for Firearm Violence Intervention and Prevention; creation. Creates the Virginia Center for Firearm Violence Intervention and Prevention within the Department of Criminal Justice Services. The bill states that the Center will serve as the primary resource for research, best practices, and strategies for the implementation of firearm violence intervention, community-based intervention, and group violence intervention programs designed to reduce violence in communities. The bill also requires that the Center evaluate state and community based violence intervention programs and policies that receive funding through the Center, apply for and accept federal grants, and provide technical assistance. The bill has a delayed effective date of July 1, 2026.
Last Action: Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., March 24, 2025
Last Action Date: March 5, 2025
Title: Concealed handgun permits; reciprocity with other states.
Description: Concealed handgun permits; reciprocity with other states. Provides that the Superintendent of State Police, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, shall determine whether other states meet the statutory qualifications for Virginia to recognize the concealed handgun permit of a person from such other state. Under current law, any out-of-state permit is recognized in the Commonwealth, provided that (i) the issuing authority provides the means for instantaneous verification of the validity of all such permits or licenses issued within that state, accessible 24 hours a day; (ii) the permit or license holder carries a photo identification issued by a government agency of any state or by the U.S. Department of Defense or U.S. Department of State and displays the permit or license and such identification upon demand by a law-enforcement officer; and (iii) the permit or license holder has not previously had a Virginia concealed handgun permit revoked. The bill prevents a Virginia resident, except for an active duty service member or such service member's spouse, who has not been issued a valid resident concealed handgun permit from using a concealed handgun or concealed weapon permit or license issued by another state to carry a concealed handgun in the Commonwealth. The foregoing provisions of the bill have a delayed effective date of July 1, 2026.The bill requires the Superintendent of State Police, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, to review any agreements for reciprocal recognition that are in place with any other states as of July 1, 2025, to determine whether the requirements and qualifications of those states' laws are adequate to prevent possession of a permit or license by persons who would be denied a permit in the Commonwealth and revoke any reciprocity agreement or recognition of any states that do not meet such requirements or qualifications by December 1, 2025. The bill requires the Attorney General to provide a written explanation for any determination that a state's laws are adequate to prevent possession of such permit or license by persons who would be denied such permit in the Commonwealth.
Last Action: Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., March 24, 2025
Last Action Date: March 5, 2025
Title: School Safety Firearm Detection Software Pilot Program; established.
Description: Public School Security Equipment Grant Act of 2013; eligible security equipment; School Safety Firearm Detection Software Pilot Program established. Establishes the School Safety Firearm Detection Software Pilot Program (the Pilot Program), to be administered as a part of the Public School Security Equipment Grant Act of 2013, for the purpose of enhancing security and firearm violence prevention measures in public schools in the Commonwealth by awarding grants to eligible school divisions for the purchase, installation or integration, maintenance, and operation of firearm detection software into security cameras in two Title 1 schools in each congressional district in the Commonwealth. The bill defines "firearm detection software" as any technology software or system provided by a vendor that (i) is headquartered in the Commonwealth, has at least 10 years of experience in providing school safety technology to educational institutions, and is a small business consisting of fewer than 100 employees and (ii) uses artificial intelligence to analyze video streams from surveillance cameras in real time for the detection of firearms and, upon detecting a firearm, immediately notifies local law enforcement, school security personnel, the school administration, and other appropriate public safety authorities. The bill amends provisions of the Public School Security Equipment Grant Act of 2013 as necessary for the integration of the Pilot Program, including by (a) expanding the definition of "security equipment" to include firearm detection software; (b) exempting from the match requirement, in addition to the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind as set forth in current law, any school division receiving a grant pursuant to the Pilot Program; (c) requiring the Department to give priority to eligible school divisions applying on behalf of Title 1 schools for grants under the Pilot Program such that grants are first awarded to school divisions and in an amount sufficient to support the purchase, installation or integration, maintenance, and operation of firearm detection software in two Title 1 schools in each congressional district; and (d) modifying and expanding applications requirements, reporting requirements, and requirements relating to the development of certain guidelines, policies, and procedures to include the Pilot Program. The bill has an expiration date of July 1, 2028.
Last Action: Left in Appropriations
Last Action Date: February 4, 2025
Title: Firearms; purchase, etc., assault and battery of family member or intimate partner, penalties.
Description: Purchase, possession, or transportation of firearm; assault and battery of a family or household member or intimate partner; penalties. Adds to the definition of "family or household member," as such definition relates to juvenile and domestic relations district court, a person's intimate partner, defined in the bill as an individual who, within the previous 12 months, was in a romantic, dating, or sexual relationship with the person. The bill also adds to the definition of "family or household member," as such definition relates to a person's purchase, possession, or transportation of a firearm following an assault and battery of a family or household member, any individual who cohabits or who, within the previous 12 months, cohabitated with the person. Finally, the bill provides that any person who knowingly and intentionally purchases, possesses, or transports any firearm following a misdemeanor conviction for an offense that occurred on or after July 1, 2025, for the offense of assault and battery against an intimate partner or an offense substantially similar under the laws of any other state or of the United States is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Last Action: Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB1869ER)
Last Action Date: March 7, 2025
Title: Capitol Sq. or building owned/leased by the Commonwealth, carrying firearm/explosive material, etc.
Description: Carrying a firearm or explosive material within Capitol Square or building owned or leased by the Commonwealth; exemptions; public institutions of higher education; penalty. Permits the governing board of a public institution of higher education to adopt a policy prohibiting the carrying of any firearm, ammunition, or components or combination thereof within any building owned or operated by such public institution of higher education. The bill allows such policy to include security measures that are designed to reasonably prevent the unauthorized access of buildings that are open to the public. Finally, the bill exempts certain activities, defined in the bill, operated at public or private institutions of higher education from any policy created by a governing board. This bill is identical to SB 1182.
Last Action: Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., March 24, 2025
Last Action Date: March 5, 2025
Title: Elections; prohibited area within five feet of any area designated for voting outside polling place.
Description: Elections; general provisions; prohibited area. Adds the five feet beyond any area designated for voting outside the polling place to the prohibited area where campaigning and certain other activities are unlawful during elections.
Last Action: Passed by indefinitely in Privileges and Elections (15-Y 0-N)
Last Action Date: February 11, 2025
Title: Elections; prohibited area within 10 feet of the curbside voting area.
Description: Elections; general provisions; prohibited area; within 10 feet of the curbside voting area. Adds the 10 feet beyond any area designated for voting outside the polling place to the prohibited area where campaigning and certain other activities are unlawful during elections.
Last Action: Left in Privileges and Elections
Last Action Date: February 5, 2025
Title: Firearm transfers to another person from a prohibited person.
Description: Firearm transfers to another person from a prohibited person. Provides that a person who is prohibited from possessing a firearm because such person is subject to a protective order or has been convicted of an assault and battery of a family or household member may transfer a firearm owned by such prohibited person to any person who is not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing such firearm, provided that such person who is not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing such firearm is 21 years of age or older and does not reside with the person who is subject to the protective order. Under current law, there is no requirement that such transferee cannot be younger than 21 years of age and cannot reside with such prohibited person. The bill also provides that such prohibited person who transfers, sells, or surrenders a firearm pursuant to the provisions of the bill shall inform the clerk of the court of the name and address of the transferee, the federally licensed firearms dealer, or the law-enforcement agency in possession of the firearm and shall provide to the transferee a copy of the form certifying that such person does not possess any firearms or that all firearms possessed by such person have been surrendered, sold, or transferred. The bill also provides that a person who is prohibited from possessing a firearm because such person is subject to a protective order or has been convicted of an assault and battery of a family or household member shall be advised that a law-enforcement officer may obtain a search warrant to search for any firearms from such person if such law-enforcement officer has reason to believe that such person has not relinquished all firearms in his possession. This bill is identical to SB 744.
