76 total bills, 6 anti-gun bills,
23 pro-gun bills for this session
Proposed Virginia Firearm Legislation
76 total bills, 6 anti-gun bills,
23 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: Resident concealed handgun permits; 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.
Last Action: Left in Appropriations
Last Action Date: February 15, 2022
Title: Concealed handgun permits; penalties.
Description: Concealed handgun permits; penalties. Changes the penalty for a first violation of carrying a concealed weapon without a permit from a Class 1 misdemeanor to a civil penalty of not more than $100, a second violation from a Class 6 felony to a Class 2 misdemeanor, and a third or subsequent violation from a Class 5 felony to a Class 1 misdemeanor. The bill also provides that a person, unless otherwise disqualified, shall not be precluded from applying for a concealed handgun permit during the pendency of the proceedings for a violation. If such person is issued a valid concealed handgun permit while a charge for a violation is pending, he may offer such permit to the court, and the court may dismiss the charge.
Last Action: Passed by indefinitely in Judiciary (10-Y 5-N)
Last Action Date: February 21, 2022
Title: Handguns; limitation on purchases.
Description: Purchase of handguns; limitation on handgun purchases. Removes the prohibition on any person who is not a licensed firearms dealer from purchasing more than one handgun in a 30-day period. Current law makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor for a violation of this provision, subject to certain exemptions.
Last Action: Left in Rules
Last Action Date: February 15, 2022
Title: Military honor guards and veterans service organizations; paramilitary activities, exception.
Description: Military honor guards and veterans service organizations; paramilitary activities; exception. Exempts members of a lawfully recognized military color guard, honor guard, or similar organization, and members of a veterans service organization that is congressionally chartered or officially recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, when such member is participating in a training or educational exercise, funeral, or public ceremony on behalf of such military color guard, honor guard, or similar organization or veterans service organization, from the crime of unlawful paramilitary activity unless such member engages in such activity with malicious intent.
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0038)
Last Action Date: April 1, 2022
Title: Firearms; control by localities of possession or carrying.
Description: Control of firearms by localities. Removes Control of firearms by localities. Removes the authority for a locality by ordinance to prohibit the possession or carrying of firearms, ammunition, or components or any combination thereof in (i) any building, or part thereof, owned or used by such locality for governmental purposes; (ii) any public park owned or operated by the locality; (iii) any recreation or community center facility; or (iv) any public street, road, alley, or sidewalk or public right-of-way or any other place of whatever nature that is open to the public and is being used by or is adjacent to a permitted event or an event that would otherwise require a permit. The bill provides that any firearm received by the locality pursuant to a buy-back program shall be offered for sale by public auction or sealed bids to a person licensed as a dealer. Current law provides that any such firearm shall be destroyed by the locality unless the person surrendering the firearm requests in writing that the firearm be offered for sale. The bill also limits the authority of localities and state governmental entities to bring lawsuits against certain firearms manufacturers and others.
Last Action: Left in Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 15, 2022
Title: Suspended sentence or probation; violation of the terms and conditions, technical violations.
Description: Violation of the terms and conditions of a suspended sentence or probation; technical violations; penalty. Removes from the definition of technical violation, used for the purposes of limiting the amount of active incarceration a court can impose as a result of a revocation hearing for a probation violation, violations based on a probationer's failure to (i) refrain from the use, possession, or distribution of controlled substances or related paraphernalia; (ii) refrain from the use, ownership, possession, or transportation of a firearm; (iii) gain permission to change his residence or remain in the Commonwealth or other designated area without permission of the probation officer; or (iv) maintain contact with the probation officer whereby his whereabouts are no longer known to the probation officer. Accordingly, if a court finds that a violation of the terms and conditions of a suspended sentence or probation is based on such no-longer-technical violations, the court may revoke the suspension and impose or resuspend any or all of the period previously suspended.
Last Action: Left in Courts of Justice
Last Action Date: February 15, 2022
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.
Last Action: Left in Rules
Last Action Date: February 15, 2022
Title: Firearms or other weapons; possession on school property.
Description: Possession of firearms or other weapons on school property. Removes preschools and licensed child day centers that are not operated at the residence of the provider or of any of the children from the list of schools where possessing a firearm or other weapon on school property or on a school bus is prohibited.
Last Action: Left in Rules
Last Action Date: February 15, 2022
Title: Firearms; sale and transfer, criminal history record information check delay.
Description: Sale and transfer of firearms; criminal history record information check delay. Decreases from five business days to three business days the time provided for the Department of State Police to complete a background check before a firearm may be transferred. If a dealer who has otherwise fulfilled all requirements is told by the State Police that a response will not be available by the end of the dealer's third business day, the dealer may complete the sale or transfer without being deemed in violation.
Last Action: Passed by indefinitely in Judiciary (9-Y 6-N)
Last Action Date: February 28, 2022
Title: Carrying a concealed handgun; permit not required.
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 Rules
Last Action Date: February 15, 2022
Title: Concealed handgun permits; demonstration of competence.
Description: Concealed handgun permits; demonstration of competence. Removes the requirement that concealed handgun permit applicants demonstrate competence with a handgun by completing an in-person course and adds the option for applicants to demonstrate competence by completing an electronic, video, or online course conducted by a state-certified or National Rifle Association-certified firearms instructor.
Last Action: Left in Rules
Last Action Date: February 15, 2022
Title: Handguns; limitation on purchases.
Description: Purchase of handguns; limitation on handgun purchases. Removes the prohibition on any person who is not a licensed firearms dealer from purchasing more than one handgun in a 30-day period. Current law makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor for a violation of this provision, subject to certain exemptions.
Last Action: Left in Rules
Last Action Date: February 15, 2022
Title: Firearms; reporting lost or stolen, civil penalty.
Description: Reporting lost or stolen firearms; civil penalty. Repeals the requirement that, if a firearm is lost or stolen from a person who lawfully possessed it, such person shall report the loss or theft of the firearm to any local law-enforcement agency or the Department of State Police within 48 hours after such person discovers the loss or theft or is informed by a person with personal knowledge of the loss or theft. Under current law, a violation is punishable by a civil penalty of not more than $250.
Last Action: Passed by indefinitely in Judiciary (8-Y 7-N)
Last Action Date: February 28, 2022
Title: School board property, certain; repeals establishment of gun-free zone.
Description: Certain school board property; establishment of gun-free zone permitted. Removes the authority of any school board to deem any non-school zone building or property that it owns or leases where employees of such school board are regularly present for the purpose of performing their official duties as a gun-free zone. Under current law, any school board may prohibit any individual, subject to exceptions, from knowingly possessing, purchasing, transferring, carrying, storing, or transporting firearms, ammunition, or components or combination thereof while such individual is upon such property.
Last Action: Left in Education
Last Action Date: February 15, 2022
Title: Plastic firearms and unfinished frames, etc.; manufacture, import, sale, transfer, etc., penalties.
