45 total bills, 25 anti-gun bills,
7 pro-gun bills for this session
Proposed Virginia Firearm Legislation
45 total bills, 25 anti-gun bills,
7 pro-gun bills for this session
2012-2013 Session2014-2015 Session2016-2017 Session2018-2019 Session2020-2021 Session2022-2023 Session2024-2025 Session2026-2027 Session
Filter: Click on bill number for details. jump to upper chamber
note: Virginia does not carry over legislation from session to session
Title: Firearms; purchase, etc., after assault & battery of family or household member or intimate partner.
Description: Purchase, possession, or transportation of firearm; assault and battery of a family or household member or intimate partner; penalties. Adds to the definition of "family or household member," as such definition relates to juvenile and domestic relations district court, a person's intimate partner, defined in the bill as an individual who, within the previous 12 months, was in a romantic, dating, or sexual relationship with the person as determined by the length, nature, frequency, and type of interaction between the individuals involved in the relationship. The bill also adds to the definition of "family or household member," as such definition relates to a person's purchase, possession, or transportation of a firearm following an assault and battery of family or household member, any individual who cohabits or who, within the previous 12 months, cohabitated with the person. Finally, the bill provides that any person who knowingly and intentionally purchases, possesses, or transports any firearm following a misdemeanor conviction for an offense that occurred on or after July 1, 2026, for the offense of assault and battery against an intimate partner or an offense substantially similar under the laws of any other state or of the United States is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Last Action: Assigned HMPPS sub: Firearms
Last Action Date: January 16, 2026
Title: Firearm industry members; creates standards of responsible conduct, civil liability.
Description: Firearm industry members; standards of responsible conduct; civil liability. Creates standards of responsible conduct for firearm industry members and requires such members to establish and implement reasonable controls regarding the manufacture, sale, distribution, use, and marketing of the firearm industry member's firearm-related products, as those terms are defined in the bill. Such reasonable controls include reasonable procedures, safeguards, and business practices that are designed to (i) prevent the sale or distribution of a firearm-related product to a straw purchaser, firearm trafficker, person prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law, or person who the firearm industry member has reasonable cause to believe is at substantial risk of using a firearm-related product to harm himself or unlawfully harm another or of unlawfully possessing or using a firearm-related product; (ii) prevent the loss of a firearm-related product or theft of a firearm-related product from a firearm industry member; (iii) ensure that the firearm industry member complies with all provisions of state and federal law and does not otherwise promote the unlawful manufacture, sale, possession, marketing, or use of a firearm-related product; and (iv) ensure that the firearm industry member may not knowingly or recklessly create, maintain, or contribute to a public nuisance, as defined in the bill, through the sale, manufacture, importing, or marketing of a firearm-related product. The bill creates a civil cause of action for the Attorney General or a local county or city attorney to enforce the provisions of the bill or for any person who has been injured as a result of a firearm industry member's violation to seek an injunction and to recover costs and damages.
Last Action: Assigned HMPPS sub: Firearms
Last Action Date: January 16, 2026
Title: Concealed handgun permits; reciprocity with other states.
Description: Concealed handgun permits; reciprocity with other states. Provides that the Superintendent of State Police, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, shall determine whether other states meet the statutory qualifications for Virginia to recognize the concealed handgun permit of a person from such other state. Under current law, any out-of-state permit is recognized in the Commonwealth, provided that (i) the issuing authority provides the means for instantaneous verification of the validity of all such permits or licenses issued within that state, accessible 24 hours a day; (ii) the permit or license holder carries a photo identification issued by a government agency of any state or by the U.S. Department of Defense or U.S. Department of State and displays the permit or license and such identification upon demand by a law-enforcement officer; and (iii) the permit or license holder has not previously had a Virginia concealed handgun permit revoked. The bill prevents a Virginia resident, except for an active duty service member or such service member's spouse, who has not been issued a valid resident concealed handgun permit from using a concealed handgun or concealed weapon permit or license issued by another state to carry a concealed handgun in the Commonwealth. The foregoing provisions of the bill have a delayed effective date of July 1, 2027. The bill requires the Superintendent of State Police, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, to review any agreements for reciprocal recognition that are in place with any other states as of July 1, 2026, to determine whether the requirements and qualifications of those states' laws are adequate to prevent possession of a permit or license by persons who would be denied a permit in the Commonwealth and revoke any reciprocity agreement or recognition of any states that do not meet such requirements or qualifications by December 1, 2026. The bill requires the Attorney General to provide a written explanation for any determination that a state's laws are adequate to prevent possession of such permit or license by persons who would be denied such permit in the Commonwealth.
Last Action: Assigned HMPPS sub: Firearms
Last Action Date: January 16, 2026
Title: Plastic firearms or receivers, unserialized firearms, etc.; transfer, etc., prohibited, penalties.
