56 total bills, 24 anti-gun bills,
17 pro-gun bills for this session
Proposed Virginia Firearm Legislation
56 total bills, 24 anti-gun bills,
17 pro-gun bills for this session
2013 Session2014 Session2015 Session2016 Session2017 Session2018 Session2019 Session2020 Session2021 Session2022 Session2023 Session2024 Session
Filter: Click on bill number for details. jump to upper chamber
note: Legislation carries over from even-numbered to odd-numbered years. When a bill is carried over, legislators have until early December to consider and vote on the legislation. All bills considered for carryover must have been in a committee at sine die, and addressed and passed by the committee by the December deadline.
Title: Federal felons; restoration of gun ownership rights.
Description: Memorializing Congress; restoration of gun ownership rights for federal felons. Urges the United States Congress to restore gun ownership rights for federal felons.
Last Action: Tabled in Rules by voice vote
Last Action Date: January 30, 2015
Title: Firearms, certain; identification requirement.
Description: Transfer of certain firearms; identification requirement. Allows Virginia residents to purchase a firearm by presenting only one photo-identification form issued by a governmental agency of the Commonwealth or by the U.S. Department of Defense that demonstrates that the prospective purchaser resides in Virginia. The bill provides that a member of the armed forces whose photo identification issued by the Department of Defense does not have a Virginia address may establish his Virginia residency with such photo identification and permanent orders assigning the purchaser to a duty post, including the Pentagon, in Virginia or his Leave and Earnings Statement. Current law requires photo identification and another document that establishes residency, such as a lease or utility bill, and that includes an address that matches the photo identification.
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0727)
Last Action Date: April 8, 2016
Title: Concealed handguns; authorization and training for persons designated to carry on school property.
Description: Authorization and training for persons designated to carry concealed handguns on school property. Permits a school board or an administrator of a private school to designate one or more qualified person for every school who may carry a concealed handgun on school property. Such qualified persons include certain school division employees, certain school volunteers who carry valid concealed handgun permits, and certain retired law-enforcement officers. Any person designated to carry a concealed handgun must be certified and trained by the Virginia Center for School and Campus Safety or the National Rifle Association in the storage, use, and handling of a concealed handgun. The bill also outlines the training requirements for designated persons to be established by the Department of Criminal Justice Services.
Last Action: Left in Education
Last Action Date: February 10, 2015
Title: Concealed handgun permit; revocation of permit if delinquent in child support payments.
Description: Revocation of concealed handgun permit; delinquency in child support payments. Provides for the revocation of an individual's concealed handgun permit if such individual (i) has failed to comply with a subpoena, summons, or warrant relating to paternity or child support proceedings or (ii) is delinquent in the payment of child support by 90 days or more or in an amount of $5,000 or more. If the obligor remedies the delinquency, reaches an agreement with the obligee or Department of Social Services to remedy the delinquency, or complies with the subpoena, summons, or warrant, he may reapply for a concealed weapons permit.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 10, 2015
Title: Firearms; criminal history record information check, penalties.
Description: Transfer of firearms; criminal history record information check; penalties. Adds a definition of "firearms show vendor" or "vendor" and requires that a criminal history record information check be performed on the prospective transferee before the vendor may transfer firearms at a gun show. Under current law, only licensed dealers must obtain such a check. The bill also requires that the promoter of a firearms show provide vendors access to licensed dealers who will conduct the criminal history record information check.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 10, 2015
Title: Firearms or ammunition for firearms; petition for permit of restoration of right to possess, venue.
Description: Firearms; restoration of rights; venue. Permits a nonresident of the Commonwealth prohibited from possessing a firearm, ammunition, or a stun weapon because of a felony conviction or a juvenile adjudication of delinquency of certain offenses to petition the circuit court where his last felony conviction or adjudication of delinquency occurred for restoration of his right to possess, transport, or carry a firearm, ammunition, or a stun weapon. Current law does not provide for venue for a nonresident's restoration petition.
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0200)
Last Action Date: March 16, 2015
Title: Purchase of handguns; limitation on handgun purchases; penalty.