Description: Manufacture, import, sale, transfer, or possession of plastic firearms and unfinished frames or receivers and unserialized firearms; penalties. Creates a Class 5 felony for any person who manufactures, imports, sells, transfers, or possesses any firearm with a major component, as defined in the bill, that when subjected to inspection by the types of detection devices, including X-ray machines, commonly used at airports for security screening does not generate an image that accurately depicts the shape of the component. The bill updates language regarding the types of detection devices that are used at airports for detecting plastic firearms. Manufacture, import, sale, transfer, or possession of plastic firearms and unfinished frames or receivers and unserialized firearms; penalties. Creates a Class 5 felony for any person who manufactures, imports, sells, transfers, or possesses any firearm with a major component, as defined in the bill, that when subjected to inspection by the types of detection devices, including X-ray machines, commonly used at airports for security screening does not generate an image that accurately depicts the shape of the component. The bill updates language regarding the types of detection devices that are used at airports for detecting plastic firearms. The bill also creates several Class 1 misdemeanors, which are punishable as a Class 4 felony for a second or subsequent offense, making it unlawful (i) for any person to knowingly possess, transport, or receive an unfinished frame or receiver unless the party possessing or receiving the unfinished frame or receiver is a federal firearms importer, manufacturer, or dealer or the unfinished frame or receiver is required by federal law to be, and has been, imprinted with a serial number by a federal firearms importer, manufacturer, or dealer and (ii) for any person to knowingly sell, offer to sell, transfer, or purchase an unfinished frame or receiver unless the party selling, offering to sell, transferring, or purchasing the unfinished frame or receiver is a federal firearms importer, manufacturer, or dealer or the unfinished frame or receiver is required by federal law to be, and has been, imprinted with a serial number by a federal firearms importer, manufacturer, or dealer. The provisions related to the prohibition for possessing, transporting, or receiving an unfinished frame or receiver have a delayed effected date of January 1, 2023.
Last Action: Left in Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 15, 2022
Title: Concealed weapons; permit not required for members of the United States Armed Forces.
Description: Carrying concealed weapons; members of the United States Armed Forces; permit not required. Provides that current members of the United States Armed Forces are not required to obtain a concealed handgun permit in order to carry a concealed weapon.
Last Action: Left in Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 15, 2022
Title: Firearms; control by localities of possession or carrying.
Description: Control of firearms by localities. Removes the authority for a locality by ordinance to prohibit the possession or carrying of firearms, ammunition, or components or any combination thereof in (i) any building, or part thereof, owned or used by such locality for governmental purposes; (ii) any public park owned or operated by the locality; (iii) any recreation or community center facility; or (iv) any public street, road, alley, or sidewalk or public right-of-way or any other place of whatever nature that is open to the public and is being used by or is adjacent to a permitted event or an event that would otherwise require a permit. The bill provides that any firearm received by the locality pursuant to a buy-back program shall be offered for sale by public auction or sealed bids to a person licensed as a dealer. Current law provides that any such firearm shall be destroyed by the locality unless the person surrendering the firearm requests in writing that the firearm be offered for sale. The bill also limits the authority of localities and state governmental entities to bring lawsuits against certain firearms manufacturers and others. Control of firearms by localities. Removes the authority for a locality by ordinance to prohibit the possession or carrying of firearms, ammunition, or components or any combination thereof in (i) any building, or part thereof, owned or used by such locality for governmental purposes; (ii) any public park owned or operated by the locality; (iii) any recreation or community center facility; or (iv) any public street, road, alley, or sidewalk or public right-of-way or any other place of whatever nature that is open to the public and is being used by or is adjacent to a permitted event or an event that would otherwise require a permit. The bill provides that any firearm received by the locality pursuant to a buy-back program shall be offered for sale by public auction or sealed bids to a person licensed as a dealer. Current law provides that any such firearm shall be destroyed by the locality unless the person surrendering the firearm requests in writing that the firearm be offered for sale. The bill also limits the authority of localities and state governmental entities to bring lawsuits against certain firearms manufacturers and others.
Last Action: Left in Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 15, 2022
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 Judiciary (9-Y 6-N)
Last Action Date: February 28, 2022
Title: Capitol Square and the surrounding area, etc.; carrying a firearm or explosive material within area.
Description: Carrying a firearm or explosive material within Capitol Square and the surrounding area, into building owned or leased by the Commonwealth, etc.; penalty. Repeals the prohibition on carrying a firearm or explosive material within (i) the Capitol of Virginia; (ii) Capitol Square and the surrounding area; (iii) any building owned or leased by the Commonwealth or any agency thereof; or (iv) any office where employees of the Commonwealth or any agency thereof are regularly present for the purpose of performing their official duties. Current law makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person to carry a firearm or explosive material within these areas, subject to certain exceptions, including the following individuals while acting in the conduct of such person's official duties: any law-enforcement officer, any authorized security personnel, any active military personnel, any fire marshal when such fire marshal has been granted police powers, or any member of a cadet corps while such member is participating in an official ceremonial event for the Commonwealth.
Last Action: Left in Rules
Last Action Date: February 15, 2022
Title: Malicious prosecution; creates civil cause of action, self-defense.
Description: Civil action for malicious prosecution; self-defense. Creates a civil cause of action for malicious prosecution in any case in which a criminal defendant charged with aggravated murder, murder in the first degree, murder in the second degree, or voluntary manslaughter is found to have acted solely in self-defense. The bill provides that such cause of action shall lie against the prosecutor who brought the charges or prosecuted such criminal case if such criminal defendant can prove that such prosecution was malicious and motivated by reasons other than bringing the alleged defendant to justice.
Last Action: Stricken from docket by Courts of Justice (18-Y 0-N)
Last Action Date: January 28, 2022
Title: Firearms; storage in residence where minor present, penalty.
Description: Storage of firearms in residence where minor present; penalty. Requires any person who possesses a firearm in a residence where such person knows or reasonably should know that a minor under 18 years of age is present to store such firearm unloaded in a locked container, compartment, or cabinet, and to store all ammunition in a separate locked container, compartment, or cabinet. The bill requires that the key or combination to such locked containers, compartments, or cabinets be inaccessible to minors. The bill provides that a violation is a Class 1 misdemeanor, and, in a case where there is more than one firearm stored in violation of these provisions, each firearm shall constitute a separate Class 1 misdemeanor. The bill exempts any person in lawful possession of a firearm who exercises immediate control, defined in the bill, and when the firearm is an antique firearm. Storage of firearms in residence where minor present; penalty. Requires any person who possesses a firearm in a residence where such person knows or reasonably should know that a minor under 18 years of age is present to store such firearm unloaded in a locked container, compartment, or cabinet, and to store all ammunition in a separate locked container, compartment, or cabinet. The bill requires that the key or combination to such locked containers, compartments, or cabinets be inaccessible to minors. The bill provides that a violation is a Class 1 misdemeanor, and, in a case where there is more than one firearm stored in violation of these provisions, each firearm shall constitute a separate Class 1 misdemeanor. The bill exempts any person in lawful possession of a firearm who exercises immediate control, defined in the bill, and when the firearm is an antique firearm.
Last Action: Left in Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 15, 2022
Title: Concealed handgun permits; change certain penalties.