Description: Manufacture, import, sale, transfer, or possession of plastic firearms and unfinished frames or receivers and unserialized firearms prohibited; penalties. Creates a Class 5 felony for any person who knowingly manufactures or assembles, causes to be manufactured or assembled, imports, purchases, sells, offers for sale, transfers, or possesses any firearm that, after removal of all parts other than a major component, as defined in the bill, is not detectable as a firearm when subjected to inspection by the types of detection devices, including X-ray machines, commonly used at airports, government buildings, schools, correctional facilities, and other locations for security screening. The bill updates language regarding the types of detection devices that are used at such locations for detecting plastic firearms. Under current law, it is unlawful to manufacture, import, sell, transfer, or possess any plastic firearm, and a violation is punishable as a Class 5 felony. The bill also creates a Class 1 misdemeanor, which is punishable as a Class 4 felony for a second or subsequent offense, for any person who knowingly possesses a firearm or any completed or unfinished frame or receiver that is not imprinted with a valid serial number or who knowingly imports, purchases, sells, offers for sale, or transfers ownership of any completed or unfinished frame or receiver, unless the completed or unfinished frame or receiver (i) is deemed to be a firearm pursuant to federal law and (ii) is imprinted with a valid serial number. The bill creates a Class 1 misdemeanor, which is punishable as a Class 4 felony for a second or subsequent offense, for any person who manufactures or assembles, causes to be manufactured or assembled, imports, purchases, sells, offers for sale, or transfers ownership of any firearm that is not imprinted with a valid serial number. The provisions of the bill prohibiting unfinished frames or receivers and unserialized firearms have a delayed effective date of January 1, 2027, and the provisions of the bill prohibiting the knowing possession of a firearm or any completed or unfinished frame or receiver that is not imprinted with a valid serial number have a delayed effective date of July 1, 2027.
Last Action: Assigned HMPPS sub: Firearms
Last Action Date: January 16, 2026
Title: Firearms; transfers to another person from a prohibited person.
Description: Firearm transfers to another person from a prohibited person. Provides that a person who is prohibited from possessing a firearm because the person is subject to a protective order or has been convicted of an assault and battery of a family or household member may transfer a firearm owned by the prohibited person to any person who is not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing such firearm, provided that the person who is not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing such firearm is 21 years of age or older and does not reside with the person who is subject to the protective order. Under current law, there is no requirement that a transferee cannot be younger than 21 years of age and cannot reside with the prohibited person. The bill also provides that the prohibited person who transfers, sells, or surrenders a firearm pursuant to the provisions of the bill shall inform the clerk of the court of the name, address, and signature of the transferee, federally licensed firearms dealer, or law-enforcement agency in possession of the firearm and shall provide a copy of the form to the transferee. The bill also provides that a person who is prohibited from possessing a firearm because the person is subject to a protective order or has been convicted of an assault and battery of a family or household member shall be advised that a law-enforcement officer may obtain a search warrant to search for any firearms from the person if the law-enforcement officer has reason to believe that the person has not relinquished all firearms in his possession.
Last Action: Assigned HMPPS sub: Firearms
Last Action Date: January 16, 2026
Title: Concealed handguns; alternate methods of submission of applications for permits.
Description: Applications for concealed handgun permits. Allows for alternate methods of submission of applications for concealed handgun permits by removing the requirement that such applications be submitted in writing.
Last Action: Assigned HMPPS sub: Firearms
Last Action Date: January 16, 2026
Title: Concealed handgun permit; lowers fee for processing an application.
Description: Concealed handgun permit fees. Lowers the maximum from $35 to $10 the fee that a local law-enforcement agency conducting a background investigation for the purpose of processing an application for a concealed handgun permit may charge to cover the cost of conducting such an investigation and lowers from $50 to $25 the maximum total amount for processing such an application.
Last Action: Assigned HMPPS sub: Firearms
Last Action Date: January 16, 2026
Title: Firearm in unattended motor vehicle; civil penalty.
Description: Firearm in unattended motor vehicle; civil penalty. Provides that no person shall leave, place, or store a handgun in an unattended motor vehicle, as defined in the bill, when such handgun is visible to any person who is outside such unattended motor vehicle. The bill provides that any person violating such prohibition is subject to a civil penalty of no more than $500 and that such unattended motor vehicle may be subject to removal for safekeeping.
Last Action: Assigned HMPPS sub: Firearms
Last Action Date: January 16, 2026
Title: School boards; safe storage of prescription drugs and firearms in the household.
Description: School board policies; parental notification; safe storage of prescription drugs and firearms in the household. Requires each local school board to develop and implement a policy to require the annual notification of the parent of each student enrolled in the local school division, to be sent by email and, if applicable, SMS text message within 30 calendar days succeeding the first day of each school year, of (i) the importance of securely storing any prescription drug, as defined in relevant law, present in the household and (ii) the parent's legal responsibility to safely store any firearm present in the household. The bill requires each school board to make such parental notification available in multiple languages on its website.
Last Action: Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB201)
Last Action Date: January 14, 2026
Title: Retail Sales and Use Tax; imposes firearm suppressor tax.
Description: Retail sales and use tax; firearm suppressor tax. Imposes a firearm suppressor tax equal to $500 per retail sale of any firearm suppressor by a dealer in firearms. The bill provides that the revenue from such tax shall be deposited in the general fund.