Last Action: Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., March 24, 2025
Last Action Date: March 3, 2025
Title: Weapons; possession prohibited in a hospital that provides mental health or developmental services.
Description: Weapons; possession prohibited in a hospital that provides mental health services or developmental services; penalty. Makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person to knowingly and intentionally possess in the building of any hospital that provides mental health services or developmental services in the Commonwealth, including an emergency department or other facility rendering emergency medical care, a (i) firearm, (ii) knife with a blade over three and one-half inches, or (iii) other dangerous weapon, including explosives and stun weapons. The bill also provides that notice of such prohibitions shall be posted conspicuously at each public entrance of any hospital and no person shall be convicted of the offense if such notice is not posted, unless such person had actual notice of the prohibitions. The bill provides that any such firearm, knife, explosive, or weapon shall be subject to seizure by a law-enforcement officer and forfeited to the Commonwealth and specifies exceptions to the prohibition. This bill is identical to SB 1110.
Last Action: Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., March 24, 2025
Last Action Date: March 3, 2025
Title: Firearms-related offenses; mandatory minimum sentence; penalty.
Description: Firearms-related offenses; mandatory minimum sentence; penalty. Increases from five to 10 years for a second or subsequent offense the mandatory minimum sentence for use or display of a firearm during the commission of certain felonies.
Last Action: Left in Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 5, 2025
Title: Voter registration; automatic registration of hunting, fishing, and milk distributor license.
Description: Voter registration; automatic registration of hunting, fishing, and milk distributor license and concealed handgun permit applicants; penalty. Provides for automatic voter registration by the clerk of any circuit court of the Commonwealth, the Department of Wildlife Resources, and the Milk Commission upon the application for any hunting, fishing, or milk distributor license or Virginia resident concealed handgun permit.
Last Action: Left in Privileges and Elections
Last Action Date: February 5, 2025
Title: Firearm locking device; required for sale or transfer of firearm.
Description: Firearm locking device required for sale or transfer of firearm; warning against accessibility to children; penalty. Makes it a Class 3 misdemeanor for any licensed manufacturer, licensed importer, or licensed dealer to sell, deliver, or transfer any firearm to any person other than a licensed manufacturer, licensed importer, or licensed dealer unless the transferee is provided with a locking device for that firearm and the firearm is accompanied by a warning, in conspicuous and legible type in capital letters printed on a separate sheet of paper included within the packaging enclosing the firearm, that firearms should be locked and kept away from children and that there may be civil and criminal liability for failing to do so. The bill provides exceptions for law-enforcement and governmental agencies.
Last Action: Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB2064ER)
Last Action Date: March 7, 2025
Title: Financial institutions; discrimination prohibited, penalty.
Description: Financial institutions; discrimination prohibited; penalty. Prohibits a financial institution from denying or cancelling its services to or otherwise discriminating against a person in making available services on the basis of factors including the person's political opinions, speech, or affiliations and other factors enumerated in the bill. The bill provides that a violation of its provisions constitutes a prohibited practice under the Virginia Consumer Protection Act.
Last Action: Left in Labor and Commerce
Last Action Date: February 5, 2025
Title: Firearms; purchase special identification without a photograph.
Description: Purchase of firearms; special identification without a photograph. Removes 30-day date of issue restriction when establishing personal identification and residence in Virginia with a driver's license or an identification card without a photograph for the purposes of purchasing a firearm.
Last Action: Left in Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 5, 2025
Title: Concealed handgun; carrying without a permit.
Description: Carrying a concealed handgun; permit not required. Allows any person who is otherwise eligible to obtain a concealed handgun permit to carry a concealed handgun without a permit anywhere he may lawfully carry a handgun openly within the Commonwealth.
Last Action: Left in Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 5, 2025
Title: Firearms, etc.; possession, etc., by person convicted of hate crime.
Description: Possession or transportation of firearms, firearms ammunition, stun weapons, or explosives or carrying concealed weapons by persons convicted of a misdemeanor hate crime prohibited; penalty. Prohibits any person who has been convicted, on or after July 1, 2025, of assault or assault and battery if it appears on the face of the warrant upon such conviction that such person intentionally selected the person against whom the offense was committed because of his race, religious conviction, gender, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, color, or ethnic or national origin from knowingly and intentionally possessing or transporting any firearm or ammunition for a firearm, any stun weapon, or any explosive material or carrying a concealed weapon, a violation of which is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Last Action: Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB2241ER)
Last Action Date: March 7, 2025
Title: School safety; employment of school security officers, criteria.
Description: School safety; employment of school security officers; criteria. Modifies the criteria that an individual employed as a school security officer, as defined by applicable law, must satisfy in order to carry a firearm in the performance of his duties by eliminating the requirement that within 10 years immediately prior to being hired, he was either an active law-enforcement officer, as defined by applicable law, in the Commonwealth or was employed by a law-enforcement agency of the United States or any state or political subdivision thereof. The bill instead requires any such individual to be age 75 or younger at the time he is hired to be a school security officer, in addition to the other requirements set forth in applicable law, in order to carry a firearm in the performance of his duties.
Last Action: Left in Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 5, 2025
Title: Firearm/explosive material; carrying into a bldg. owned or leased by the Commonwealth, exceptions.
Description: Carrying a firearm or explosive material into a building owned or leased by the Commonwealth; exceptions for highway rest areas and government stores. Provides that the prohibition on carrying a firearm or explosive material in any building owned or leased by the Commonwealth shall not apply to any highway rest area or government store, as those terms are defined in relevant law.
Last Action: Left in Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 5, 2025
Title: Concealed handgun permit; demonstrated competence.
Description: Concealed handgun permit; demonstrated competence. Removes the requirement that an applicant for a concealed handgun permit demonstrate competence with a handgun in person. The bill adds the option for such applicant to participate in certain firearms safety or training courses or classes via a live class conducted using a two-way electronic video and audio communication system.
Last Action: Left in Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 5, 2025
Title: Retail Sales and Use Tax; imposes firearm and ammunition taxes.
Description: Retail sales and use tax; firearm and ammunition taxes. Imposes (i) a firearm tax in the amount of $5 per firearm and (ii) a firearm ammunition tax of one cent per round of firearm ammunition that is sold by firearms seller, defined in the bill. The bill requires any revenue proceeds from such taxes to be used to prevent gun violence and enhance school safety.
Last Action: Left in Finance
Last Action Date: February 4, 2025
Title: Voter registration; automatic registration upon application for hunting and fishing license.
Description: Voter registration; automatic registration; hunting and fishing license applicants; resident concealed handgun permit applicants. Provides for automatic voter registration by the clerk of any circuit court of the Commonwealth and the Department of Wildlife Resources upon the application for any hunting or fishing license or Virginia resident concealed handgun permit. The bill also requires any such applicant be offered a separate application to be placed on the permanent absentee voter list.
Last Action: Left in Privileges and Elections
Last Action Date: February 5, 2025
Title: Firearm safety device tax credit; defines commercial retailer.
Description: Firearm safety device tax credit; definitions. Redefines an "eligible transaction" for purposes of the firearm safety device tax credit as one in which a taxpayer purchases one or more firearm safety devices from a commercial retailer, as defined in the bill. Current law defines "eligible transaction" as one in which a taxpayer purchases one or more firearm safety devices from a federally licensed dealer. The provisions of the bill apply to taxable years beginning on and after January 1, 2025. This bill incorporates HB 1581 and is identical to SB 1389.
Last Action: Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., March 24, 2025
Last Action Date: February 18, 2025
Title: Firearms; purchase, at least five day waiting period, penalty.
Description: Purchase of firearms; waiting period; penalty. Provides that no person shall sell a firearm unless at least five days have elapsed from the time the prospective purchaser completes the written consent form to have a licensed dealer obtain criminal history record information, with exceptions enumerated in relevant law. The amendments to the Code of Virginia in the bill are identical to the amendments to the Code of Virginia in SB 891.