Description: Purchase of handguns; limitation on handgun purchases; penalty. Prohibits individuals who are not licensed firearms dealers from purchasing more than one handgun in a 30-day period and establishes such an offense as a Class 1 misdemeanor. The bill exempts from this provision (i) law-enforcement agencies and officers, (ii) state and local correctional facilities, (iii) licensed private security companies, (iv) persons who hold a valid Virginia concealed handgun permit, (v) persons whose handgun has been lost or stolen or who are trading in a handgun, (vi) purchases of handguns in a private sale, and (vii) purchases of antique firearms.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 10, 2015
Title: Firearms; transfer, etc., from licensed dealer.
Description: Transfer, etc., of firearms from licensed dealer; criminal history record information. Provides that a licensed firearms dealer may perform a criminal history record information check before selling, renting, trading, or transferring any firearm owned by the dealer that is not in his inventory. Current law requires that a dealer perform such a check only if the firearm is from the dealer's inventory.
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0759)
Last Action Date: April 30, 2015
Title: Concealed handguns; prohibited at airports, exception.
Description: Prohibition on weapons at airport; exception for concealed handguns. Provides that a person entitled to carry a concealed handgun may lawfully possess or transport a concealed handgun in any air carrier airport terminal.
Last Action: Left in Transportation
Last Action Date: February 11, 2015
Title: Concealed handgun; possession on school property.
Description: Possession of concealed handgun on school property. Provides an exception to the crime of possessing a firearm on school property if a person has a valid concealed handgun permit and possession of a concealed handgun occurs outside normal school hours. The bill also provides an exception if a person with a concealed handgun permit stores a concealed handgun in a motor vehicle in a parking lot, traffic circle, or other means of vehicular ingress or egress to the school; current law allows possession while the person is in the motor vehicle in one of those areas.
Last Action: Left in Education
Last Action Date: February 10, 2015
Title: Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority; created, report, eliminates ABC Board.
Description: Alcoholic beverage control. Eliminates the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board and replaces it with the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority, created by the bill. The bill provides for the appointment of the Board of Directors of the Authority by the Governor, to be confirmed by the General Assembly, and the appointment by the Governor of a Chief Executive Officer of the Authority, also to be confirmed by the General Assembly. The bill sets the eligibility requirements for appointment of both the Board members and the Chief Executive Officer, including background checks. The bill provides for the salary of Board members and the Chief Executive Officer and specifies that Board members and the Chief Executive Officer may be only removed for cause by the Governor. Among other things, the bill also (i) provides for the transfer of current ABC employees to the Authority, (ii) continues such employees' participation in the state health plan and VRS, and (iii) sets out the powers and duties of the Authority and the Chief Executive Officer. The bill contains numerous technical amendments. The bill has a delayed effective date of July 1, 2018, except that the provisions of the thirteenth and fourteenth enactments become effective July 1, 2015.
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0730)
Last Action Date: April 15, 2015
Title: Firearms; display or distribution of information at shows.
Description: Display or distribution of information at firearms shows. Requires a vendor or exhibitor at firearms shows to display at his booth or table a sign that contains his full legal name, the name and address of the business, if applicable, and his telephone number. The bill also provides that no vendor or exhibitor in the show may advertise that he is not required to obtain criminal history record information for potential customers or any other substantially similar statement.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 10, 2015
Title: Firearms show; State Police list of vendors or exhibitors.
Description: Firearms show; State Police list of vendors or exhibitors. Requires a promoter of a firearms show to include in his list of vendors or exhibitors submitted to State Police information regarding whether a vendor or exhibitor was selling or transferring a firearm and the vendor or exhibitor's dealer identification number, if applicable.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 10, 2015
Title: Firearms; penalty when accessible by children.
Description: Firearms; access by children; penalty. Provides that it is a Class 1 misdemeanor to knowingly authorize a child age four or younger to use a firearm or pneumatic gun.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 10, 2015
Title: Firearms magazines, certain; prohibition of sale, transfer, etc., penalty.
Description: Prohibition of sale, transfer, etc., of certain firearms magazines; fine. Provides that any person, corporation, or other entity that manufactures, imports, possesses, purchases, sells, or transfers any large capacity magazine shall be subject to a $250 fine. The bill provides for exceptions to the prohibition, including the owner's registration with the Department of State Police following a criminal history record information check. The willful or intentional making of a materially false statement on the consent form required by the processes required for a criminal history record information check will subject the person making such statement to a $250 fine. The bill also provides that a registrant is limited to three large capacity magazines and must otherwise dispose of all magazines in excess of the limit. Finally, the bill outlines the registration process for anyone who owns a large capacity magazine.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 10, 2015
Title: Firearm transfers; criminal history record information checks, penalty.