Description: Concealed handgun permits; penalties. Changes the penalty for a first violation of carrying a concealed weapon without a permit from a Class 1 misdemeanor to a civil penalty of not more than $100, a second violation from a Class 6 felony to a civil penalty of not more than $500, and a third or subsequent violation from a Class 5 felony to a civil penalty of not more than $1,000. The bill also provides that a person, unless otherwise disqualified, shall not be precluded from applying for a concealed handgun permit during the pendency of the proceedings for a violation. If such person is issued a valid concealed handgun permit while a charge is pending, he may offer such permit to the court and the court may dismiss the charge.
Last Action: Stricken from docket by Public Safety (20-Y 1-N)
Last Action Date: February 11, 2022
Title: Retail Sales and Use Tax; extends sunset date for exemption of aircraft components.
Description: Sales and use tax exemption; aircraft components. Extends from July 1, 2022, to July 1, 2027, the sunset date for the sales and use tax exemption for parts, engines, and supplies used for maintaining, repairing, or reconditioning aircraft or any aircraft's avionics system, engine, or component parts.
Last Action: Left in Finance
Last Action Date: February 15, 2022
Title: Early Identification System (EIS); DCJS to establish.
Description: Conduct of law-enforcement officers; establishment of an Early Identification System. Requires the Department of Criminal Justice Services (the Department) to establish a best practices model for the implementation, training, and management of an Early Identification System (EIS). The bill defines an EIS as a system through which a law-enforcement agency collects and manages data to identify and assess patterns of behavior, including misconduct and high-risk behavior, or performance of law-enforcement officers and law-enforcement agency employees. The bill directs each sheriff or chief of police to implement an EIS by July 1, 2024, and requires that law-enforcement officers receive training prior to implementation of the EIS and annually thereafter. The bill also directs the Department to establish and administer written policies and procedures for law-enforcement agencies to report to the Office of the Attorney General all judgments or settlements in cases relating to negligence or misconduct of a law-enforcement officer.
Last Action: Tabled in Public Safety (11-Y 10-N)
Last Action Date: February 11, 2022
Title: Controlled substances; reduces penalties for possession.
Description: Possession of controlled substances; penalties. Reduces the penalty for possession of a Schedule I or II controlled substance from a Class 5 felony to a Class 1 misdemeanor and the penalty for possession of a Schedule IV or V controlled substance from a Class 2 misdemeanor and a Class 3 misdemeanor, respectively, to a Class 4 misdemeanor. Consequently, the bill removes felony violations of possession of a controlled substance committed on or after July 1, 2022, from the definition of barrier crime related to criminal history checks for eligibility for various types of employment, to volunteer or provide certain services, or to establish or operate certain types of regulated businesses. Possession of controlled substances; penalties. Reduces the penalty for possession of a Schedule I or II controlled substance from a Class 5 felony to a Class 1 misdemeanor and the penalty for possession of a Schedule IV or V controlled substance from a Class 2 misdemeanor and a Class 3 misdemeanor, respectively, to a Class 4 misdemeanor. Consequently, the bill removes felony violations of possession of a controlled substance committed on or after July 1, 2022, from the definition of barrier crime related to criminal history checks for eligibility for various types of employment, to volunteer or provide certain services, or to establish or operate certain types of regulated businesses. The bill also provides that, for the purposes of the offense of possession of controlled substances, the term "controlled substance" does not include mere residue of any drug, substance, or immediate precursor in Schedules I through VI that is not a usable quantity or a countable dosage unit. The bill also limits the previous convictions that make a person ineligible for disposition under the first offender statute to a previous conviction for possession of a controlled substance or manufacturing, selling, giving, distributing, or possessing with intent to manufacture, sell, give, or distribute a controlled substance or an imitation controlled substance. Under current law, a previous conviction for any drug-related criminal offense or for an offense under any statute of the United States or of any state relating to narcotic drugs, marijuana, or stimulant, depressant, or hallucinogenic drugs makes a person ineligible for such disposition. The bill also amends the required conditions of probation under the first offender statute. The bill changes the penalty for an attempt to commit a felony drug offense from imprisonment for not less than one nor more than 10 years to a Class 6 felony and removes the felony offenses for a prisoner to secrete or have in his possession any chemical compound that he has not lawfully received, any Schedule III controlled substance, or marijuana. The bill makes secreting or possessing a controlled substance or marijuana by a prisoner punishable the same as possession of such controlled substances or marijuana by a person who is not in prison. The bill contains technical amendments.
Last Action: Left in Courts of Justice
Last Action Date: February 15, 2022
Title: Arrest/prosecution of individual experiencing mental health emerg.; assault against law enforcement.
Description: Arrest and prosecution of individual experiencing a mental health emergency; assault or assault and battery against a law-enforcement officer. Provides that no individual shall be subject to arrest or prosecution for an assault or assault and battery against a law-enforcement officer if at the time of the assault or assault and battery (i) the individual (a) is experiencing a mental health emergency or (b) meets the criteria for issuance of an emergency custody order and (ii) the law-enforcement officer subject to the assault or assault and battery was responding to a call for service requesting assistance for such individual. The bill provides that no law-enforcement officer acting in good faith shall be found liable for false arrest if it is later determined that the person arrested was immune from prosecution. Arrest and prosecution of individual experiencing a mental health emergency; assault or assault and battery against a law-enforcement officer. Provides that no individual shall be subject to arrest or prosecution for an assault or assault and battery against a law-enforcement officer if at the time of the assault or assault and battery (i) the individual (a) is experiencing a mental health emergency or (b) meets the criteria for issuance of an emergency custody order and (ii) the law-enforcement officer subject to the assault or assault and battery was responding to a call for service requesting assistance for such individual. The bill provides that no law-enforcement officer acting in good faith shall be found liable for false arrest if it is later determined that the person arrested was immune from prosecution.
Last Action: Left in Courts of Justice
Last Action Date: February 15, 2022
Title: Search warrants; removes certain provisions in regard to execution of warrants.
Description: Search warrants; execution. Removes provisions requiring that search warrants for the search of any place of abode be executed by initial entry of the abode only in the daytime hours between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Last Action: Failed to pass in House
Last Action Date: March 12, 2022
Title: Capital murder; death penalty for willful, deliberate, etc., killing of a law-enforcement officer.
Description: Capital murder; death penalty for the willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of a law-enforcement officer. Authorizes punishment by death for the willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of a law-enforcement officer.
Last Action: Left in Courts of Justice
Last Action Date: February 15, 2022
Title: Retail Sales and Use Tax; exemption for essential personal hygiene products.
Description: Sales and use tax; exemption for essential personal hygiene products. Provides a sales and use tax exemption for essential personal hygiene products, defined in the bill as (i) nondurable incontinence products such as diapers, disposable undergarments, pads, and bed sheets and (ii) menstrual cups and pads, panty liners, sanitary napkins, tampons, and other products used to absorb or contain menstrual flow. Under current law, such products are taxed at a reduced state sales and use tax rate of 1.5 percent and the standard local rate of one percent. The bill contains technical amendments.