Last Action: Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., March 24, 2025
Last Action Date: March 3, 2025
Title: Firearm; adding court ordered outpatient mental health treatment as prohibition to ownership.
Description: Adding court ordered outpatient mental health treatment as a prohibition to ownership of a firearm.
Last Action: Left in Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 5, 2025
Title: Concealed handgun permit; demonstrated competence.
Description: Concealed handgun permit; demonstrated competence. Adds a firearms safety or training course conducted by U.S. LawShield or any firearms safety or training course or class available to the general public offered by a nationally recognized firearms safety training organization to the list of qualifications that satisfy the demonstration of competence requirement for the issuance of a Virginia resident or nonresident concealed handgun permit. The bill also directs the Department of State Police to publish on its public website a list of organizations conducting such trainings that the Department deems adequate.
Last Action: Left in Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 5, 2025
Title: Abuse and neglect of children; causing or enabling child to gain possession of a firearm, penalty.
Description: Abuse and neglect of children; causing or enabling child to gain possession of a firearm; penalty. Creates a Class 5 felony for any parent, guardian, or other person who is 18 years of age or older and is responsible for the care of a child under the age of 18 whose willful act or omission causes or enables that child to gain possession of a firearm (i) after having received notice of a preliminary determination, pursuant to relevant law, that such child poses a threat of violence or physical harm to self or others or (ii) when such parent, guardian, or other person responsible for the care of the child knows or reasonably should know that such child has been charged with, either by warrant or petition, convicted of, or adjudicated delinquent of a violent juvenile felony. Abuse and neglect of children; causing or enabling child to gain possession of a firearm; penalty. Creates a Class 5 felony for any parent, guardian, or other person who is 18 years of age or older and is responsible for the care of a child under the age of 18 whose willful act or omission causes or enables that child to gain possession of a firearm (i) after having received notice of a preliminary determination, pursuant to relevant law, that such child poses a threat of violence or physical harm to self or others or (ii) when such parent, guardian, or other person responsible for the care of the child knows or reasonably should know that such child has been charged with, either by warrant or petition, convicted of, or adjudicated delinquent of a violent juvenile felony. The bill provides that no person shall be subject to arrest or prosecution regarding knowledge of a preliminary threat determination if such person received notice that the threat assessment team concluded that the child does not indicate a threat of violence or physical harm to self or others or that any case or review opened or conducted by that threat assessment team as a result of such preliminary determination has been closed. The bill also provides that no person shall be subject to arrest or prosecution if such person has received notice that any pending charge for a violent juvenile felony has been dismissed or a nolle prosequi has been entered. The bill provides an affirmative defense to prosecution if the parent, guardian, or other person responsible for the care of a child caused or enabled such child to gain possession of a firearm while in a dwelling because of a reasonable belief that he or such child was in imminent danger of bodily injury. Lastly, the bill provides that the new offense is eligible for the enhanced earned sentence credits.
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0162)
Last Action Date: March 26, 2024
Title: Firearm; transfers to another person from a prohibited person.
Description: Firearm transfers to another person from a prohibited person. Provides that a person who is prohibited from possessing a firearm because such person is subject to a protective order or has been convicted of an assault and battery of a family or household member may transfer a firearm owned by such prohibited person to any person who is not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing such firearm, provided that such person who is not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing such firearm is 21 years of age or older and does not reside with the person who is subject to the protective order. Under current law, there is no requirement that such transferee cannot be younger than 21 years of age and cannot reside with such prohibited person. The bill also provides that such prohibited person who transfers, sells, or surrenders a firearm pursuant to the provisions of the bill shall inform the clerk of the court of the name and address of the transferee, the federally licensed firearms dealer, or the law-enforcement agency in possession of the firearm and shall provide a copy of such form to the transferee. The bill also provides that a person who is prohibited from possessing a firearm because such person is subject to a protective order or has been convicted of an assault and battery of a family or household member shall be advised that a law-enforcement officer may obtain a search warrant to search for any firearms from such person if such law-enforcement officer has reason to believe that such person has not relinquished all firearms in his possession.
Last Action: Senate sustained Governor's veto
Last Action Date: April 17, 2024
Title: Firearms; waiting period for purchase, penalty.
Description: Purchase of firearms; waiting period; penalty. Provides that no person shall sell a firearm unless at least three days have elapsed from the time the prospective purchaser completes the written consent form to have a licensed dealer obtain criminal history record information, with exceptions enumerated in relevant law.
Last Action: Incorporated by Courts of Justice
Last Action Date: January 22, 2024
Title: Firearm or explosive material; carrying within Capitol Square & surrounding area, etc., exceptions.
Description: Carrying a firearm or explosive material within Capitol Square and the surrounding area, into a building owned or leased by the Commonwealth, etc.; exceptions for law-enforcement officers. Adds an exception for off-duty law-enforcement officers to the prohibition of carrying a firearm within any building owned or leased by the Commonwealth or any agency thereof or any office where employees of the Commonwealth or any agency thereof are regularly present for the purpose of performing their official duties.
Last Action: Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice (9-Y 6-N)
Last Action Date: January 31, 2024
Title: Concealed handgun; carrying onto the premises of any restaurant, penalty.
Description: Carrying a concealed handgun onto the premises of any restaurant; penalty. Makes it a Class 2 misdemeanor for any person, except for active and qualified retired law-enforcement officers, to carry a concealed handgun onto the premises of any restaurant or club for which a license to sell and serve alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption has been granted by the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority. Under current law, a concealed handgun permit holder may carry a concealed handgun onto the premises of any restaurant or club that sells alcoholic beverages, but he is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor if he consumes an alcoholic beverage while on the premises.
Last Action: Left in Public Safety
Last Action Date: March 4, 2024
Title: Assault firearms; carrying in public areas prohibited, penalty.
Description: Carrying assault firearms in public areas prohibited; penalty. Prohibits the carrying of certain semi-automatic center-fire rifles and shotguns on any public street, road, alley, sidewalk, or public right-of-way or in any public park or any other place of whatever nature that is open to the public, with certain exceptions. Under current law, the current prohibition on carrying certain shotguns and semi-automatic center-fire rifles and pistols applies to a narrower range of firearms, only in certain localities, and only when such firearms are loaded.
Last Action: Senate sustained Governor's veto
Last Action Date: April 17, 2024
Title: Plastic firearms & unfinished frames, etc.; manufacture, import, etc. prohibited, penalties.
Description: Manufacture, import, sale, transfer, or possession of plastic firearms and unfinished frames or receivers and unserialized firearms prohibited; penalties. Creates a Class 5 felony for any person who knowingly manufactures or assembles, imports, purchases, sells, transfers, or possesses any firearm that, after removal of all parts other than a major component, as defined in the bill, is not detectable as a firearm when subjected to inspection by the types of detection devices, including X-ray machines, commonly used at airports, government buildings, schools, correctional facilities, and other locations for security screening. The bill updates language regarding the types of detection devices that are used at such locations for detecting plastic firearms. Under current law, it is unlawful to manufacture, import, sell, transfer, or possess any plastic firearm and a violation is punishable as a Class 5 felony. Manufacture, import, sale, transfer, or possession of plastic firearms and unfinished frames or receivers and unserialized firearms prohibited; penalties. Creates a Class 5 felony for any person who knowingly manufactures or assembles, imports, purchases, sells, transfers, or possesses any firearm that, after removal of all parts other than a major component, as defined in the bill, is not detectable as a firearm when subjected to inspection by the types of detection devices, including X-ray machines, commonly used at airports, government buildings, schools, correctional facilities, and other locations for security screening. The bill updates language regarding the types of detection devices that are used at such locations for detecting plastic firearms. Under current law, it is unlawful to manufacture, import, sell, transfer, or possess any plastic firearm and a violation is punishable as a Class 5 felony. The bill also creates a Class 1 misdemeanor, which is punishable as a Class 4 felony for a second or subsequent offense, making it unlawful for any person to knowingly possess a firearm or any completed or unfinished frame or receiver that is not imprinted with a valid serial number or to knowingly import, purchase, sell, offer for sale, or transfer ownership of any completed or unfinished frame or receiver, unless the completed or unfinished frame or receiver (i) is deemed to be a firearm pursuant to federal law and (ii) is imprinted with a valid serial number. The bill creates a Class 1 misdemeanor, which is punishable as a Class 4 felony for a second or subsequent offense, making it unlawful for any person to manufacture or assemble, cause to be manufactured or assembled, import, purchase, sell, offer for sale, or transfer ownership of any firearm that is not imprinted with a valid serial number. The portions of the bill prohibiting unfinished frames or receivers and unserialized firearms have a delayed effective date of January 1, 2025; however, the portions of the bill prohibiting the knowing possession of a firearm or any completed or unfinished frame or receiver that is not imprinted with a valid serial number have a delayed effective date of July 1, 2025.