Last Action: Referred to Committee on Finance
Last Action Date: January 7, 2026
Title: Assault firearms and certain ammunition feeding devices; importation, sale, etc., prohibited.
Description: Importation, sale, manufacture, etc., of assault firearms and certain ammunition feeding devices prohibited; penalties. Creates a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person who imports, sells, manufactures, purchases, or transfers an assault firearm, as that term is defined in the bill with some exceptions, and prohibits a person who has been convicted of such violation from purchasing, possessing, or transporting a firearm for a period of three years from the date of conviction. The bill provides that an assault firearm does not include any firearm that is an antique firearm, has been rendered permanently inoperable, is manually operated by bolt, pump, lever, or slide action, or was manufactured before July 1, 2026. The bill also prohibits the sale of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, as that term is defined in the bill. The bill provides that any person who willfully and intentionally (i) sells an assault firearm to another person or (ii) purchases an assault firearm from another person is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor and that any person who imports, sells, barters, or transfers a large capacity ammunition feeding device is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. The bill also makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person younger than 21 years of age to import, sell, manufacture, purchase, possess, transport, or transfer an assault firearm regardless of the date of manufacture of such assault firearm with some exceptions.
Last Action: Assigned HMPPS sub: Firearms
Last Action Date: January 16, 2026
Title: Weapons; possession prohibited in hospital that provides mental health or developmental services.
Description: Weapons; possession prohibited in a hospital that provides mental health services or developmental services; penalty. Makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person to knowingly and intentionally possess in the building of any hospital that provides mental health services or developmental services in the Commonwealth, including an emergency department or other facility rendering emergency medical care, a (i) firearm, (ii) knife with a blade over three and one-half inches, or (iii) other dangerous weapon, including explosives and stun weapons. The bill also provides that notice of such prohibitions shall be posted conspicuously at each public entrance of any hospital and that no person shall be convicted of the offense if such notice is not posted, unless such person had actual notice of the prohibitions. The bill provides that such firearm, knife, explosive, or weapon shall be subject to seizure by a law-enforcement officer and forfeited to the Commonwealth and specifies exceptions to the prohibition.
Last Action: Assigned HMPPS sub: Firearms
Last Action Date: January 16, 2026
Title: Early childhood care and education; updates terminology.
Description: Early childhood care and education; terminology. Updates throughout the Code of Virginia the term "family day home" to "home-based child care" and the term "family day system" to "home-based child care system."
Last Action: Referred to Committee on Education
Last Action Date: January 9, 2026
Title: Carrying firearms in restricted locations; exception.
Description: Carrying firearms in restricted locations; exception. Provides that the prohibition on carrying a firearm in certain restricted locations does not apply to any woman who is a current victim of family abuse and has an active protective order against a family or household member.
Last Action: Committee Referral Pending
Last Action Date: January 13, 2026
Title: Forfeiture of certain weapons; petition for return by Commonwealth.
Description: Forfeiture of certain weapons; petition for return by Commonwealth. Permits the attorney for the Commonwealth to petition a court for the return of a weapon to its lawful owner where such weapon was used by any person in the commission of a criminal offense and forfeited to the Commonwealth by order of the court.
Last Action: Committee Referral Pending
Last Action Date: January 13, 2026
Title: Control of firearms by localities.
Description: Control of firearms by localities. Removes the option for a locality to adopt an ordinance that prohibits the possession, carrying, or transportation of any firearms, ammunition, or components or combination thereof in any (i) public park owned or operated by the locality, or by any authority or local government entity created or controlled by the locality, or (ii) 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.
Last Action: Committee Referral Pending
Last Action Date: January 13, 2026
Title: Concealed handgun permit; lowers fee for processing an application.
Description: Concealed handgun permit fees. Lowers the maximum from $35 to $10 the fee that a local law-enforcement agency conducting a background investigation for the purpose of processing an application for a concealed handgun permit may charge to cover the cost of conducting such an investigation and lowers from $50 to $25 the maximum total amount for processing such an application.
Last Action: Committee Referral Pending
Last Action Date: January 13, 2026
Title: Concealed handgun; carrying without a permit.
Description: Carrying a concealed handgun; permit not required. Allows any person who is otherwise eligible to obtain a concealed handgun permit to carry a concealed handgun without a permit anywhere he may lawfully carry a handgun openly within the Commonwealth.
Last Action: Committee Referral Pending
Last Action Date: January 13, 2026
Title: Firearm/explosive material; carrying into a bldg. owned or leased by the Commonwealth, exceptions.
Description: Carrying a firearm or explosive material into a building owned or leased by the Commonwealth; exceptions for highway rest areas and government stores. Provides that the prohibition on carrying a firearm or explosive material in any building owned or leased by the Commonwealth shall not apply to any highway rest area or government store, as those terms are defined in relevant law.
Last Action: Committee Referral Pending
Last Action Date: January 13, 2026
Title: Purchase of firearms; waiting period; penalties.