Last Action: Tabled in Finance (16-Y 5-N)
Last Action Date: February 2, 2022
Title: Hunting with steel-jawed traps; prohibition, penalty.
Description: Hunting with steel-jawed traps; prohibition; penalty. Prohibits the use of steel-jawed traps when hunting; a violation of the prohibition is punishable as a Class 3 misdemeanor.
Last Action: Left in Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources
Last Action Date: February 15, 2022
Title: Search warrants; execution.
Description: Search warrants; execution. Changes the hours of execution of a search warrant for the search of any place of abode from the daytime hours between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Search warrants; execution. Changes the hours of execution of a search warrant for the search of any place of abode from the daytime hours between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
Last Action: Continued to 2022 Sp. Sess. 1 pursuant to HJR455
Last Action Date: March 12, 2022
Title: Bail for a person accused of a crime that is an act of violence; notice to attorney.
Description: Bail for a person accused of a crime that is an act of violence; notice to attorney for the Commonwealth. Requires a magistrate to transmit within 24 hours a copy of the checklist for bail determination form to the attorney for the Commonwealth when a magistrate conducts a bail hearing for a person arrested on a warrant or capias for an act of violence. The bill also provides that transmission of such copy to the attorney for the Commonwealth may be by facsimile or other electronic means.
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0047)
Last Action Date: April 1, 2022
Title: Suspended sentence; limitation on sentence upon revocation, technical violations, penalty.
Description: Limitation on sentence upon revocation of suspension of sentence; technical violations; penalty. Specifies that a violation of the terms and conditions of a suspended sentence or probation based on a defendant's failure to refrain from the use, possession, or distribution of a Schedule I or II controlled substance shall not be considered a technical violation. Accordingly, a court is not subject to the limitations on the amount of active incarceration it can impose as a result of a revocation hearing based on such violation and may revoke the suspension and impose or resuspend any or all of the period previously suspended. Currently, a defendant's failure to refrain from the use, possession, or distribution of any controlled substance or paraphernalia is a technical violation.
Last Action: Passed by indefinitely in Judiciary (9-Y 6-N)
Last Action Date: February 28, 2022
Title: Gun Violence Survivor Assistance Fund and Grant Program; established.
Description: Gun Violence Survivor Assistance Fund and Grant Program. Establishes the Gun Violence Survivor Assistance Fund and Grant Program, to be administered by the Department of Criminal Justice Services for the purpose of providing grants to gun violence survivors who are in need of financial assistance to make accessibility adaptations to their homes to accommodate a disability resulting from a gun violence-related injury.
Last Action: Tabled in Public Safety (12-Y 10-N)
Last Action Date: February 9, 2022
Title: Admission to bail; rebuttable presumptions against bail.
Description: Admission to bail; rebuttable presumptions against bail. Creates a rebuttable presumption against bail for certain criminal offenses enumerated in the bill and for persons identified as being illegally present in the United States by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement who are charged with certain offenses. The bill also provides that a magistrate, clerk, or deputy clerk of a district court or circuit court shall not admit to bail, that is not set by a judge, any person who is charged with an offense giving rise to a rebuttable presumption against bail without the concurrence of an attorney for the Commonwealth. The bill also requires the court to consider specified factors when determining whether the presumption against bail has been rebutted and whether there are appropriate conditions of release.
Last Action: Left in Courts of Justice
Last Action Date: February 15, 2022
Title: Admission to bail; rebuttable presumptions against bail.
Description: Admission to bail; rebuttable presumptions against bail. Creates a rebuttable presumption against bail for certain criminal offenses enumerated in the bill and for persons identified as being illegally present in the United States by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement who are charged with certain offenses. The bill also requires the court to consider specified factors when determining whether the presumption against bail has been rebutted and whether there are appropriate conditions of release.
Last Action: Passed by indefinitely in Judiciary (9-Y 6-N)
Last Action Date: February 28, 2022
Title: Law-enforcement agencies; acquisition of military property.
Description: Acquisition of certain military property by law-enforcement agencies. Changes the limitation on the acquisition or purchase of military property by a law-enforcement agency from firearms of .50 caliber or higher to rifles of .50 caliber or higher and from ammunition of .50 caliber or higher to rifle ammunition of .50 caliber or higher.
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0375)
Last Action Date: April 11, 2022
Title: Firearm Violence Intervention and Prevention, Virginia Center for; established.
Description: Virginia Center for Firearm Violence Intervention and Prevention; Virginia Firearm Violence Intervention and Prevention Fund; creation. Establishes the Virginia Center for Firearm Violence Intervention and Prevention (the Center) within the Department of Criminal Justice Services and transfers to the Center the administration of the existing Virginia Gun Violence Intervention and Prevention Fund.
Last Action: Left in Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 15, 2022
Title: Firearms; control by localities of possession or carrying.
Description: Control of firearms by localities. Removes the authority for a locality by ordinance to prohibit the possession or carrying of firearms, ammunition, or components or any combination thereof in (i) any building, or part thereof, owned or used by such locality for governmental purposes; (ii) any public park owned or operated by the locality; (iii) any recreation or community center facility; or (iv) any public street, road, alley, or sidewalk or public right-of-way or any other place of whatever nature that is open to the public and is being used by or is adjacent to a permitted event or an event that would otherwise require a permit. The bill provides that any firearm received by the locality pursuant to a buy-back program shall be offered for sale by public auction or sealed bids to a person licensed as a dealer. Current law provides that any such firearm shall be destroyed by the locality unless the person surrendering the firearm requests in writing that the firearm be offered for sale. The bill also limits the authority of localities and state governmental entities to bring lawsuits against certain firearms manufacturers and others. Control of firearms by localities. Removes the authority for a locality by ordinance to prohibit the possession or carrying of firearms, ammunition, or components or any combination thereof in (i) any building, or part thereof, owned or used by such locality for governmental purposes; (ii) any public park owned or operated by the locality; (iii) any recreation or community center facility; or (iv) any public street, road, alley, or sidewalk or public right-of-way or any other place of whatever nature that is open to the public and is being used by or is adjacent to a permitted event or an event that would otherwise require a permit. The bill provides that any firearm received by the locality pursuant to a buy-back program shall be offered for sale by public auction or sealed bids to a person licensed as a dealer. Current law provides that any such firearm shall be destroyed by the locality unless the person surrendering the firearm requests in writing that the firearm be offered for sale. The bill also limits the authority of localities and state governmental entities to bring lawsuits against certain firearms manufacturers and others.
Last Action: Passed by indefinitely in Judiciary (9-Y 6-N)
Last Action Date: February 28, 2022
Title: Group violence intervention; definition, Operation Ceasefire Grant Fund created.