Last Action: Governor: Vetoed by Governor
Last Action Date: May 17, 2024
Title: Firearms-related offenses; mandatory minimum sentences, penalty.
Description: Firearms-related offenses; mandatory minimum sentences; penalty. Increases from five to 10 years for a second or subsequent offense the mandatory minimum sentences for use or display of a firearm during the commission of certain felonies.
Last Action: Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice (9-Y 6-N)
Last Action Date: January 29, 2024
Title: Auto sears and trigger activators; prohibition on manufacture, importation, sale, etc., penalty.
Description: Manufacture, importation, sale, etc., of auto sears; prohibition; penalty. Prohibits the manufacture, importation, sale or offer to sell, possession, transfer, or transportation of an auto sear, defined in the bill as a device, other than a trigger activator, for use in converting a semi-automatic firearm to shoot automatically more than one shot, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger. A violation is punishable as a Class 6 felony. The bill also provides for the forfeiture of any auto sear concealed, possessed, transported, or carried in violation of the prohibition.
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0164)
Last Action Date: March 26, 2024
Title: Firearms; use, display, or concealment in committing certain felonies, penalty.
Description: Use, display, or concealment of firearm in committing certain felonies; penalty. Provides that a person is guilty of a separate felony if he carries about his person any pistol, shotgun, rifle, or other firearm that is hidden from common observation while committing or attempting to commit certain other felonies. The bill also increases from three to five years for a first offense and from five to 10 years for a second or subsequent offense the mandatory minimum sentences for use or display of a firearm during the commission of certain felonies.
Last Action: Incorporated by Courts of Justice
Last Action Date: January 29, 2024
Title: School bd. policy; parental notification of responsibility of safe storage of firearms in household.
Description: School board policies; parental notification; safe storage of firearms in the household. Requires each local school board to develop and implement a policy to require the annual notification of the parent of each student enrolled in the local school division, to be sent by email and, if applicable, SMS text message within 30 calendar days succeeding the first day of each school year, of the parent's legal responsibility to safely store any firearm present in the household, risks associated with improperly stored firearms, statistics relating to firearm-related accidents, injuries, and death among youth, and other tips and strategies. The bill requires each school board to make such parental notification available in multiple languages on its website.
Last Action: Governor: Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., May 17, 2024
Last Action Date: April 17, 2024
Title: Substantial risk orders or factors.
Description: Substantial risk orders; substantial risk factors and considerations. Provides various factors that a judge or magistrate must consider for the purpose of determining probable cause prior to issuing an emergency substantial risk order or a substantial risk order. The bill provides that such factors shall include whether the person who is subject to the order (i) committed any acts of violence or criminal offenses resulting in injury to himself or another person within the six months prior to the filing of the petition; (ii) made any threats or used any physical force against another person that resulted in injury within the six months prior to the filing of the petition; (iii) violated any provision of a protective order issued or was arrested for stalking within the six months prior to the filing of the petition; (iv) was convicted of any offense that would prohibit such person from possessing a firearm; (v) engaged in any conduct within the year prior to the filing of the petition that demonstrated a pattern of violent acts or threats to another person, including any acts or threats made against family members, neighbors, coworkers, or toward schools or students or government buildings or employees; (vi) committed any acts of violence or criminal offenses against an animal within the six months prior to the filing of the petition; (vii) made any attempt or threat of suicide or any act, attempted act, or threat of self-harm that caused or may have caused serious bodily injury; or (viii) recently acquired a firearm or ammunition, with evidence of such recent acquisition provided by the petitioner. The bill also outlines various other factors that a judge or magistrate may consider for the purpose of issuing an emergency substantial risk order or a substantial risk order. The bill also provides that possession includes actual access or the potential to readily access a firearm for the purposes of finding if a person possesses a firearm or if such firearm shall be voluntarily relinquished. Substantial risk orders; substantial risk factors and considerations. Provides various factors that a judge or magistrate must consider for the purpose of determining probable cause prior to issuing an emergency substantial risk order or a substantial risk order. The bill provides that such factors shall include whether the person who is subject to the order (i) committed any acts of violence or criminal offenses resulting in injury to himself or another person within the six months prior to the filing of the petition; (ii) made any threats or used any physical force against another person that resulted in injury within the six months prior to the filing of the petition; (iii) violated any provision of a protective order issued or was arrested for stalking within the six months prior to the filing of the petition; (iv) was convicted of any offense that would prohibit such person from possessing a firearm; (v) engaged in any conduct within the year prior to the filing of the petition that demonstrated a pattern of violent acts or threats to another person, including any acts or threats made against family members, neighbors, coworkers, or toward schools or students or government buildings or employees; (vi) committed any acts of violence or criminal offenses against an animal within the six months prior to the filing of the petition; (vii) made any attempt or threat of suicide or any act, attempted act, or threat of self-harm that caused or may have caused serious bodily injury; or (viii) recently acquired a firearm or ammunition, with evidence of such recent acquisition provided by the petitioner. The bill also outlines various other factors that a judge or magistrate may consider for the purpose of issuing an emergency substantial risk order or a substantial risk order. The bill also provides that possession includes actual access or the potential to readily access a firearm for the purposes of finding if a person possesses a firearm or if such firearm shall be voluntarily relinquished.
Last Action: Requires 2/3 members present
Last Action Date: April 17, 2024
Title: Firearms; waiting period for purchases, penalty.
Description: Purchase of firearms; waiting period; penalty. Provides that no person shall sell a firearm unless at least five days have elapsed from the time the prospective purchaser completes the written consent form to have a licensed dealer obtain criminal history record information, with exceptions enumerated in relevant law.
Last Action: Senate sustained Governor's veto
Last Action Date: April 17, 2024
Title: Firearms; purchase, etc., following an assault & battery against a person in dating relationship.
Description: Purchase, possession, or transportation of firearm following an assault and battery against a person in a dating relationship with the alleged offender, penalty. Provides that any person who knowingly and intentionally purchases, possesses, or transports any firearm following a misdemeanor conviction for an offense that occurred on or after July 1, 2024, for the offense of assault and battery against a person in a dating relationship, as defined in the bill, with the alleged offender or an offense substantially similar under the laws of any other state or of the United States is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Last Action: Incorporated by Courts of Justice
Last Action Date: January 22, 2024
Title: Assault firearms; age requirement for purchase, penalty.
Description: Purchase of certain firearms; age requirement; penalty. Prohibits any person under 21 years of age from purchasing a handgun or assault firearm, with exceptions for the purchase of an assault firearm by a law-enforcement officer, correctional officer, jail officer, or member of the Armed Forces of the United States, the Virginia National Guard, or the National Guard of any other state. Accordingly, the bill prohibits a licensed dealer from selling, renting, trading, or transferring from his inventory a handgun or assault firearm to any person under 21 years of age. A violation of either prohibition is a Class 6 felony. The bill also expands the definition of "assault firearm" as the term applies to criminal history record information checks.