Description: Transfer of firearms; penalty. Requires a background check for any firearm transfer and requires the Department of State Police to establish a process for transferors to obtain such a check from licensed firearms dealers. A transferor who fails to obtain a required background check and sells a firearm to another person is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. The bill exempts transfers between immediate family members, transfers that occur by operation of law, and transfers by the executor or administrator of an estate or by the trustee of a testamentary trust.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 10, 2015
Title: Forfeiture of property used in connection with the commission of crimes; conviction required.
Description: Forfeiture of property used in connection with the commission of crimes; conviction required; owner retains possession. Requires that any action for the forfeiture of property used in connection with the commission of a crime be stayed until the person whose property is the subject of the forfeiture action has been convicted of the crime and has exhausted all appeals. The bill also provides that no property shall be seized until after a final judgment of conviction has been entered and all appeals have been exhausted.
Last Action: Left in Courts of Justice
Last Action Date: February 10, 2015
Title: Firearms, certain; law-enforcement certification.
Description: Law-enforcement certification of certain firearms. Provides that when the certification of a chief law-enforcement officer is required by federal law for transfer of a firearm as defined in the National Firearms Act, such certification must be provided within 60 days if the applicant is not prohibited by law from receiving the firearm. If the applicant is prohibited by law from receiving the firearm, the chief law-enforcement officer or his designee shall notify the applicant in writing of the reason for the prohibition. For the purposes of the bill, the definition of "firearm" is limited to machine guns, rifles and shotguns of a certain length, weapons made from certain rifles or shotguns, and silencers. If the chief law-enforcement officer fails to provide certification within 60 days, the applicant has a right to an ore tenus hearing in circuit court and, unless the evidence shows that the applicant is prohibited by law from receiving the firearm, the court shall order the chief law-enforcement officer to issue the certification within five business days.
Last Action: Requires 27 affirmative votes to override Governor's veto
Last Action Date: April 15, 2015
Title: Firearms; prohibits in libraries owned or operated by localities.
Description: Control of firearms; libraries owned or operated by localities. Allows a locality to adopt an ordinance that prohibits firearms, ammunition, or components, or a combination thereof, in libraries owned or operated by the locality.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 10, 2015
Title: Weapons; prohibition at airports, exception for handguns.
Description: Prohibition on weapons at airport; exception for handguns. Provides that a person may lawfully possess or transport a handgun into any portion of an air carrier airport terminal other than the secured area of the terminal. The bill requires the authority, commission, or other entity that operates an airport terminal containing a secured area to post at least one notice in a conspicuous location at each entrance to a secured area informing the public that they are entering a secured area and listing the items restricted from being possessed or transported in the secured area.
Last Action: Left in Transportation
Last Action Date: February 11, 2015
Title: Concealed handgun permits; background check, exemption for permit holders.
Description: Concealed handgun permits; fees; background check; exemption for permit holders. Provides that a licensed firearms dealer does not have to have a criminal background check performed to determine a person's eligibility to purchase a firearm if the purchaser possesses a valid concealed handgun permit and presents a photo ID issued by an agency of the Commonwealth or the Department of Defense. The bill increases from $10 to $20 the fee charged by the circuit court clerk for processing an application and issuing a permit. The bill also sets at $30 the maximum fee that is charged for conducting a background investigation of an applicant for a concealed handgun permit. Of this maximum $30 fee, $10 must be paid to the State Police to cover its costs associated with processing the application and the local law-enforcement agency may charge a fee not to exceed the remaining $20. The bill also requires that the State Police, in preparing the report from the Central Criminal Records Exchange for the circuit court with regard to an applicant for a concealed handgun permit, shall initiate a search of the National Instant Criminal Background Check System for purposes of obtaining criminal history record information regarding the applicant. The bill also provides that an applicant for a concealed handgun permit must include his alien number or admission number if he is not a citizen of the United States. Finally, the bill provides that a person is disqualified from obtaining a concealed handgun permit if he is otherwise disqualified from possessing or receiving a firearm pursuant to state or federal law.
Last Action: Left in Finance
Last Action Date: February 24, 2015
Title: Protective orders; possession of firearms; penalty.