Description: Group violence intervention; establishment of Operation Ceasefire Grant Fund. Creates the Operation Ceasefire Grant Fund (the Fund) to be managed by the Office of the Attorney General. The bill provides that moneys in the Fund shall be used to implement violent crime reduction strategies, to provide training for law-enforcement officers and prosecutors, to provide equipment for law-enforcement agencies, and to award grants to organizations that are involved in group violence intervention efforts. The bill defines "group violence intervention" as comprehensive law-enforcement, prosecutorial, and community-based initiatives, substantially similar to Operation Ceasefire as implemented in Boston, Massachusetts, and the Gang Reduction Programs implemented in Los Angeles, California, and Richmond.
Last Action: Continued to 2022 Sp. Sess. 1 pursuant to HJR455
Last Action Date: March 12, 2022
Title: Group violence intervention; definition, Operation Ceasefire Grant Fund created.
Description: Group violence intervention; establishment of Operation Ceasefire Grant Fund. Creates the Operation Ceasefire Grant Fund (the Fund) to be managed by the Office of the Attorney General. The bill provides that moneys in the Fund shall be used to implement violent crime reduction strategies, to provide training for law-enforcement officers and prosecutors, to provide equipment for law-enforcement agencies, and to award grants to organizations that are involved in group violence intervention efforts. The bill defines "group violence intervention" as comprehensive law-enforcement, prosecutorial, and community-based initiatives, substantially similar to Operation Ceasefire as implemented in Boston, Massachusetts, and the Gang Reduction Programs implemented in Los Angeles, California, and Richmond. Group violence intervention; establishment of Operation Ceasefire Grant Fund. Creates the Operation Ceasefire Grant Fund (the Fund) to be managed by the Office of the Attorney General. The bill provides that moneys in the Fund shall be used to implement violent crime reduction strategies, to provide training for law-enforcement officers and prosecutors, to provide equipment for law-enforcement agencies, and to award grants to organizations that are involved in group violence intervention efforts. The bill defines "group violence intervention" as comprehensive law-enforcement, prosecutorial, and community-based initiatives, substantially similar to Operation Ceasefire as implemented in Boston, Massachusetts, and the Gang Reduction Programs implemented in Los Angeles, California, and Richmond.
Last Action: Continued to 2022 Sp. Sess. 1 pursuant to HJR455
Last Action Date: March 12, 2022
Title: Retail Sales and Use tax; exemption for incontinence products.
Description: Sales and use tax; exemption for incontinence products. Provides a sales and use tax exemption for nondurable incontinence products such as diapers, disposable undergarments, pads, and bed sheets. Under current law, such products are taxed at a reduced state sales and use tax rate of 1.5 percent and the standard local rate of one percent.
Last Action: Tabled in Finance (14-Y 7-N)
Last Action Date: February 2, 2022
Title: Local law enforcement; certain reports to school principals and division superintendents.
Description: Local law enforcement; certain reports to school principals and division superintendents; form and scope. Requires local law-enforcement authorities to report in writing, and the principal or his designee and the division superintendent to receive each such report, on (i) any suspected offense, offense for which any charge has been filed, or offense that is subject to investigation, that was committed by a student enrolled at the school if the offense would be a felony if committed by an adult or would be a violation of the Drug Control Act and occurred on a school bus, on school property, or at a school-sponsored activity, or would be an adult misdemeanor involving certain enumerated incidents, and (ii) whether the student is released to the custody of his parent or, if 18 years of age or older, is released on bond. Current law does not require such reports to be in writing and only applies to student offenses but does not specify whether such reports are required to be made for student offenses that are suspected, charged, or subject to investigation.
Last Action: Stricken from docket by Education (22-Y 0-N)
Last Action Date: February 2, 2022
Title: Elections; local electoral boards & general registrars to perform certain risk-limiting audits, etc.
Description: Elections; conduct of election; election results; risk-limiting audits. Requires local electoral boards and general registrars to perform certain risk-limiting audits, defined in the bill, under the supervision of the Department of Elections and in accordance with the procedures prescribed by the State Board of Elections with a risk limit of at least 10 percent. The bill provides that localities are required to participate in such audits at least once every five years. The bill also provides that the Department shall submit a report on the results of such audits to the State Board. The provisions of the bill requiring that such audits be conducted (i) for at least one randomly selected contested race for the General Assembly in the year of a general election for members of the General Assembly and (ii) for any other contested race that is necessary to ensure that each locality participates in a risk-limiting audit of an office within its jurisdiction at least once every five years or that the State Board finds appropriate have a delayed effective date of July 1, 2023. The provision of the bill requiring that such audits be conducted for at least one randomly selected contested race for an office that requires certification by the State Board in the year of general election for any local office has a delayed effective date of July 1, 2024. The bill also requires the Department to convene a work group to consider and propose a process and timeline for implementing risk-limiting audits of statewide contests.
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0443)
Last Action Date: April 11, 2022
Title: Handgun purchases; limitation, exemptions, penalty.
Description: Limitation on handgun purchases; exemptions; penalty. Adds a federal law-enforcement officer to the list of those exempted from the prohibition on purchasing more than one handgun in a 30-day period.
Last Action: Left in Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 15, 2022
Title: Firearms, certain; transfer, criminal history record information check exemption.
Description: Transfer of certain firearms; criminal history record information check; exemption. Provides that persons who hold a federal firearms license Type 03 - Collector of Curios and Relics are exempt from the criminal history record information check requirements to purchase certain firearms.
Last Action: Left in Appropriations
Last Action Date: February 15, 2022
Title: School principals; incident reports, violent offenses.
Description: School principals; incident reports; violent offenses. School principals; incident reports; violent offenses. Requires that school principals report to law enforcement any felony offenses and violent offenses enumerated in the bill that may constitute a criminal offense. Under the bill, principals have discretion to report certain non-violent crimes to law enforcement. Under current law, principals are required to make such reports to law enforcement only for such acts that may constitute a felony offense.
Last Action: Left in Education
Last Action Date: February 15, 2022
Title: Firearms; control by localities of possession or carrying.
Description: Control of firearms by localities. Removes the authority for a locality by ordinance to prohibit the possession or carrying of firearms, ammunition, or components or any combination thereof in (i) any building, or part thereof, owned or used by such locality for governmental purposes; (ii) any public park owned or operated by the locality; (iii) any recreation or community center facility; or (iv) any public street, road, alley, or sidewalk or public right-of-way or any other place of whatever nature that is open to the public and is being used by or is adjacent to a permitted event or an event that would otherwise require a permit. The bill provides that any firearm received by the locality pursuant to a buy-back program shall be offered for sale by public auction or sealed bids to a person licensed as a dealer. Current law provides that any such firearm shall be destroyed by the locality unless the person surrendering the firearm requests in writing that the firearm be offered for sale. The bill also limits the authority of localities and state governmental entities to bring lawsuits against certain firearms manufacturers and others. Control of firearms by localities. Removes the authority for a locality by ordinance to prohibit the possession or carrying of firearms, ammunition, or components or any combination thereof in (i) any building, or part thereof, owned or used by such locality for governmental purposes; (ii) any public park owned or operated by the locality; (iii) any recreation or community center facility; or (iv) any public street, road, alley, or sidewalk or public right-of-way or any other place of whatever nature that is open to the public and is being used by or is adjacent to a permitted event or an event that would otherwise require a permit. The bill provides that any firearm received by the locality pursuant to a buy-back program shall be offered for sale by public auction or sealed bids to a person licensed as a dealer. Current law provides that any such firearm shall be destroyed by the locality unless the person surrendering the firearm requests in writing that the firearm be offered for sale. The bill also limits the authority of localities and state governmental entities to bring lawsuits against certain firearms manufacturers and others.