Last Action: Senate sustained Governor's veto
Last Action Date: April 17, 2024
Title: Misdemeanor; maximum term of confinement.
Description: Misdemeanor; maximum term of confinement. Reduces from 12 months to 364 days the maximum term of confinement in jail for a Class 1 misdemeanor. The bill contains technical amendments. The bill also requires the Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission to revise all labels on Sentencing Guidelines worksheets and instructions in the Sentencing Guidelines manual so that any conviction for an offense defined as a Class 1 misdemeanor or any other misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of 364 days of incarceration, as provided by the bill, shall be scored as if the maximum penalty were 12 months for the purposes of preparing and using the discretionary sentencing guidelines.
Last Action: Left in Appropriations
Last Action Date: November 18, 2024
Title: Gun violence; JLARC to study effects on communities.
Description: Study; JLARC; effects of gun violence on communities; report. Directs the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission to study the social, physical, emotional, and economic effects of gun violence on communities across the Commonwealth. Study; JLARC; effects of gun violence on communities; report. Directs the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission to study the social, physical, emotional, and economic effects of gun violence on communities across the Commonwealth.
Last Action: Senate sustained Governor's veto
Last Action Date: April 17, 2024
Title: Firearm; removing, altering, selling, etc., or possessing w/removed, etc., serial number, penalty.
Description: Removing, altering, etc., serial number on firearm; selling, giving, etc., or possessing firearm with removed, altered, etc., serial number; penalties. Makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person, firm, association, or corporation to knowingly possess any pistol, shotgun, rifle, machine gun, or any other firearm, except for an antique firearm, that has a serial number that has been removed, altered, changed, destroyed, or obliterated in any manner. The bill also makes it a Class 6 felony for any person, firm, association, or corporation to knowingly sell, give, or distribute any pistol, shotgun, rifle, machine gun, or any other firearm, except for an antique firearm, that has a serial number that has been removed, altered, changed, destroyed, or obliterated in any manner. Removing, altering, etc., serial number on firearm; selling, giving, etc., or possessing firearm with removed, altered, etc., serial number; penalties. Makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person, firm, association, or corporation to knowingly possess any pistol, shotgun, rifle, machine gun, or any other firearm, except for an antique firearm, that has a serial number that has been removed, altered, changed, destroyed, or obliterated in any manner. The bill also makes it a Class 6 felony for any person, firm, association, or corporation to knowingly sell, give, or distribute any pistol, shotgun, rifle, machine gun, or any other firearm, except for an antique firearm, that has a serial number that has been removed, altered, changed, destroyed, or obliterated in any manner.
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0786)
Last Action Date: April 17, 2024
Title: Firearms; storage in residence where minor or person prohibited from possessing is present, penalty.
Description: Storage of firearms in a residence where a minor or person prohibited from possessing a firearm is present; penalty. Requires any person who possesses a firearm in a residence where such person knows that a minor or a person who is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm is present to store such firearm and the ammunition for such firearm in a locked container, compartment, or cabinet that is inaccessible to such minor or prohibited person. The bill provides that a violation is a Class 4 misdemeanor. The bill exempts (i) any person in lawful possession of a firearm who carries such firearm on or about his person and (ii) the storage of antique firearms and provides that the lawful authorization of a minor to access a firearm is not a violation of the bill's provisions. The bill also requires firearm dealers to post a notice stating such firearm storage requirements and the penalty for improperly storing such firearms.
Last Action: Senate sustained Governor's veto
Last Action Date: April 17, 2024
Title: Firearm/explosive material; carrying w/in Capitol Square or bldg. owned or leased by Commonwealth.
Description: Carrying a firearm or explosive material within Capitol Square or building owned or leased by the Commonwealth; exemptions; public institutions of higher education; penalty. Limits the exemption from the prohibition on the carrying of any firearm or explosive material within any building owned or leased by the Commonwealth or agency thereof or any office where employees of the Commonwealth or any agency thereof are regularly present for the purpose of performing their official duties that currently applies to any property owned or operated by a public institution of higher education to instead apply to any individual within a building owned or operated by a public institution of higher education who possesses a weapon as part of such public institution of higher education's curriculum or activities or as part of any organization authorized by such public institution of higher education to conduct its programs or activities within such building, as such uses are approved through the law-enforcement or public safety unit of such institution.
Last Action: Senate sustained Governor's veto
Last Action Date: April 17, 2024
Title: Firearm industry members; creates standards of responsible conduct, civil liability.
Description: Firearm industry members; standards of responsible conduct; civil liability. Creates standards of responsible conduct for firearm industry members and requires such members to establish and implement reasonable controls regarding the manufacture, sale, distribution, use, and marketing of the firearm industry member's firearm-related products, as those terms are defined in the bill. Such reasonable controls include reasonable procedures, safeguards, and business practices that are designed to (i) prevent the sale or distribution of a firearm-related product to a straw purchaser, a firearm trafficker, a person prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law, or a person who the firearm industry member has reasonable cause to believe is at substantial risk of using a firearm-related product to harm themselves or unlawfully harm another or of unlawfully possessing or using a firearm-related product; (ii) prevent the loss of a firearm-related product or theft of a firearm-related product from a firearm industry member; (iii) ensure that the firearm industry member complies with all provisions of state and federal law and does not otherwise promote the unlawful manufacture, sale, possession, marketing, or use of a firearm-related product; and (iv) ensure that the firearm industry member does not engage in an act or practice in violation of the Virginia Consumer Protection Act. The bill also provides that a firearm industry member may not knowingly or recklessly create, maintain, or contribute to a public nuisance, as defined in the bill, through the sale, manufacturing, importing, or marketing of a firearm-related product. The bill creates a civil cause of action for the Attorney General or a local county or city attorney to enforce the provisions of the bill or for any person who has been injured as a result of a firearm industry member's violation to seek an injunction and to recover costs and damages.
Last Action: Senate sustained Governor's veto
Last Action Date: April 17, 2024
Title: Weapons; carrying into hospital that provides mental health services.
Description: Weapons; possession or transportation; hospital that provides mental health services or developmental services; penalty. Makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person to knowingly possess in or transport into the building of any hospital that provides mental health services or developmental services in the Commonwealth, including an emergency department or other facility rendering emergency medical care, any (i) firearm or other weapon designed or intended to propel a missile or projectile of any kind; (ii) knife, except a pocket knife having a folding metal blade of less than three inches; or (iii) other dangerous weapon, including explosives and stun weapons. The bill also provides that notice of such prohibitions shall be posted conspicuously at the public entrance of any hospital and no person shall be convicted of the offense if such notice is not posted, unless such person had actual notice of the prohibitions. The bill provides that any such firearm, knife, explosive, or weapon shall be subject to seizure by a law-enforcement officer and forfeited to the Commonwealth and specifies exceptions to the prohibition.
Last Action: Governor: Vetoed by Governor
Last Action Date: May 17, 2024
Title: Purchase of firearms; demonstrated competence with a firearm or completion of training course.
Description: Purchase of firearms; demonstrated competence with a firearm or completion of a firearms safety or training course; penalty. Requires that a prospective purchaser of a firearm present proof that such prospective purchaser has demonstrated competence with a firearm or completed a firearms safety or training course, as specified in the bill, within the past five years.
Last Action: Failed to pass in Senate
Last Action Date: March 9, 2024
Title: Firearms; two day waiting period, penalty.
Description: Purchase of firearms; waiting period; penalty. Provides that no person shall sell a firearm unless at least two days have elapsed from the time the prospective purchaser completes the written consent form to have a licensed dealer obtain criminal history record information, with exceptions enumerated in relevant law.