Description: Purchase of firearms; waiting period; penalties. Provides that no person shall sell a firearm unless at least five days have elapsed from the time the prospective purchaser completes the written consent form to have a licensed dealer obtain criminal history record information, with exceptions enumerated in relevant law. The bill provides that any person who willfully and intentionally sells to another person or purchases from another person a firearm in violation of this prohibition is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Additionally, the bill provides that any dealer who willfully and intentionally sells, rents, trades, or transfers a firearm in violation of such prohibition is guilty of a Class 6 felony.
Last Action: Fiscal Impact statement From VCSC (1/13/2026 4:53 pm)
Last Action Date: January 13, 2026
Title: Virginia Firearm Give-Back Program and Fund established.
Description: Virginia Firearm Give-Back Program and Fund established. Directs the Department of State Police to establish the Virginia Firearm Give-Back Program and to develop policies for the establishment of uniform standards for the implementation of the Program among local law-enforcement agencies. The bill provides that each regional division headquarters shall serve as a drop-off point for individuals to voluntarily give back firearms, which must be subsequently destroyed by the Department. The bill clarifies that participation in the Program by a local law-enforcement agency is voluntary. The bill also directs the Department to establish the Virginia Firearm Give-Back Fund, a nonreverting fund to be used solely for the purposes of development and implementation of the Program.
Last Action: Committee Referral Pending
Last Action Date: January 13, 2026
Title: Storage of firearms in a residence where a minor or person prohibited from possessing a firearm is present; penalty.
Description: Storage of firearms in a residence where a minor or person prohibited from possessing a firearm is present; penalty. Requires any person who possesses a firearm in a residence where such person knows that a minor or a person who is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm is present to store such firearm and the ammunition for such firearm in a locked container, compartment, or cabinet that is inaccessible to such minor or prohibited person. The bill provides that a violation is a Class 4 misdemeanor. The bill exempts (i) any person in lawful possession of a firearm who carries such firearm on or about his person and (ii) the storage of antique firearms and provides that the lawful authorization of a minor to access a firearm is not a violation of the bill's provisions. The bill also requires firearm dealers to post a notice stating such firearm storage requirements and the penalty for improperly storing such firearms.
Last Action: Committee Referral Pending
Last Action Date: January 13, 2026
Title: Security requirements for dealers in firearms; civil penalty.
Description: Security requirements for dealers in firearms; civil penalty. Prohibits dealers in firearms operating from a retail mercantile establishment, as defined in the bill, and holding a valid federal firearms license issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives from conducting business or storing firearms at a location unless certain security requirements specified in the bill are met. The bill creates a civil penalty not exceeding $1,000 for violations of such security requirements. The bill has a delayed effective date of January 1, 2028.
Last Action: Committee Referral Pending
Last Action Date: January 13, 2026
Title: Elections administration; certain activities or conduct prohibited at polling places applicable to locations for absentee voting in person; prohibited possession of firearm within 100 feet of certain locations.
Description: Elections administration; certain activities or conduct prohibited at polling places applicable to locations for absentee voting in person; prohibited possession of firearm within 100 feet of certain locations. Clarifies that the provisions of law prohibiting certain activities or conduct in and around a polling place shall also apply to locations where absentee voting in person is available. The bill also prohibits any person, with certain exceptions, from (i) knowingly carrying any firearm and (ii) knowingly doing so within 100 feet of the entrance of a polling place, the building used by the local electoral board to meet to ascertain election results, the building used to conduct a recount of an election, and other additional locations used for voting-related and elections-related activities. Under current law, this prohibition applies within 40 feet of such entrances.
Last Action: Committee Referral Pending
Last Action Date: January 13, 2026
Title: Retail sales and use tax; firearm and ammunition tax.
Description: Retail sales and use tax; firearm and ammunition tax. Imposes a firearm and ammunition tax equal to 11 percent of the gross receipts from the retail sale of any firearm or ammunition by a dealer in firearms, firearms manufacturer, or ammunition vendor, as such terms are defined in the bill. The bill provides that proceeds from such tax shall be distributed to the Virginia Gun Violence Intervention and Prevention Fund.
Last Action: Committee Referral Pending
Last Action Date: January 13, 2026
Title: Prohibition on outdoor shooting of firearm on property without reasonable care; penalty.
Description: Prohibition on outdoor shooting of firearm on property without reasonable care; penalty. Permits localities to adopt an ordinance prohibiting outdoor shooting of a firearm unless the discharge of such firearm is conducted (i) on land of at least five acres and (ii) with reasonable care, described in the bill, to prevent a projectile from crossing the bounds of the land. The bill permits such an ordinance to create a rebuttable presumption that the discharge of firearms across or over the bounds of a property without written permission of that property owner was without reasonable care. The bill requires that a violation of such an ordinance not exceed a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Last Action: Committee Referral Pending
Last Action Date: January 13, 2026
Title: Virginia Gun Violence Prevention Center established.