Last Action: Left in Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 15, 2022
Title: Protective orders; possession of firearms.
Description: Protective orders; possession of firearms. Allows a person subject to a protective order to continue to possess any firearm while in his place of residence that was possessed by such person at the time of service, provided that he is not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing a firearm. The bill removes the requirement that any person subject to a protective order must surrender his firearms within 24 hours of being served with a protective order.
Last Action: Left in Rules
Last Action Date: February 15, 2022
Title: Firearms; limitations on use or transfer.
Description: Limitations on use or transfer of firearms. Provides that certain provisions related to the sale or transfer of firearms do not prohibit the lawful transfer of firearms between certain family members. The bill also removes the brandishing of a firearm in such manner as to reasonably induce fear in the mind of another while assembled with one or more persons for the purpose of and with the intent to intimidate any person or group of persons from actions constituting the offense of unlawful paramilitary activity.
Last Action: Left in Public Safety
Last Action Date: November 22, 2022
Title: Firearms; limitations on use or transfer.
Description: Limitations on use or transfer of firearms. Provides that certain provisions related to the sale or transfer of firearms do not prohibit the lawful transfer of firearms between certain family members. The bill also removes the brandishing of a firearm in such manner as to reasonably induce fear in the mind of another while assembled with one or more persons for the purpose of and with the intent to intimidate any person or group of persons from actions constituting the offense of unlawful paramilitary activity.
Last Action: Continued to 2023 with substitute in Public Safety by voice vote
Last Action Date: February 11, 2022
Title: Law-enforcement officers; exemption from prohibition on carrying firearms, etc., in Capitol Square.
Description: Law-enforcement officers; retired law-enforcement officers; carrying a firearm or explosive material within Capitol Square and the surrounding area. Exempts any law-enforcement officer from the prohibition on carrying a firearm or explosive material within the Capitol of Virginia and Capitol Square and the surrounding area. The bill further allows any law-enforcement officer or qualified retired law-enforcement officer to carry a firearm or explosive material within any building owned or leased by the Commonwealth or any agency thereof, or any office where employees of the Commonwealth or agency thereof are regularly present to perform their official duties. Under current law, a law-enforcement officer is exempted only while acting in the conduct of his official duties, and a retired law-enforcement officer is limited to carrying a firearm while visiting a gun range owned or leased by the Commonwealth. The bill also clarifies that "Capitol Square and the surrounding area" as defined in current law does not include any public road or highway.
Last Action: Left in Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 15, 2022
Title: Law-enforcement officers, retired sworn; purchase of service handguns or other weapons.
Description: Purchase of service handguns or other weapons by retired sworn law-enforcement officers. Removes the requirement that a sworn law-enforcement officer be employed in a full-time capacity at the time of his retirement to purchase his service handgun.
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0245)
Last Action Date: April 8, 2022
Title: Capitol Square and the surrounding area, etc.; carrying a firearm or explosive material within area.
Description: Carrying a firearm or explosive material within Capitol Square and the surrounding area, into building owned or leased by the Commonwealth, etc.; penalty. Repeals the prohibition on carrying a firearm or explosive material within (i) the Capitol of Virginia; (ii) Capitol Square and the surrounding area; (iii) any building owned or leased by the Commonwealth or any agency thereof; or (iv) any office where employees of the Commonwealth or any agency thereof are regularly present for the purpose of performing their official duties. Current law makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person to carry a firearm or explosive material within these areas, subject to certain exceptions, including the following individuals while acting in the conduct of such person's official duties: any law-enforcement officer, any authorized security personnel, any active military personnel, any fire marshal when such fire marshal has been granted police powers, or any member of a cadet corps while such member is participating in an official ceremonial event for the Commonwealth.
Last Action: Left in Rules
Last Action Date: February 15, 2022
Title: Firearms; removing, altering, etc., serial number, selling, etc., or possessing.
Description: Removing, altering, etc., serial number on firearm; selling, giving, etc., or possessing firearm with removed, altered, etc., serial number; penalty. 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 that has a serial number that has been removed, altered, changed, destroyed, or obliterated in any manner. The bill also makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person, firm, association, or corporation to sell, give, or distribute any pistol, shotgun, rifle, machine gun, or other firearm that has a serial number that has been removed, defaced, altered, changed, destroyed, or obliterated in any manner. The bill contains a reenactment clause. Removing, altering, etc., serial number on firearm; selling, giving, etc., or possessing firearm with removed, altered, etc., serial number; penalty. 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 that has a serial number that has been removed, altered, changed, destroyed, or obliterated in any manner. The bill also makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person, firm, association, or corporation to sell, give, or distribute any pistol, shotgun, rifle, machine gun, or other firearm that has a serial number that has been removed, defaced, altered, changed, destroyed, or obliterated in any manner. The bill contains a reenactment clause.
Last Action: Continued to 2022 Sp. Sess. 1 pursuant to HJR455
Last Action Date: March 12, 2022
Title: Firearms; removing, altering, etc., serial number, selling, etc., or possessing.
Description: Removing, altering, etc., serial number on firearm; selling, giving, etc., or possessing firearm with removed, altered, etc., serial number; penalty. 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 that has a serial number that has been removed, altered, changed, destroyed, or obliterated in any manner. The bill also makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person, firm, association, or corporation to sell, give, or distribute any pistol, shotgun, rifle, machine gun, or other firearm that has a serial number that has been removed, defaced, altered, changed, destroyed, or obliterated in any manner. The bill contains a reenactment clause. Removing, altering, etc., serial number on firearm; selling, giving, etc., or possessing firearm with removed, altered, etc., serial number; penalty. 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 that has a serial number that has been removed, altered, changed, destroyed, or obliterated in any manner. The bill also makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person, firm, association, or corporation to sell, give, or distribute any pistol, shotgun, rifle, machine gun, or other firearm that has a serial number that has been removed, defaced, altered, changed, destroyed, or obliterated in any manner. The bill contains a reenactment clause.
Last Action: Continued to 2022 Sp. Sess. 1 pursuant to HJR455
Last Action Date: March 12, 2022
Title: Child day center; possession of firearm, license exempt facility.
Description: Possession of firearm, child day center; license exempt facility.
Last Action: Left in Rules
Last Action Date: February 15, 2022
Title: Firearms; concealed carry for law-enforcement officers, attorneys for the Commonwealth, etc.