Description: Protective orders; possession of firearms; penalty. Prohibits a person who is subject to a protective order from possessing a firearm; currently, such person is only prohibited from purchasing or transporting a firearm. Such conduct is punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 10, 2015
Title: Firearms; purchase, possession, or transportation following convictions for certain misdemeanors.
Description: Purchase, possession, or transportation of firearms following convictions for certain misdemeanor crimes; restoration of rights; penalty. Prohibits a person who has been convicted of stalking, sexual battery, assault and battery of a family or household member, brandishing a firearm, or two or more convictions of assault and battery from purchasing, possessing, or transporting a firearm. A person who violates this provision is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. The bill provides for a process by which a person convicted of such crimes may petition the circuit court for a reinstatement of his rights to purchase, possess, or transport a firearm.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 10, 2015
Title: Gang and drug crimes; imposes higher penalties for certain offenses.
Description: Enhanced penalties for gang and drug crimes. Imposes higher penalties for certain drug offenses involving manufacturing, selling, giving, distributing, or possessing with the intent to manufacture, sell, give, or distribute certain controlled substances if death or serious bodily injury resulted from the use of such substance. The bill also imposes higher penalties for possessing, using or attempting to use, or displaying in a threatening manner a firearm while committing or attempting to commit certain drug offenses. Finally, the bill provides that a person who is convicted of a second or subsequent criminal street gang crime is guilty of a Class 3 felony, where current law imposes such penalty for a third or subsequent conviction.
Last Action: Left in Courts of Justice
Last Action Date: February 10, 2015
Title: Firearms; restoration of rights, report to Department of State Police.
Description: Restoration of firearms rights; report to State Police. Provides a mechanism for reporting to the Department of State Police when a circuit court restores a felon's right to possess, transport, and carry a firearm. Prior to entry of a restoration order, the petitioner's fingerprints and petition are sent to the Central Criminal Records Exchange (CCRE) and the petitioner's criminal history is forwarded to the court and may be inspected by the attorney for the Commonwealth. If the order is granted, the Department of State Police shall enter the person's name and description in the CCRE so law-enforcement personnel accessing the computerized criminal history records will be aware of the order's existence.
Last Action: Left in Appropriations
Last Action Date: February 10, 2015
Title: Persons involuntarily admitted or ordered to outpatient treatment; purchase, etc., ammunition.
Description: Purchase, etc., of ammunition by persons involuntarily admitted or ordered to outpatient treatment; penalty. Provides that it is a Class 1 misdemeanor for a person who has been involuntarily admitted or ordered to outpatient treatment or who has agreed to voluntary admission after being the subject of a temporary detention order to purchase, possess, or transport ammunition for a firearm. Current law only applies to the purchase, possession, or transportation of the firearm itself.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 10, 2015
Title: Firearms or ammunition; possession by convicted felons, restoration of rights, etc.
Description: Possession, etc., of firearms, etc., by convicted felons; restoration of rights. Provides that the prohibition on the possession and transportation of firearms and ammunition by convicted felons does not apply to a felon whose right to possess firearms or ammunition has been restored under the law of another state.
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0767)
Last Action Date: April 30, 2015
Title: Protective orders; person must surrender any firearms, penalty.
Description: Protective orders; surrender of firearms; penalty. Provides that a person who is subject to a protective order must surrender any firearm possessed by him to the court within 24 hours of being served with the protective order. The court shall prepare a written receipt, which shall be signed by the person surrendering the firearm, containing the name of the person, the date on which it was surrendered, and the manufacturer, model, and serial number of the firearm and provide a copy of the receipt to the court. The bill provides further that the person may present the copy of the receipt to the court upon the expiration of the protective order and the court shall then return the firearm. The failure to surrender a firearm is punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor. The bill also prohibits a person who is subject to a protective order from possessing a firearm, where currently such person is only prohibited from purchasing or transporting a firearm.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 10, 2015
Title: Concealed handgun permits; proof of competence.