Description: Virginia Gun Violence Prevention Center established. Creates the Virginia Gun Violence Prevention Center within the Department of Health. The bill states that the Center will serve as the primary resource for research, best practices, and strategies for the implementation of firearm violence intervention, community-based intervention, and group violence intervention programs designed to reduce violence in communities. The bill also requires that the Center evaluate state and community-based violence intervention programs and policies that receive funding through the Center, apply for and accept federal grants, and provide technical assistance. The bill has a delayed effective date of July 1, 2027.
Last Action: Committee Referral Pending
Last Action Date: January 13, 2026
Title: Possession or transportation of firearms, firearms ammunition, stun weapons, or explosives or carrying of concealed weapons by persons convicted of a misdemeanor hate crime prohibited; penalty.
Description: Possession or transportation of firearms, firearms ammunition, stun weapons, or explosives or carrying of concealed weapons by persons convicted of a misdemeanor hate crime prohibited; penalty. Prohibits any person who has been convicted, on or after July 1, 2026, of assault or assault and battery if it is reflected on the sentencing order for such conviction or appears on the face of the warrant upon such conviction that such person intentionally selected the person against whom the offense was committed because of his race, religious conviction, gender, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, color, or ethnic or national origin from knowingly and intentionally possessing or transporting any firearm or ammunition for a firearm, any stun weapon, or any explosive material or carrying a concealed weapon, a violation of which is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Last Action: Fiscal Impact statement From VCSC (1/14/2026 6:26 pm)
Last Action Date: January 14, 2026
Title: Retail sales and use tax; firearm and ammunition tax.
Description: Retail sales and use tax; firearm and ammunition tax. Imposes a firearm and ammunition tax equal to 11 percent of the gross receipts from the sale and distribution of any firearm or ammunition by a firearms or ammunition manufacturer, as such terms are defined in the bill. The bill provides that proceeds from such tax shall be distributed to the Virginia Gun Violence Intervention and Prevention Fund.
Last Action: Committee Referral Pending
Last Action Date: January 14, 2026
Title: Nonresident concealed handgun permits.
Description: Nonresident concealed handgun permits. Requires the Department of State Police to issue a nonresident concealed handgun permit within 90 days of receipt of a completed application unless it is determined that the applicant is disqualified.
Last Action: Committee Referral Pending
Last Action Date: January 15, 2026
Title: Firearm industry members; standards of responsible conduct, civil liability.
Description: Firearm industry members; standards of responsible conduct; civil liability. Creates standards of responsible conduct for firearm industry members and requires such members to establish and implement reasonable controls regarding the manufacture, sale, distribution, use, and marketing of the firearm industry member's firearm-related products, as those terms are defined in the bill. Such reasonable controls include reasonable procedures, safeguards, and business practices that are designed to (i) prevent the sale or distribution of a firearm-related product to a straw purchaser, a firearm trafficker, a person prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law, or a person who the firearm industry member has reasonable cause to believe is at substantial risk of using a firearm-related product to harm themselves or unlawfully harm another or of unlawfully possessing or using a firearm-related product; (ii) prevent the loss of a firearm-related product or theft of a firearm-related product from a firearm industry member; (iii) ensure that the firearm industry member complies with all provisions of state and federal law and does not otherwise promote the unlawful manufacture, sale, possession, marketing, or use of a firearm-related product; and (iv) ensure that the firearm industry member does not engage in an act or practice in violation of the Virginia Consumer Protection Act. The bill also provides that a firearm industry member may not knowingly or recklessly create, maintain, or contribute to a public nuisance, as defined in the bill, through the sale, manufacturing, importing, or marketing of a firearm-related product. The bill creates a civil cause of action for the Attorney General or a local county or city attorney to enforce the provisions of the bill or for any person who has been injured as a result of a firearm industry member's violation to seek an injunction and to recover costs and damages.
Last Action: Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
Last Action Date: November 17, 2025
Title: Firearms; transfers to another person from a prohibited person.
Description: Firearm transfers to another person from a prohibited person. Provides that a person who is prohibited from possessing a firearm because the person is subject to a protective order or has been convicted of an assault and battery of a family or household member may transfer a firearm owned by the prohibited person to any person who is not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing such firearm, provided that the person who is not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing such firearm is 21 years of age or older and does not reside with the person who is subject to the protective order. Under current law, there is no requirement that a transferee cannot be younger than 21 years of age and cannot reside with the prohibited person. The bill also provides that the prohibited person who transfers, sells, or surrenders a firearm pursuant to the provisions of the bill shall inform the clerk of the court of the name, address, and signature of the transferee, federally licensed firearms dealer, or law-enforcement agency in possession of the firearm and shall provide a copy of the form to the transferee. The bill also provides that a person who is prohibited from possessing a firearm because the person is subject to a protective order or has been convicted of an assault and battery of a family or household member shall be advised that a law-enforcement officer may obtain a search warrant to search for any firearms from the person if the law-enforcement officer has reason to believe that the person has not relinquished all firearms in his possession.
Last Action: Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
Last Action Date: November 19, 2025
Title: Firearms, etc.; carrying into bldg. owned or leased by the Commonwealth, exception for rest areas.