Description: Firearms; concealed carry for law-enforcement officers, attorneys for the Commonwealth, and judges; exceptions to certain prohibited activities. Provides that any (i) active law-enforcement officer, (ii) qualified retired law-enforcement officer, (iii) attorney for the Commonwealth or assistant attorney for the Commonwealth, (iv) qualified retired attorney for the Commonwealth or retired assistant attorney for the Commonwealth, (v) judge or justice of the Commonwealth, or (vi) retired judge or retired justice of the Commonwealth may carry a concealed weapon about his person, hidden from common observation. The bill also permits such law-enforcement officers, retired law-enforcement officers, attorneys for the Commonwealth or assistant attorneys for the Commonwealth, qualified retired attorneys for the Commonwealth or retired assistant attorneys for the Commonwealth, judges or justices of the Commonwealth, and retired judges or justices of the Commonwealth to carry a firearm in many of the areas where firearms are prohibited from being carried.
Last Action: Passed by indefinitely in Judiciary (9-Y 6-N)
Last Action Date: January 26, 2022
Title: Firearms; control by localities of possession or carrying.
Description: Control of firearms by localities. Removes the authority for a locality by ordinance to prohibit the possession or carrying of firearms, ammunition, or components or any combination thereof in (i) any building, or part thereof, owned or used by such locality for governmental purposes; (ii) any public park owned or operated by the locality; (iii) any recreation or community center facility; or (iv) any public street, road, alley, or sidewalk or public right-of-way or any other place of whatever nature that is open to the public and is being used by or is adjacent to a permitted event or an event that would otherwise require a permit. The bill provides that any firearm received by the locality pursuant to a buy-back program shall be offered for sale by public auction or sealed bids to a person licensed as a dealer. Current law provides that any such firearm shall be destroyed by the locality unless the person surrendering the firearm requests in writing that the firearm be offered for sale. The bill also limits the authority of localities and state governmental entities to bring lawsuits against certain firearms manufacturers and others. Control of firearms by localities. Removes the authority for a locality by ordinance to prohibit the possession or carrying of firearms, ammunition, or components or any combination thereof in (i) any building, or part thereof, owned or used by such locality for governmental purposes; (ii) any public park owned or operated by the locality; (iii) any recreation or community center facility; or (iv) any public street, road, alley, or sidewalk or public right-of-way or any other place of whatever nature that is open to the public and is being used by or is adjacent to a permitted event or an event that would otherwise require a permit. The bill provides that any firearm received by the locality pursuant to a buy-back program shall be offered for sale by public auction or sealed bids to a person licensed as a dealer. Current law provides that any such firearm shall be destroyed by the locality unless the person surrendering the firearm requests in writing that the firearm be offered for sale. The bill also limits the authority of localities and state governmental entities to bring lawsuits against certain firearms manufacturers and others.
Last Action: Passed by indefinitely in Judiciary (9-Y 6-N)
Last Action Date: January 26, 2022
Title: Capitol Square and the surrounding area, etc.; carrying a firearm or explosive material within area.
Description: Carrying a firearm or explosive material within Capitol Square and the surrounding area, into building owned or leased by the Commonwealth, etc.; penalty. Repeals the prohibition on carrying a firearm or explosive material within (i) the Capitol of Virginia; (ii) Capitol Square and the surrounding area; (iii) any building owned or leased by the Commonwealth or any agency thereof; or (iv) any office where employees of the Commonwealth or any agency thereof are regularly present for the purpose of performing their official duties. Current law makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person to carry a firearm or explosive material within these areas, subject to certain exceptions, including the following individuals while acting in the conduct of such person's official duties: any law-enforcement officer, any authorized security personnel, any active military personnel, any fire marshal when such fire marshal has been granted police powers, or any member of a cadet corps while such member is participating in an official ceremonial event for the Commonwealth.
Last Action: Passed by indefinitely in Rules (13-Y 3-N)
Last Action Date: February 11, 2022
Title: Mandatory minimum sentences; elimination, modification of sentence to mandatory minimum term.
Description: Elimination of mandatory minimum sentences; modification Elimination of mandatory minimum sentences; modification of sentence to mandatory minimum term of confinement for felony offenses; report. Except for aggravated murder of a law-enforcement officer, eliminates all mandatory minimum sentences of confinement from the Code of Virginia. The bill directs the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security to establish a work group to evaluate the feasibility of resentencing persons previously convicted of a felony offense that was punishable by a mandatory minimum term of confinement and to report its findings by November 1, 2022.
Last Action: Defeated by Senate (17-Y 23-N)
Last Action Date: February 14, 2022
Title: Intercollegiate athletics; student-athletes, compensation and representation for name, image, etc.
Description: Intercollegiate athletics; student-athletes; compensation and representation for name, image, or likeness. Establishes several parameters for the compensation and representation of a student-athlete related to the use of such student's name, image, or likeness. The bill prohibits any private institution of higher education, associate-degree-granting public institution of higher education, or baccalaureate public institution of higher education or any agent thereof; athletic association; athletic conference; or other organization with authority over intercollegiate athletics from (i) prohibiting or preventing a student-athlete from earning compensation for the use of his name, image, or likeness, except in certain circumstances enumerated in the bill; (ii) prohibiting or preventing a student-athlete from obtaining professional representation by a licensed athlete agent or legal representation by a licensed attorney in connection with issues related to name, image, or likeness; (iii) declaring a student-athlete ineligible for intercollegiate athletic competition because he earns such compensation or obtains such representation; or (iv) reducing, canceling, revoking, or not renewing an athletic scholarship because a student-athlete earns such compensation or obtains such representation. The bill establishes several other conditions and limitations relating to pre-agreement disclosures, the use of the institution's property, and the effect on employment status in connection with a student-athlete's use of his name, image, or likeness. The bill also amends the definition of "athlete agent" in relevant law to permit such agents to represent a student-athlete in connection with issues related to name, image, or likeness, including negotiating, securing, obtaining, arranging, and managing name, image, or likeness opportunities.
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0638)
Last Action Date: April 11, 2022
Title: Mandatory minimum sentences; elimination, modification of sentence to mandatory minimum term.
Description: Elimination of mandatory minimum sentences; modification of sentence to mandatory minimum term of confinement for felony offenses; report. Except for aggravated murder of a law-enforcement officer, eliminates all mandatory minimum sentences of confinement from the Code of Virginia. The bill directs the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security to establish a work group to evaluate the feasibility of resentencing persons previously convicted of a felony offense that was punishable by a mandatory minimum term of confinement and to report its findings by November 1, 2022.
Last Action: Incorporated by Judiciary
Last Action Date: January 17, 2022
Title: Capitol Square and the surrounding area; carrying firearms, etc., in area.
Description: Carrying a firearm or explosive material within Capitol Square and the surrounding area; exceptions for law-enforcement officers. Adds an exception for off-duty law-enforcement officers and retired law-enforcement officers to the prohibition of carrying a firearm within Capitol Square and the surrounding area, 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: Left in Rules
Last Action Date: November 21, 2022
Title: Capitol Square and the surrounding area; carrying firearms, etc., in area.
Description: Carrying a firearm or explosive material within Capitol Square and the surrounding area; exceptions for law-enforcement officers. Adds an exception for off-duty law-enforcement officers and retired law-enforcement officers to the prohibition of carrying a firearm within Capitol Square and the surrounding area, 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: Continued to 2023 in Rules (13-Y 2-N)
Last Action Date: February 11, 2022
Title: DMV; applicants for driver's licenses, etc., to provide his race & ethnicity.