Description: Concealed handgun permits; proof of competence. Makes various changes to the types of training courses permitted to satisfy the requirement to demonstrate competence with a handgun in order to obtain a concealed handgun permit, including (i) requiring that a National Rifle Association (NRA) or Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) training course focus on the use and handling of a concealed handgun; (ii) requiring that a law-enforcement officer qualify to carry a handgun rather than a firearm in the course of normal police duties; and (iii) requiring that online NRA or DCJS training courses be synchronous. The bill also eliminates certain existing methods for demonstrating competence with a handgun, including (a) completing a hunter education or safety course; (b) completing a law-enforcement firearms safety or training course offered to security guards, investigators, special deputies, or any other division of law enforcement or security enforcement; and (c) having previously held a concealed handgun permit. The bill also provides that any proof of demonstrated competence with a handgun shall expire five years from the date of completion of such course or class.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 10, 2015
Title: Firearms; transfer at gun shows, voluntary background check, penalties.
Description: Transfer of firearms at gun shows; voluntary background check; penalties. Requires the Department of State Police to be available to perform background checks for non-dealer sales at gun shows if requested by a party involved in a transaction. The promoter of the firearms show shall furnish the Department of State Police sufficient facilities to perform the background checks. In order for the bill to become effective, the U.S. Department of Justice must approve the policies and procedures that the Department of State Police will use to implement the provisions of the bill.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 10, 2015
Title: Firearms; criminal history record information check on transferee, penalties.
Description: Transfer of firearms; criminal history record information check; penalties. Adds a definition of "firearms show vendor" and requires that a criminal history record information check be performed on the prospective transferee before the vendor may transfer firearms at a gun show. In order to be a "firearms show vendor" the person must have paid or given another thing of value to the promoter for the opportunity to sell guns at the gun show. Under current law, only licensed dealers must obtain such a check. The bill also requires that the promoter of a firearms show provide vendors access to licensed dealers who will conduct the criminal history record information check.
Last Action: Left in Courts of Justice
Last Action Date: December 4, 2014
Title: Firearms dealer; local regulation, proximity to schools.
Description: Firearms retailers; local regulation; proximity to schools. Authorizes any locality to adopt an ordinance regulating or prohibiting anyone from engaging in the business of selling firearms at retail within 1,000 feet of a school.
Last Action: Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice (10-Y 5-N)
Last Action Date: January 27, 2016
Title: Concealed handgun permit; family member who resides with applicant may submit statement to court.
Description: Concealed handgun permit; application; disqualification. Adds family members who reside with the applicant for a concealed handgun permit to the persons whose statements that the applicant is likely to use a weapon unlawfully or negligently to endanger others may be submitted to the court. Under current law sheriffs, police chiefs, and the attorney for the Commonwealth may submit such statements. If the court finds an individual disqualified for a concealed handgun permit based on such statements the individual may not reapply for five years and must include with his application documentation as to why he is no longer likely to use a weapon unlawfully or negligently to endanger others.
Last Action: Stricken at the request of Patron in Courts of Justice (15-Y 0-N)
Last Action Date: January 27, 2016
Title: Tannerite; joint subcommittee to study danger of use of these explosives.
Description: Study; joint subcommittee; dangers of Tannerite; report. Establishes a nine-member joint subcommittee to study the dangers of Tannerite and, if necessary, identify the potential need to (i) restrict the amounts of Tannerite that can be purchased legally and (ii) add a warning label to such products due to the effects of their use.
Last Action: Left in Finance
Last Action Date: February 11, 2015
Title: Concealed handgun permits; lifetime permits.
Description: Concealed handgun permits; lifetime permits. Provides for the issuance of concealed handgun permits for Virginia residents that do not expire. Currently, such permits must be renewed every five years.
Last Action: Left in Finance
Last Action Date: February 11, 2015
Title: Firearm transfer; penalties.
Description: Firearm transfers; penalties. Creates a Class 2 misdemeanor for a person who is not a licensed dealer to sell, rent, trade, or transfer a firearm to any other person who is not a licensed dealer. The bill also creates a Class 2 misdemeanor for a person who is not a licensed dealer to buy, rent, trade, or transfer a firearm from any other person who is not a licensed dealer. The bill exempts certain transfers, such as between immediate family members, by operation of law, and when the transfer is temporary and is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm or occurs while in the continuous presence of the owner of the firearm.
Last Action: Failed to report (defeated) in Courts of Justice (4-Y 10-N)
Last Action Date: January 26, 2015
Title: Handguns; limitation on purchases, penalty.