Description: Carrying a firearm or explosive material into a building owned or leased by the Commonwealth; exception for rest areas. Provides that the prohibition on carrying a firearm or explosive material in any building owned or leased by the Commonwealth does not apply to any rest area.
Last Action: Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
Last Action Date: December 26, 2025
Title: School boards; parental notification, safe storage of prescription drugs and firearms in household.
Description: School board policies; parental notification; safe storage of prescription drugs and firearms in household. Requires each school board to develop and implement a policy to require the annual notification of the parent of each student enrolled in the school division, to be sent by email and, if applicable, SMS text message, of (i) the importance of securely storing any prescription drug, as defined in relevant law, present in the household and (ii) the parent's legal responsibility to safely store any firearm present in the household. The bill also requires each parental notification to include information on (a) relevant state laws and regulations relating to safe firearm storage and child access to firearms and (b) firearm-related accidents, injuries, and deaths, including the role of firearms in suicides, tips and resources for seeking help for a child that may be a danger to himself and others, and current statistics published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on youth firearm fatality rates. Finally, the bill requires each school board to make such parental notification available in multiple languages on its website.
Last Action: Assigned Education sub: Public Education
Last Action Date: January 15, 2026
Title: Concealed handgun permits; reciprocity with other states.
Description: Concealed handgun permits; reciprocity with other states. Provides that the Superintendent of State Police, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, shall determine whether other states meet the statutory qualifications for Virginia to recognize the concealed handgun permit of a person from such other state. Under current law, any out-of-state permit is recognized in the Commonwealth, provided that (i) the issuing authority provides the means for instantaneous verification of the validity of all such permits or licenses issued within that state accessible 24 hours a day; (ii) the permit or license holder carries a photo identification issued by a government agency of any state or by the U.S. Department of Defense or U.S. Department of State and displays the permit or license and such identification upon demand by a law-enforcement officer; and (iii) the permit or license holder has not previously had a Virginia concealed handgun permit revoked. The bill prevents a Virginia resident, except for an active duty service member or such service member's spouse, who has not been issued a valid resident concealed handgun permit from using a concealed handgun or concealed weapon permit or license issued by another state to carry a concealed handgun in the Commonwealth. The foregoing provisions of the bill have a delayed effective date of July 1, 2027. The bill requires the Superintendent of State Police, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, to review any agreements for reciprocal recognition that are in place with any other states as of July 1, 2026, to determine whether the requirements and qualifications of those states' laws are adequate to prevent possession of a permit or license by persons who would be denied a permit in the Commonwealth and revoke any reciprocity agreement or recognition of any states that do not meet such requirements or qualifications by December 1, 2026. The bill requires the Attorney General to provide a written explanation for any determination that a state's laws are adequate to prevent possession of such permit or license by persons who would be denied such permit in the Commonwealth.
Last Action: Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
Last Action Date: January 5, 2026
Title: Firearms; purchase, etc., after assault & battery of family or household member or intimate partner.
Description: Purchase, possession, or transportation of firearm; assault and battery of a family or household member or intimate partner; penalty. Adds to the definition of "family or household member," as such definition relates to juvenile and domestic relations district court, a person's intimate partner, defined in the bill as an individual who, within the previous 12 months, was in a romantic, dating, or sexual relationship with the person as determined by the length, nature, frequency, and type of interaction between the individuals involved in the relationship. The bill also adds to the definition of "family or household member," as such definition relates to a person's purchase, possession, or transportation of a firearm following an assault and battery of a family or household member, any individual who cohabits or who, within the previous 12 months, cohabitated with the person. Finally, the bill provides that any person who knowingly and intentionally purchases, possesses, or transports any firearm following a misdemeanor conviction for an offense that occurred on or after July 1, 2026, for the offense of assault and battery against an intimate partner or an offense substantially similar under the laws of any other state or of the United States is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Last Action: Fiscal Impact statement From VCSC (1/12/2026 11:19 am)
Last Action Date: January 12, 2026
Title: Weapons; possession prohibited in hospital that provides mental health or developmental services.
Description: Weapons; possession prohibited in a hospital that provides mental health services or developmental services; penalty. Makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person to knowingly and intentionally possess in the building of any hospital that provides mental health services or developmental services in the Commonwealth, including an emergency department or other facility rendering emergency medical care, a (i) firearm, (ii) knife with a blade over three and one-half inches, or (iii) other dangerous weapon, including explosives and stun weapons. The bill also provides that notice of such prohibitions shall be posted conspicuously at each public entrance of any hospital and that no person shall be convicted of the offense if such notice is not posted, unless such person had actual notice of the prohibitions. The bill provides that such firearm, knife, explosive, or weapon shall be subject to seizure by a law-enforcement officer and forfeited to the Commonwealth and specifies exceptions to the prohibition.
Last Action: Fiscal Impact statement From VCSC (1/12/2026 11:30 am)
Last Action Date: January 12, 2026
Title: Firearm or explosive material; exemptions, carrying public institutions of higher education.