Last Action: Incorporated by Courts of Justice
Last Action Date: January 22, 2024
Title: Firearms or explosive materials; carrying into a building owned or leased by the Commonwealth.
Description: Carrying a firearm or explosive material into a building owned or leased by the Commonwealth; exception for highway rest areas. Provides that the prohibition on carrying a firearm or explosive material in any building owned or leased by the Commonwealth shall not apply to any highway rest area.
Last Action: Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice (9-Y 6-N)
Last Action Date: January 29, 2024
Title: Firearms; removal from persons posing substantial risk, penalties.
Description: Firearms; removal from persons posing substantial risk; penalties. Repeals the procedure by which any attorney for the Commonwealth or law-enforcement officer may apply to a general district court, circuit court, or juvenile and domestic relations district court judge or magistrate for an emergency substantial risk order to prohibit a person who poses a substantial risk of injury to himself or others from purchasing, possessing, or transporting a firearm. The bill also removes the substantial risk order registry for the entry of orders issued.
Last Action: Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice (9-Y 6-N)
Last Action Date: January 22, 2024
Title: Firearms; purchase, etc., following an assault and battery of a family or household member, etc.
Description: Purchase, possession, or transportation of firearm; assault and battery of a family or household member or intimate partner; penalties. Adds to the existing definition of "family or household member" a person's intimate partner, defined in the bill as an individual who, within the previous 12 months, was in a romantic, dating, or sexual relationship with the person. The bill also provides that any person who knowingly and intentionally purchases, possesses, or transports any firearm following a misdemeanor conviction for an offense that occurred on or after July 1, 2024, for the offense of assault and battery against an intimate partner or an offense substantially similar under the laws of any other state or of the United States is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Last Action: Senate sustained Governor's veto
Last Action Date: April 17, 2024
Title: Firearm transfers to another person from a prohibited person.
Description: Firearm transfers to another person from a prohibited person. Provides that a person who is prohibited from possessing a firearm because such person is subject to a protective order or has been convicted of an assault and battery of a family or household member may transfer a firearm owned by such prohibited person to any person who is not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing such firearm, provided that such person who is not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing such firearm is 21 years of age or older and does not reside with the person who is subject to the protective order. Under current law, there is no requirement that such transferee cannot be younger than 21 years of age and cannot reside with such prohibited person. The bill also provides that such prohibited person who transfers, sells, or surrenders a firearm pursuant to the provisions of the bill shall inform the clerk of the court of the name and address of the transferee, the federally licensed firearms dealer, or the law-enforcement agency in possession of the firearm and shall provide to the transferee a copy of the form certifying that such person does not possess any firearms or that all firearms possessed by such person have been surrendered, sold, or transferred. The bill also provides that a person who is prohibited from possessing a firearm because such person is subject to a protective order or has been convicted of an assault and battery of a family or household member shall be advised that a law-enforcement officer may obtain a search warrant to search for any firearms from such person if such law-enforcement officer has reason to believe that such person has not relinquished all firearms in his possession. This bill is identical to HB 1960.
Last Action: Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., March 24, 2025
Last Action Date: February 20, 2025
Title: School safety; employment of school security officers, criteria.
Description: School safety; employment of school security officers; criteria. Modifies the criteria that an individual employed as a school security officer, as defined by applicable law, must satisfy in order to carry a firearm in the performance of his duties by eliminating the requirement that within 10 years immediately prior to being hired, he was either an active law-enforcement officer, as defined by applicable law, in the Commonwealth or was employed by a law-enforcement agency of the United States or any state or political subdivision thereof. The bill instead requires any such individual to be age 75 or younger at the time he is hired to be a school security officer, in addition to the other requirements set forth in applicable law, in order to carry a firearm in the performance of his duties.
Last Action: Passed by indefinitely in Education and Health (9-Y 6-N)
Last Action Date: January 23, 2025
Title: Concealed handgun permits; minimum age requirement.
Description: Concealed handgun permits; minimum age requirement. Reduces from 21 years of age to 18 years of age the minimum age requirement for resident and nonresident concealed handgun permits.
Last Action: Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice (9-Y 6-N)
Last Action Date: January 17, 2025
Title: Firearms, certain; age requirement for purchase, penalty.
Description: Purchase of certain firearms; age requirement; penalty. Prohibits any person under 21 years of age from purchasing an assault firearm, with exceptions for the purchase of an assault firearm by a law-enforcement officer, correctional officer, jail officer, or member of the Armed Forces of the United States, the Virginia National Guard, or the National Guard of any other state. Accordingly, the bill prohibits a licensed dealer from selling, renting, trading, or transferring from his inventory an assault firearm to any person under 21 years of age. A violation of either prohibition is a Class 6 felony. The bill also expands the definition of assault firearm as the term applies to criminal history record information checks.
Last Action: Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., March 24, 2025
Last Action Date: February 20, 2025
Title: Nonresident concealed handgun permits; time limit for issuance.
Description: Nonresident concealed handgun permits. Requires the Department of State Police to immediately issue a nonresident concealed handgun permit after 90 days from the receipt of the application for such permit if, within that 90-day period, the Department has not issued such permit or determined that the applicant is disqualified from receiving such permit. The bill further requires the Department to revoke such permit if the applicant is later found by the Department to be disqualified from receiving such permit.
Last Action: Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice (9-Y 6-N)
Last Action Date: January 17, 2025
Title: Retail Sales and Use Tax; media-related exemptions, sunset.
Description: Retail sales and use tax; media-related exemptions; sunset. Extends from 2025 to 2028 the expiration of the retail sales and use tax exemption for certain printed materials purchased by an advertising business from a printer in the Commonwealth, so long as such materials are distributed outside of the Commonwealth.
Last Action: Impact statement from TAX (SB871)
Last Action Date: March 7, 2025
Title: Assault firearms; carrying in public areas prohibited, penalty.
Description: Carrying assault firearms in public areas prohibited; penalty. Prohibits the carrying of certain semi-automatic center-fire rifles and shotguns on any public street, road, alley, sidewalk, or public right-of-way or in any public park or any other place of whatever nature that is open to the public, with certain exceptions. Under current law, the current prohibition on carrying certain shotguns and semi-automatic center-fire rifles and pistols applies to a narrower range of firearms, only in certain localities, and only when such firearms are loaded.
Last Action: Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., March 24, 2025
Last Action Date: February 20, 2025
Title: Plastic firearms or receivers, unserialized firearms, etc.; transfer, etc., prohibited, penalties.
Description: Manufacture, importation, sale, transfer, or possession of plastic firearms and unfinished frames or receivers and unserialized firearms prohibited; penalties. Creates a Class 5 felony for any person who knowingly manufactures or assembles, imports, purchases, sells, transfers, or possesses any firearm that, after removal of all parts other than a major component, as defined in the bill, is not detectable as a firearm when subjected to inspection by the types of detection devices, including X-ray machines, commonly used at airports, government buildings, schools, correctional facilities, and other locations for security screening. The bill updates language regarding the types of detection devices that are used at such locations for detecting plastic firearms. Under current law, it is unlawful to manufacture, import, sell, transfer, or possess any plastic firearm and a violation is punishable as a Class 5 felony. The bill also creates a Class 1 misdemeanor, which is punishable as a Class 4 felony for a second or subsequent offense, making it unlawful for any person to knowingly possess a firearm or any completed or unfinished frame or receiver that is not imprinted with a valid serial number or to knowingly import, purchase, sell, offer for sale, or transfer ownership of any completed or unfinished frame or receiver, unless the completed or unfinished frame or receiver (i) is deemed to be a firearm pursuant to federal law and (ii) is imprinted with a valid serial number. The bill also creates a Class 1 misdemeanor, which is punishable as a Class 4 felony for a second or subsequent offense, making it unlawful for any person to manufacture or assemble, cause to be manufactured or assembled, import, purchase, sell, offer for sale, or transfer ownership of any firearm that is not imprinted with a valid serial number. The portions of the bill prohibiting unfinished frames or receivers and unserialized firearms have a delayed effective date of January 1, 2026; however, the portions of the bill prohibiting the knowing possession of a firearm or any completed or unfinished frame or receiver that is not imprinted with a valid serial number have a delayed effective date of July 1, 2026.