Description: Purchase of handguns; limitation on handgun purchases; penalty. Prohibits individuals who are not licensed firearms dealers from purchasing more than one handgun in a 30-day period and establishes such an offense as a Class 1 misdemeanor. The bill exempts from this provision (i) law-enforcement agencies and officers, (ii) state and local correctional facilities, (iii) licensed private security companies, (iv) persons who hold a valid Virginia concealed handgun permit, (v) persons whose handgun has been lost or stolen or who are trading in a handgun, (vi) purchases of handguns in a private sale, and (vii) purchases of antique firearms.
Last Action: Failed to report (defeated) in Courts of Justice (4-Y 10-N)
Last Action Date: January 26, 2015
Title: Firearms; possession on private or religious school property.
Description: Possession of firearm, etc., on school property; private or religious schools. Eliminates the crimes of possession on the property of a private or religious elementary, middle, or high school; a school bus owned or operated by such school; or any property being used for functions or extracurricular activities sponsored by such school of a stun weapon, knife, or other weapon (currently a Class 1 misdemeanor) or a firearm (currently a Class 6 felony). The bill does not affect the criminal penalties for the possession of such weapons on public school property.
Last Action: Stricken at the request of Patron in Courts of Justice (12-Y 0-N)
Last Action Date: January 26, 2015
Title: Protective orders; person subject to an order is prohibited from possessing a firearm, penalty.
Description: Protective orders; possession of firearms; penalty. Prohibits a person who is subject to a protective order from possessing a firearm; currently, such person is only prohibited from purchasing or transporting a firearm. Such conduct is punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Last Action: Failed to report (defeated) in Courts of Justice (4-Y 10-N)
Last Action Date: January 26, 2015
Title: Emergency custody orders; temporary firearms restriction orders.
Description: Emergency custody orders; temporary firearms restriction orders. Requires a magistrate who issues an emergency custody order to also issue a temporary firearms restriction order for a period of 90 days. A person subject to a temporary firearms restriction order who purchases, possesses, or transports a firearm while the order is in effect is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. A person who is subject to a temporary firearms restriction order, at any time prior to the expiration of such order, may petition the general district court in the county or city in which he resides to restore his right to purchase, possess, or transport a firearm.
Last Action: Stricken at the request of Patron in Courts of Justice (12-Y 0-N)
Last Action Date: January 26, 2015
Title: Unclaimed firearms; donation to Department of Forensic Science.
Description: Unclaimed firearms; donation to Department of Forensic Science. Permits localities, the Capitol Police, and the State Police to donate unclaimed firearms to the Department of Forensic Science. The bill also extends from 60 to 120 days the period for which various law-enforcement agencies must retain unclaimed firearms before destroying or donating such firearms.
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0220)
Last Action Date: March 16, 2015
Title: Firearms; possession or transportation following convictions for certain misdemeanor crimes.
Description: Possession or transportation of firearms following convictions for certain misdemeanor crimes; restoration of rights; penalty. Prohibits a person who has been convicted of stalking, assault and battery of a family or household member, or sexual battery from possessing or transporting a firearm. A person who violates this provision is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. The bill provides for a process by which a person convicted of such crimes may petition the circuit court for a reinstatement of his rights to possess or transport a firearm.
Last Action: Left in Finance
Last Action Date: February 11, 2015
Title: Concealed handgun permits; sharing of information.
Description: Concealed handgun permits; sharing of information. Provides that information on concealed handgun permittees in the Virginia Criminal Information Network shall not be shared with law enforcement in states that do not have reciprocity agreements with Virginia for the carrying of concealed handguns.
Last Action: Requires 27 affirmative votes to override Governor's veto
Last Action Date: April 15, 2015
Title: Transfer of firearms; criminal history record information check; penalties.
Description: Transfer of firearms; criminal history record information check; penalties. Adds a definition of "firearms show vendor" or "vendor" and requires that a criminal history record information check be performed on the prospective transferee before the vendor may transfer firearms at a gun show. Under current law, only licensed dealers must obtain such a check. The bill also requires that the promoter of a firearms show provide vendors access to licensed dealers who will conduct the criminal history record information check.
Last Action: Incorporates SB694
Last Action Date: February 4, 2015
Title: Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority; created, report, eliminates ABC Board.