Description: Carrying a firearm or explosive material within Capitol Square or building owned or leased by the Commonwealth; exemptions; public institutions of higher education; penalty. Limits the exemption from the prohibition on the carrying of any firearm or explosive material within any building owned or leased by the Commonwealth or agency thereof or any office where employees of the Commonwealth or any agency thereof are regularly present for the purpose of performing their official duties that currently applies to any property owned or operated by a public institution of higher education to instead apply to any individual within a building owned or operated by a public institution of higher education who possesses a weapon as part of such public institution of higher education's curriculum or activities or as part of any organization authorized by such public institution of higher education to conduct its programs or activities within such building, as such uses are approved through the law-enforcement or public safety unit of such institution.
Last Action: Fiscal Impact statement From VCSC (1/14/2026 6:52 pm)
Last Action Date: January 14, 2026
Title: Carrying assault firearms in public areas prohibited; penalty.
Description: Carrying assault firearms in public areas prohibited; penalty. Prohibits the carrying of certain semi-automatic center-fire rifles, pistols, and shotguns or any firearm modified to be operable as an assault firearm on any public street, road, alley, sidewalk, or public right-of-way or in any public park or any other place of whatever nature that is open to the public, with certain exceptions. Under current law, the prohibition on carrying certain shotguns and semi-automatic center-fire rifles and pistols applies to a narrower range of firearms, only in certain localities, and only when such firearms are loaded. A violation of this prohibition is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Last Action: Fiscal Impact statement From VCSC (1/15/2026 2:49 pm)
Last Action Date: January 15, 2026
Title: Manufacture, importation, sale, transfer, or possession of plastic firearms and unfinished frames or receivers and unserialized firearms prohibited; penalties.
Description: Manufacture, importation, sale, transfer, or possession of plastic firearms and unfinished frames or receivers and unserialized firearms prohibited; penalties. Creates a Class 5 felony for any person who knowingly manufactures or assembles, imports, purchases, sells, transfers, or possesses any firearm that, after removal of all parts other than a major component, as defined in the bill, is not detectable as a firearm when subjected to inspection by the types of detection devices, including X-ray machines, commonly used at airports, government buildings, schools, correctional facilities, and other locations for security screening. The bill updates language regarding the types of detection devices that are used at such locations for detecting plastic firearms. Under current law, it is unlawful to manufacture, import, sell, transfer, or possess any plastic firearm and a violation is punishable as a Class 5 felony. The bill also creates a Class 1 misdemeanor, which is punishable as a Class 4 felony for a second or subsequent offense, for any person to knowingly possess a firearm or any completed or unfinished frame or receiver that is not imprinted with a valid serial number or to knowingly import, purchase, sell, offer for sale, or transfer ownership of any completed or unfinished frame or receiver, unless the completed or unfinished frame or receiver (i) is deemed to be a firearm pursuant to federal law and (ii) is imprinted with a valid serial number. The bill also creates a Class 1 misdemeanor, which is punishable as a Class 4 felony for a second or subsequent offense, for any person to manufacture or assemble, cause to be manufactured or assembled, import, purchase, sell, offer for sale, or transfer ownership of any firearm that is not imprinted with a valid serial number. The provisions of the bill prohibiting unfinished frames or receivers and unserialized firearms have a delayed effective date of January 1, 2027; however, the provisions of the bill prohibiting the knowing possession of a firearm or any completed or unfinished frame or receiver that is not imprinted with a valid serial number have a delayed effective date of July 1, 2027.
Last Action: Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
Last Action Date: January 13, 2026
Title: Affirmative defense or reduced penalty for mental illness, neurocognitive disorder, or intellectual or developmental disability.
Description: Affirmative defense or reduced penalty for mental illness, neurocognitive disorder, or intellectual or developmental disability. Provides an affirmative defense to prosecution of a person for assault or assault and battery against certain specified persons for which the enhanced Class 6 felony and six-month mandatory minimum apply if such person proves, by a preponderance of the evidence, that at the time of the assault or assault and battery (i) the person's behaviors were a result of (a) mental illness or (b) a neurocognitive disorder, including dementia, or an intellectual disability or a developmental disability such as autism spectrum disorder, as defined in the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association, or (ii) the person met the criteria for issuance of an emergency custody order. The bill requires such person or his counsel to give notice in writing to the attorney for the Commonwealth at least 60 days prior to his trial in circuit court, or at least 14 days if the trial date is set within 21 days of his last court appearance, of his intention to present such evidence. Additionally, if such notice is not given, and the person proffers such evidence at his trial as a defense, then the court may in its discretion either allow the Commonwealth a continuance or, under appropriate circumstances, bar such person from presenting such evidence; any such continuance shall not be counted for speedy trial purposes pursuant to relevant law. Lastly, the bill provides that if such person does not prove that his behaviors were a result of his mental illness, intellectual disability, developmental disability, or neurocognitive disorder but the evidence establishes that his mental illness, intellectual disability, developmental disability, or neurocognitive disorder otherwise contributed to his behaviors, the finder of fact may find such person guilty of a misdemeanor assault or assault and battery. The bill also provides that such affirmative defense shall not be construed to allow an affirmative defense for voluntary intoxication.