Last Action: Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., March 24, 2025
Last Action Date: February 20, 2025
Title: Firearms; purchase, etc., assault and battery of family member or intimate partner, penalties.
Description: Purchase, possession, or transportation of firearm; assault and battery of a family or household member or intimate partner; penalties. Adds to the existing definition of "family or household member" a person's intimate partner, defined in the bill as an individual who, within the previous 12 months, was in a romantic, dating, or sexual relationship with the person. The bill also provides that any person who knowingly and intentionally purchases, possesses, or transports any firearm following a misdemeanor conviction for an offense that occurred on or after July 1, 2025, for the offense of assault and battery against an intimate partner or an offense substantially similar under the laws of any other state or of the United States is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Last Action: Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB883ER)
Last Action Date: March 7, 2025
Title: Trigger activator; definition does not include semi-automatic replacement trigger, etc., penalty.
Description: Trigger activator definition; penalty. Defines "trigger activator" as a conversion kit, tool, accessory, or device designed to alter the rate of fire of a semi-automatic firearm to mimic automatic weapon fire or used to increase the rate of fire to a rate faster than such semi-automatic firearm can achieve when not equipped with a conversion kit, tool, accessory, or device. The bill clarifies that "trigger activator" includes a bump stock, trigger crank, hellfire trigger, binary trigger system, burst trigger system, or a copy thereof, but does not include a semi-automatic replacement trigger, designed for use in competitive shooting, that improves performance and functionality over the stock trigger.
Last Action: Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB886ER)
Last Action Date: March 7, 2025
Title: Firearms; five day waiting period, penalty.
Description: Purchase of firearms; waiting period; penalty. Provides that no person shall sell a firearm unless at least five days have elapsed from the time the prospective purchaser completes the written consent form to have a licensed dealer obtain criminal history record information, with exceptions enumerated in relevant law. The amendments to the Code of Virginia in the bill are identical to the amendments to the Code of Virginia in HB 2631.
Last Action: Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., March 24, 2025
Last Action Date: February 20, 2025
Title: Firearms-related offenses; mandatory minimum sentence; penalty.
Description: Firearms-related offenses; mandatory minimum sentence; penalty. Increases from five to 10 years for a second or subsequent offense the mandatory minimum sentence for use or display of a firearm during the commission of certain felonies.
Last Action: Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice (8-Y 5-N)
Last Action Date: January 17, 2025
Title: Elections; prohibited area, within 40 feet of the curbside voting area.
Description: Elections; general provisions; prohibited area; within 40 feet of the curbside voting area. Adds the 40 feet beyond any area designated for voting outside the polling place to the prohibited area where campaigning and certain other activities are unlawful during elections.
Last Action: Failed to report (defeated) in Privileges and Elections (7-Y 8-N)
Last Action Date: January 28, 2025
Title: Elections; prohibited area within 100 feet.
Description: Elections; general provisions; prohibited area; 100 feet. Increases from 40 feet to 100 feet the areas around polling places, certain electoral board meetings, and recount locations within which certain activities or conduct are prohibited.
Last Action: Stricken at request of Patron in Privileges and Elections (15-Y 0-N)
Last Action Date: January 28, 2025
Title: Firearms, etc; carrying into bldg. owned or leased by the Commonwealth, exception for rest areas.
Description: Carrying a firearm or explosive material into a building owned or leased by the Commonwealth; exception for rest areas. Provides that the prohibition on carrying a firearm or explosive material in any building owned or leased by the Commonwealth does not apply to any rest area.
Last Action: Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice (9-Y 6-N)
Last Action Date: January 17, 2025
Title: School board policies; parental notification, safe storage of prescription drugs and firearms, etc.
Description: School board policies; parental notification; safe storage of prescription drugs and firearms in the household. Requires each local school board to develop and implement a policy to require the annual notification of the parent of each student enrolled in the local school division, to be sent by email and, if applicable, SMS text message within 30 calendar days succeeding the first day of each school year, of (i) the importance of securely storing any prescription drug, as defined in relevant law, present in the household and (ii) the parent's legal responsibility to safely store any firearm present in the household. The bill requires each school board to make such parental notification available in multiple languages on its website. This bill is identical to HB 1678.
Last Action: Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., March 24, 2025
Last Action Date: February 20, 2025
Title: Firearm purchases; permit to purchase a firearm required, penalties.
Description: Firearm purchases; permit to purchase a firearm required; penalties. Requires any person purchasing a firearm from a firearms dealer to present a valid permit issued by the Department of State Police that allows the holder to purchase a firearm. The bill prohibits a firearms dealer from selling, renting, trading, or transferring from his inventory any firearm to any person until he has received such permit. The bill sets forth the procedures to apply for the permit and prohibits the permitting of any person (i) who is younger than 21 years of age; (ii) who is prohibited from purchasing, possessing, or transporting a firearm; (iii) who, within the two years prior to the date of application, has been convicted of any offense against a person that is an act of violence, force, or threat or a firearm-related offense that is punished as a Class 1 misdemeanor; (iv) who is an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance; (v) who, within the two years prior to the date of application, has not completed a firearms safety or training course or class offered to the public by a law-enforcement agency, institution of higher education, or private or public institution or organization or by a firearms training school utilizing instructors certified or approved by the Department of Criminal Justice Services, and with a required curriculum, detailed in the bill; or (vi) for whom it would not be in the interest of the public health, safety, or welfare of the Commonwealth as determined by the Department of State Police to obtain a permit because the person is found to be lacking in essential character or temperament necessary to be entrusted with a firearm. The bill provides that such permit is valid for five years from the date of issuance. The bill details reasons for revocation of a permit and provides that any person who fails to return a revoked permit to the Superintendent of State Police within five days' notice of revocation is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. The bill also states that any person who willfully and intentionally makes a materially false statement on the application form for a permit is guilty of a Class 5 felony.
Last Action: Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice with letter (15-Y 0-N)
Last Action Date: January 17, 2025
Title: Weapons; possession prohibited in a hospital that provides mental health or developmental services.
Description: Weapons; possession prohibited in a hospital that provides mental health services or developmental services; penalty. Makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person to knowingly and intentionally possess in the building of any hospital that provides mental health services or developmental services in the Commonwealth, including an emergency department or other facility rendering emergency medical care, a (i) firearm, (ii) knife with a blade over three and one-half inches, or (iii) other dangerous weapon, including explosives and stun weapons. The bill also provides that notice of such prohibitions shall be posted conspicuously at each public entrance of any hospital and no person shall be convicted of the offense if such notice is not posted, unless such person had actual notice of the prohibitions. The bill provides that any such firearm, knife, explosive, or weapon shall be subject to seizure by a law-enforcement officer and forfeited to the Commonwealth and specifies exceptions to the prohibition. This bill is identical to HB 1977.
Last Action: Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., March 24, 2025
Last Action Date: February 20, 2025
Title: Firearms; storage in residence where minor or person prohibited from possessing is present, penalty.
Description: Storage of firearms in a residence where a minor or person prohibited from possessing a firearm is present; penalty. Requires any person who possesses a firearm in a residence where such person knows that a minor or a person who is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm is present to store such firearm and the ammunition for such firearm in a locked container, compartment, or cabinet that is inaccessible to such minor or prohibited person. The bill provides that a violation is a Class 4 misdemeanor. The bill exempts (i) any person in lawful possession of a firearm who carries such firearm on or about his person and (ii) the storage of antique firearms and provides that the lawful authorization of a minor to access a firearm is not a violation of the bill's provisions. The bill also requires firearm dealers to post a notice stating such firearm storage requirements and the penalty for improperly storing such firearms.