Description: Alcoholic beverage control. Eliminates the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board and replaces it with the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority, created by the bill. The bill provides for the appointment of the Board of Directors of the Authority by the Governor, to be confirmed by the General Assembly, and the appointment by the Governor of a Chief Executive Officer of the Authority, also to be confirmed by the General Assembly. The bill sets the eligibility requirements for appointment of both the Board members and the Chief Executive Officer, including background checks. The bill provides for the salary of Board members and the Chief Executive Officer and specifies that Board members and the Chief Executive Officer may be only removed for cause by the Governor. Among other things, the bill also (i) provides for the transfer of current ABC employees to the Authority, (ii) continues such employees' participation in the state health plan and VRS, and (iii) sets out the powers and duties of the Authority and the Chief Executive Officer. The bill contains numerous technical amendments. The bill has a delayed effective date of July 1, 2018, except that the provisions of the thirteenth and fourteenth enactments become effective July 1, 2015.
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0038)
Last Action Date: February 27, 2015
Title: Military and emergency laws; repeals obsolete provisions.
Description: Military and emergency laws; obsolete provisions. Repeals provisions of Title 44 deemed obsolete by the Code Commission. Provisions related to the Naval Militia are repealed as no evidence of the existence of the Naval Militia in Virginia can be found. The bill repeals other provisions related to ancient privileges retained by the Corps, authority of the Adjutant General to adopt a seal, provision of health insurance that is supplied elsewhere, and use of armories. An unused section requiring a loyalty oath by persons employed or associated with an emergency services organization is repealed. Also repealed are several wartime-specific provisions enacted during World War II, including provisions dealing with air raid precautions, issuing agents for the sale of obligations of the United States, health and sanitation rules, and acquisition of motor vehicle tires and a 1944 provision regarding powers of attorney and agency agreements that expired six months after the end of World War II. This bill is a recommendation of the Virginia Code Commission.
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0221)
Last Action Date: March 16, 2015
Title: Revocation of concealed handgun permit; delinquency in child support payments.
Description: Revocation of concealed handgun permit; delinquency in child support payments. Provides for the revocation of an individual's concealed handgun permit if such individual (i) has failed to comply with a subpoena, summons, or warrant relating to paternity or child support proceedings or (ii) is delinquent in the payment of child support by 90 days or more or in an amount of $5,000 or more. If the obligor remedies the delinquency, reaches an agreement with the oblige or Department of Social Services to remedy the delinquency, or complies with the subpoena, summons, or warrant, he may reapply for a concealed weapons permit.
Last Action: Failed to report (defeated) in Courts of Justice (4-Y 10-N)
Last Action Date: January 26, 2015
Title: Concealed handgun; possession on school property prohibited.
Description: Possession of concealed handgun on school property. Provides an exception to the crime of possessing a firearm on school property if a person has a valid concealed handgun permit and possession of a concealed handgun occurs outside normal school hours. The bill also provides an exception if a person with a concealed handgun permit stores a concealed handgun in a motor vehicle in a parking lot, traffic circle or other means of vehicular ingress or egress to the school; current law allows possession while the person is in the motor vehicle in one of those areas.
Last Action: Read third time and defeated by Senate (18-Y 20-N)
Last Action Date: February 2, 2015
Title: Loaded rifle or shotgun; regulation of transportation.
Description: Regulation of transportation of a loaded rifle or shotgun. Provides that any person who holds a valid concealed handgun permit shall not be subject to the provisions of certain local ordinances that make it unlawful for any person to transport, possess, or carry a loaded shotgun or loaded rifle in any vehicle on any public street, road, or highway within such locality.
Last Action: Passed by for the day
Last Action Date: April 15, 2015
Title: Firearms; confiscation, reporting, and return by law enforcement.
Description: Confiscation, reporting, and return of firearms by law enforcement. Replaces current requirements that law-enforcement agencies report information regarding confiscated firearms to the Department of State Police with a requirement that information be reported to a firearms tracing system maintained by the U.S. Department of Justice. The bill requires law-enforcement agencies to return stolen firearms to the rightful owner unless the person is prohibited from possessing the firearm or it is needed in a criminal prosecution.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 24, 2015
Title: Firearms; numerous changes to laws regarding.