Last Action: Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
Last Action Date: January 13, 2026
Title: Storage of firearms in a residence where a minor or person prohibited from possessing a firearm is present; penalty.
Description: Storage of firearms in a residence where a minor or person prohibited from possessing a firearm is present; penalty. Provides that any person who possesses a firearm in a residence where such person knows that a minor or a person who is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm is present shall store such firearm and the ammunition for such firearm in a locked container, compartment, or cabinet that is inaccessible to such minor or prohibited person. Under the bill, any person who violates this provision is guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor. The bill also requires any dealer, as that term is defined in current law, to post a written notice informing the public of the penalty imposed for failure to comply with the bill's provisions.
Last Action: Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
Last Action Date: January 13, 2026
Title: Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act;
Description: Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act; Manufactured Home Lot Rental Act; pre-tenancy fees. Prohibits a landlord from charging or collecting any fee that is not a pre-tenancy fee as described in the bill and limits the charging or collection of such pre-tenancy fees to either prior to or upon the execution of a rental agreement. The bill requires a landlord to, prior to requesting or collecting any payment or information about a prospective tenant and prior to exhibiting the dwelling unit to a prospective tenant, notify the prospective tenant of any pre-tenancy fees in writing or by posting in a manner accessible to a prospective tenant. The bill provides that no landlord shall charge any fee to a prospective tenant prior to exhibiting the dwelling unit to the prospective tenant, unless the prospective tenant agrees to waive such requirement. The bill allows a landlord to collect a pet deposit, defined in the bill as separate from a security deposit, from a tenant if a pet is occupying the dwelling unit. The bill provides that no security deposit or pet deposit may be applied by the landlord toward (i) the cost of professional services or (ii) the cost of materials and labor performed by the landlord or an employee of the landlord, unless such costs are (a) reasonably necessary to return the premises to the same condition as the condition of the premises at the start of the rental agreement, less reasonable wear and tear, and (b) the landlord provides a receipt reflecting such costs to the tenant. The bill also reduces from two months of rent to one month of rent the maximum security deposit amount and decreases from 45 days to 30 days the amount of time after the termination date of the tenancy or the date the tenant vacates the dwelling unit, whichever occurs last, that the landlord shall provide a written notice to the tenant of the itemized charges deducted from the security deposit and applies the same provisions to pet deposits. The bill also provides that nothing shall be construed to allow an owner, manager, or operator of a residential building to charge a tenant for water, sewer, electrical, natural gas, oil, or other utilities if the utility is supplied directly to the tenant. Finally, the bill applies the provisions of law relating to the rental application process and administrative or renewal fees, as amended by this bill, to the Manufactured Home Lot Rental Act.
Last Action: Referred to Committee on General Laws and Technology
Last Action Date: January 13, 2026
Title: Law-enforcement officers; restrictions on wearing of facial coverings; exceptions; civil liability; penalty.
Description: Law-enforcement officers; restrictions on wearing of facial coverings; exceptions; civil liability; penalty. Prohibits certain state and federal law-enforcement officers from wearing facial coverings, defined in the bill, while engaged in the performance of their official duties. The bill sets out several exceptions to such prohibition, including protective facial coverings to protect against disease, infection, and exposure to toxic substances and facial coverings worn by any law-enforcement officer assigned to a special weapons and tactics team while engaged in the performance of his official duties with such team. The bill subjects the law-enforcement officer to disciplinary action, including dismissal, demotion, suspension, transfer, or decertification, and creates a Class 1 misdemeanor for any law-enforcement officer who wears a facial covering in violation of the provisions of the bill unless the law-enforcement agency that employs such law-enforcement officer has adopted and established a written policy for and restrictions on the use of facial coverings. The bill also directs the Department of Criminal Justice Services to develop a model policy for and restrictions on the use of facial coverings by law-enforcement officers. Finally, the bill creates a civil cause of action for any person injured as a result of tortious conduct by a law-enforcement officer who knowingly and intentionally wears a facial covering in violation of the provisions of the bill. The bill provides that sovereign immunity shall not be a defense to civil liability for such tortious conduct.
Last Action: Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
Last Action Date: January 13, 2026
Title: Definitions; American Indians; Virginia recognized tribes; federally recognized tribes; sovereignty.
Description: Definitions; American Indians; Virginia recognized tribes; federally recognized tribes; sovereignty. Provides that the Commonwealth acknowledges the inherent sovereignty of federally recognized tribes within the present-day external boundaries of the Commonwealth. The bill also establishes definitions for "American Indian," "federally recognized tribe," and "Virginia recognized tribe" and amends various sections throughout the Code for the purpose of uniformity in terminology. This bill is a recommendation of the Commission on Updating Virginia Law to Reflect Federal Recognition of Virginia Tribes.
Last Action: Referred to Committee on General Laws and Technology
Last Action Date: January 13, 2026