Last Action: Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., March 24, 2025
Last Action Date: February 20, 2025
Title: Assault firearms and certain ammunition feeding devices; prohibits sale, transfer, etc.
Description: Importation, sale, manufacture, etc., of assault firearms and certain ammunition feeding devices prohibited; penalties. Creates a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person who imports, sells, manufactures, purchases, or transfers an assault firearm, as that term is defined in the bill with some exceptions, and prohibits a person who has been convicted of such violation from purchasing, possessing, or transporting a firearm for a period of three years from the date of conviction. The bill provides that an assault firearm does not include any firearm that is an antique firearm, has been rendered permanently inoperable, is manually operated by bolt, pump, lever, or slide action, or was manufactured before July 1, 2025. The bill also prohibits the sale of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, as that term is defined in the bill. The bill provides that any person who willfully and intentionally (i) sells an assault firearm to another person or (ii) purchases an assault firearm from another person is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor and that any person who imports, sells, barters, or transfers a large capacity ammunition feeding device is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. The bill also makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person younger than 21 years of age to import, sell, manufacture, purchase, possess, transport, or transfer an assault firearm regardless of the date of manufacture of such assault firearm with some exceptions. This bill is identical to HB 1607.
Last Action: Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., March 24, 2025
Last Action Date: March 3, 2025
Title: Capitol Sq. or building owned/leased by the Commonwealth, carrying firearm/explosive material, etc.
Description: Carrying a firearm or explosive material within Capitol Square or building owned or leased by the Commonwealth; exemptions; public institutions of higher education; penalty. Permits the governing board of a public institution of higher education to adopt a policy prohibiting the carrying of any firearm, ammunition, or components or combination thereof within any building owned or operated by such public institution of higher education. The bill allows such policy to include security measures that are designed to reasonably prevent the unauthorized access of buildings that are open to the public. Finally, the bill exempts certain activities, defined in the bill, operated at public or private institutions of higher education from any policy created by a governing board. This bill is identical to HB 1876.
Last Action: Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., March 24, 2025
Last Action Date: February 20, 2025
Title: Concealed weapons; exceptions, penalty.
Description: Carrying concealed weapons; exceptions; penalty. Adds any pistol, revolver, or other weapon designed or intended to propel a missile of any kind by action of compressed air to the list of concealed weapons the carrying of which is prohibited in public.
Last Action: Left in Courts of Justice
Last Action Date: February 5, 2025
Title: Threats of death or bodily injury to a person or member of his family, etc.; penalty.
Description: Threats of death or discharge of a firearm on school property; penalties. Clarifies that for crimes involving communicating in writing a threat to kill or do bodily injury, regardless of whether the person who is the object of such threat actually receives such threat, an electronically transmitted communication producing a visual or electronic message includes an email, a text message, or a message or post on any social media platform. The bill adds oral threats of discharging a firearm within or on school property, at any school-sponsored event, or on a school bus and the threat would place the person who is the object of the threat, or is included in the threat, in reasonable apprehension of death or bodily harm is a Class 6 felony.
Last Action: Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB1271ER)
Last Action Date: March 7, 2025
Title: Carrying concealed weapons; secured storage of firearms in unattended vehicles, penalty.
Description: Carrying concealed weapons; secured storage of firearms; penalty. Removes the exception to the prohibition on carrying a concealed weapon for any person who may lawfully possess a firearm and is carrying a handgun while in a personal, private motor vehicle or vessel and such handgun is secured in a container or compartment in the vehicle or vessel. The bill provides that a civil penalty of no more than $500 shall be imposed for any person who leaves a firearm in an unattended motor vehicle where such firearm is visible. The bill also creates a Class 4 misdemeanor for any person who fails to report to law enforcement the theft or loss of a firearm from a vehicle and a Class 1 misdemeanor if another person obtains such firearm.
Last Action: Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB1329ER)
Last Action Date: March 7, 2025
Title: SW Va. Higher Ed. Ctr. Bd. of Trustees; authority to permit campus officers to carry firearms.
Description: Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center Board of Trustees; authority to permit campus security officers to carry firearms in performance of official duties; conditions. Authorizes the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center Board of Trustees to permit campus security personnel employed in its campus security department to carry firearms in the performance of their official duties, provided that such campus security personnel are considered armed security officers, as such term is defined in relevant law, and comply with all relevant statutory and regulatory requirements attendant to such designation, including registration and training. This bill is identical to HB 2441.
Last Action: Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB1368ER)
Last Action Date: March 7, 2025
Title: Firearm safety device tax credit; defines commercial retailer.
Description: Firearm safety device tax credit; definitions. Redefines an "eligible transaction" for purposes of the firearm safety device tax credit as one in which a taxpayer purchases one or more firearm safety devices from a commercial retailer, as defined in the bill. Current law defines "eligible transaction" as one in which a taxpayer purchases one or more firearm safety devices from a federally licensed dealer. The provisions of the bill apply to taxable years beginning on and after January 1, 2025. This bill is identical to HB 2595.
Last Action: Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., March 24, 2025
Last Action Date: March 3, 2025
Title: Firearms, stun weapons, etc.; possession or transportation by persons adjudicated delinquent.
Description: Possession or transportation of firearms, firearms ammunition, stun weapons, explosives or concealed weapons by persons adjudicated delinquent; penalty. Provides that the prohibition on the possession and transportation of firearms and ammunition by convicted felons applies to persons previously adjudicated delinquent. The bill requires that persons who were previously adjudicated delinquent of a violent felony are subject to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and two years for any other felony within the prior 10 years.
Last Action: Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice (8-Y 6-N)
Last Action Date: January 27, 2025
Title: Firearm industry members; standards of responsible conduct, civil liability.
Description: Firearm industry members; standards of responsible conduct; civil liability. Creates standards of responsible conduct for firearm industry members and requires such members to establish and implement reasonable controls regarding the manufacture, sale, distribution, use, and marketing of the firearm industry member's firearm-related products, as those terms are defined in the bill. Such reasonable controls include reasonable procedures, safeguards, and business practices that are designed to (i) prevent the sale or distribution of a firearm-related product to a straw purchaser, a firearm trafficker, a person prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law, or a person who the firearm industry member has reasonable cause to believe is at substantial risk of using a firearm-related product to harm themselves or unlawfully harm another or of unlawfully possessing or using a firearm-related product; (ii) prevent the loss of a firearm-related product or theft of a firearm-related product from a firearm industry member; (iii) ensure that the firearm industry member complies with all provisions of state and federal law and does not otherwise promote the unlawful manufacture, sale, possession, marketing, or use of a firearm-related product; and (iv) ensure that the firearm industry member does not engage in an act or practice in violation of the Virginia Consumer Protection Act. The bill also provides that a firearm industry member may not knowingly or recklessly create, maintain, or contribute to a public nuisance, as defined in the bill, through the sale, manufacturing, importing, or marketing of a firearm-related product. The bill creates a civil cause of action for the Attorney General or a local county or city attorney to enforce the provisions of the bill or for any person who has been injured as a result of a firearm industry member's violation to seek an injunction and to recover costs and damages.
Last Action: Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB1450ER)
Last Action Date: March 7, 2025
Title: Financial institutions; discrimination prohibited, penalty.
Description: Financial institutions; discrimination prohibited; penalty. Prohibits a financial institution from denying or cancelling its services to or otherwise discriminating against a person in making available services on the basis of factors including the person's political opinions, speech, or affiliations and other factors enumerated in the bill. The bill provides that a violation of its provisions constitutes a prohibited practice under the Virginia Consumer Protection Act.
Last Action: Passed by indefinitely in Commerce and Labor (9-Y 6-N)
Last Action Date: January 27, 2025