Description: Department of Motor Vehicles; Virginia Community Policing Act; race and ethnicity data. Requires the Department of Motor Vehicles to require an applicant for an original driver's license, driver privilege card, special identification card with or without a photograph, and identification privilege card or the renewal or reissue of such license or card to provide his race and ethnicity. The bill prohibits displaying any such data in a readable form on a credential issued by the Department and requires such data to be encoded in the barcode on the back of such license or card. The bill prohibits the release of such data to any entity other than the Department of State Police to be used exclusively for the Virginia Community Policing Act Database. Department of Motor Vehicles; Virginia Community Policing Act; race and ethnicity data. Requires the Department of Motor Vehicles to require an applicant for an original driver's license, driver privilege card, special identification card with or without a photograph, and identification privilege card or the renewal or reissue of such license or card to provide his race and ethnicity. The bill prohibits displaying any such data in a readable form on a credential issued by the Department and requires such data to be encoded in the barcode on the back of such license or card. The bill prohibits the release of such data to any entity other than the Department of State Police to be used exclusively for the Virginia Community Policing Act Database.
Last Action: Continued to 2023 in Transportation (11-Y 0-N)
Last Action Date: February 3, 2022
Title: School principals; incident reports.
Description: School principals; incident reports. Requires that school principals report to law enforcement certain enumerated acts that may constitute a misdemeanor offense and report to the parents of any minor student who is the specific object of such act that the incident has been reported to law enforcement. Under current law, principals are required to make such reports only for such acts that may constitute a felony offense.
Last Action: Incorporated by Education and Health
Last Action Date: February 10, 2022
Title: Plastic firearms and unfinished frames, etc.; manufacture, import, sale, etc., penalties.
Description: Manufacture, import, sale, transfer, or possession of plastic firearms and unfinished frames or receivers and unserialized firearms; penalties. Creates a Class 5 felony for any person who manufactures, imports, sells, transfers, or possesses any firearm with a major component, as defined in the bill, that when subjected to inspection by the types of detection devices, including X-ray machines, commonly used at airports for security screening does not generate an image that accurately depicts the shape of the component. The bill updates language regarding the types of detection devices that are used at airports for detecting plastic firearms. Manufacture, import, sale, transfer, or possession of plastic firearms and unfinished frames or receivers and unserialized firearms; penalties. Creates a Class 5 felony for any person who manufactures, imports, sells, transfers, or possesses any firearm with a major component, as defined in the bill, that when subjected to inspection by the types of detection devices, including X-ray machines, commonly used at airports for security screening does not generate an image that accurately depicts the shape of the component. The bill updates language regarding the types of detection devices that are used at airports for detecting plastic firearms. 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 sell, offer to sell, transfer, or purchase an unfinished frame or receiver unless the party selling, offering to sell, transferring, or purchasing the unfinished frame or receiver is a federal firearms importer, manufacturer, or dealer or the unfinished frame or receiver is required by federal law to be, and has been, imprinted with a serial number by a federal firearms importer, manufacturer, or dealer.
Last Action: Tabled in Public Safety (12-Y 10-N)
Last Action Date: February 25, 2022
Title: Law-enforcement agencies; acquisition of military property.
Description: Acquisition of certain military property by law-enforcement agencies. Changes the limitation on the acquisition or purchase of military property by a law-enforcement agency from firearms of .50 caliber or higher to rifles of .50 caliber or higher and from ammunition of .50 caliber or higher to rifle ammunition of .50 caliber or higher.
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0376)
Last Action Date: April 11, 2022
Title: Carrying a concealed handgun; permit not required.
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: Passed by indefinitely in Judiciary (8-Y 6-N)
Last Action Date: January 26, 2022
Title: Handguns; limitation on purchases.
Description: Purchase of handguns; limitation on handgun purchases. Removes the prohibition on any person who is not a licensed firearms dealer from purchasing more than one handgun in a 30-day period. Current law makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor for a violation of this provision, subject to certain exemptions. Purchase of handguns; limitation on handgun purchases. Removes the prohibition on any person who is not a licensed firearms dealer from purchasing more than one handgun in a 30-day period. Current law makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor for a violation of this provision, subject to certain exemptions.
Last Action: Passed by indefinitely in Judiciary (8-Y 6-N)
Last Action Date: January 26, 2022
Title: Firearm Violence Intervention and Prevention, Virginia Center; established.
Description: Virginia Center for Firearm Violence Intervention and Prevention; Virginia Firearm Violence Intervention and Prevention Fund; creation. Establishes the Virginia Center for Firearm Violence Intervention and Prevention (the Center) within the Department of Criminal Justice Services and transfers to the Center the administration of the existing Virginia Gun Violence Intervention and Prevention Fund.
Last Action: Continued to 2022 Sp. Sess. 1 pursuant to HJR455
Last Action Date: March 12, 2022
Title: Firearm Violence Intervention and Prevention, Virginia Center; established.
Description: Virginia Center for Firearm Violence Intervention and Prevention; Virginia Firearm Violence Intervention and Prevention Fund; creation. Establishes the Virginia Center for Firearm Violence Intervention and Prevention (the Center) within the Department of Criminal Justice Services and transfers to the Center the administration of the existing Virginia Gun Violence Intervention and Prevention Fund.
Last Action: Continued to 2022 Sp. Sess. 1 pursuant to HJR455
Last Action Date: March 12, 2022
Title: Firearms; criminal history record information check required to sell.
Description: Criminal history record information check required to sell firearm; exception for concealed handgun permit. Provides that a person may sell a firearm through a private sale to another person if the sale of a firearm is to a person who (i) has a valid Virginia resident concealed handgun permit, (ii) produces the permit to the seller at the time of sale, and (iii) is not prohibited under state or federal law from possessing a firearm.
Last Action: Passed by indefinitely in Judiciary (9-Y 6-N)
Last Action Date: January 26, 2022
Title: Firearms; criminal history record information check required to sell, exception.
Description: Criminal history record information check required to sell firearm; exception for purchase of service weapon. Provides that the purchase of a service weapon by a retired law-enforcement officer is not subject to a criminal history record information check.
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0270)
Last Action Date: April 8, 2022
Title: Firearms; control of firearms by localities, concealed handgun permit exception.
Description: Control of firearms by localities; concealed handgun permit exception. Provides that any local ordinance that prohibits the possession or carrying of firearms, ammunition, or components or any combination thereof in (i) any building, or part thereof, owned or used by such locality for governmental purposes; (ii) any public park owned or operated by the locality; (iii) any recreation or community center facility; or (iv) any public street, road, alley, sidewalk, or public right-of-way or any other place of whatever nature that is open to the public and is being used by or is adjacent to a permitted event or an event that would otherwise require a permit shall not apply to any person who holds a valid Virginia permit to carry a concealed handgun.
Last Action: Incorporated by Judiciary
Last Action Date: January 26, 2022