Description: Firearms; penalties. Makes numerous changes to laws regarding firearms. The bill provides that a person may be held civilly liable for injury to the person or property of another or for wrongful death resulting from the use of a firearm by a child under the age of 14 or in the commission of a crime if it can be shown by clear and convincing evidence that the firearm came into the possession of the child or person who committed the crime because of the failure of the civil defendant to adequately secure the firearm. The bill allows localities to enact an ordinance to prohibit the possession of pneumatic guns on school property, at school functions held on public property, and on school buses. The bill removes the provision that local ordinances on gun buy-back programs must require that the gun be offered for sale by public auction or sealed bids. The bill creates criminal penalties for adults who leave unsecured firearms where they are accessible by children or who negligently supervise children with firearms. The bill creates a Class 1 misdemeanor for a person who is under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs to carry a loaded firearm on or about his person in a public place, and a person found guilty is ineligible to apply for a concealed handgun permit for a period of five years. The bill also creates a Class 2 misdemeanor for a person who carries a loaded firearm on or about his person onto the premises of any restaurant or club licensed to sell and serve alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption and consumes an alcoholic beverage while on the premises. The bill also creates a Class 2 misdemeanor for a person who is not a licensed dealer to sell, rent, trade, or transfer a firearm to a person who is not a licensed dealer and for a person who is not a licensed dealer to buy, rent, trade, or transfer a firearm from a person who is not a licensed dealer; certain transfers are exempted, such as between immediate family members, when necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm, and by operation of law. The bill removes the ability to take an electronic, video, or online course for demonstration of competence with a handgun by an applicant for a concealed handgun permit. The bill also requires a fingerprint-based criminal history record information check before issuance of a concealed handgun permit. The bill removes the prohibition on the clerk of a circuit court who issues a concealed handgun permit from publicly disclosing an applicant's name and any other information contained in a concealed handgun permit application or in any order issuing a concealed handgun permit. The bill limits the number of firearms that a person may purchase to one firearm in a 30-day period, subject to certain exceptions.
Last Action: Failed to report (defeated) in Courts of Justice (5-Y 10-N)
Last Action Date: January 26, 2015
Title: Firearms; access by children; penalty.
Description: Firearms; access by children; penalty. Provides that it is a Class 1 misdemeanor to knowingly authorize a child age four or younger to use a firearm or pneumatic gun.
Last Action: Failed to report (defeated) in Courts of Justice (5-Y 10-N)
Last Action Date: January 26, 2015
Title: Firearm, stun weapon, or other weapon; possession on school property.
Description: Firearms, other weapons on school property. Amends the statute that makes it a crime to possess a firearm, stun weapon, knife, or certain other weapons on school property to require that the person knowingly possess the firearm or other weapon.
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0289)
Last Action Date: March 17, 2015
Title: Stalking; penalty.
Description: Stalking; penalty. Provides that a person who on more than one occasion maliciously engages in conduct directed at another person that would cause a reasonable person to suffer severe emotional distress with the intent to coerce, intimidate, or harass, or when he knows or reasonably should know that the conduct will coerce, intimidate, or harass the other person is guilty of stalking, a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Last Action: Left in Courts of Justice
Last Action Date: February 24, 2015
Title: Firearms; removal from persons posing substantial risk, penalties.
Description: Firearms; removal from persons posing substantial risk; penalties. Creates a procedure where an attorney for the Commonwealth or law-enforcement officer can apply to a circuit court judge for a warrant to remove firearms from a person who poses a substantial risk of injury to himself or others. If firearms are seized pursuant to the warrant, there will be a court hearing within 14 days from execution of the warrant to determine whether the firearms should be returned or retained by law-enforcement. Firearms may be retained for up to 180 days or, with court approval, may be transferred to a third party chosen by the person from whom they were seized. Persons who have been served with a warrant or who are the subject of an order are disqualified from having a concealed handgun permit or purchasing a firearm from a licensed dealer and may not be employed by a licensed firearms dealer. It will also be a crime for a person to transfer a firearm to a person whom he knows has been served with a warrant or who is the subject of an order.
Last Action: Failed to report (defeated) in Courts of Justice (4-Y 10-N)
Last Action Date: January 26, 2015
Title: Transfer of firearms at gun shows; voluntary background check; penalties.
Description: Transfer of firearms at gun shows; voluntary background check; penalties. Requires the Department of State Police to be available to perform background checks for non-dealer sales at gun shows if requested by a party involved in a transaction. The promoter of the firearms show shall furnish the Department of State Police sufficient facilities to perform the background checks. In order for the bill to become effective, the U.S. Department of Justice must approve the policies and procedures that the Department of State Police will use to implement the provisions of the bill.
Last Action: Left in Finance
Last Action Date: February 11, 2015
