2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26105124D

SENATE BILL NO. 348

Offered January 14, 2026

Prefiled January 13, 2026

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 18.2-308.7:1, relating to storage of firearms in a residence where a minor or person prohibited from possessing a firearm is present; penalty.

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Patron—Boysko

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Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice

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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 18.2-308.7:1 as follows:

§ 18.2-308.7:1. Storage of firearms; penalty.

A. For purposes of this section:

"Firearm" means the same as that term is defined in § 18.2-308.2:2.

"Minor" means an individual younger than 18 years of age who is not authorized to use or possess a firearm under § 18.2-308.7.

"On or about his person" means that the firearm is located as though it were on the person's body such that the person is able to prevent another person who is not an authorized person from obtaining the firearm.

B. 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. A firearm may be stored loaded, provided that (i) such firearm is stored in a biometric storage device and (ii) no minor or prohibited person is an authorized user for the lock of such biometric storage device. Any person who violates this section is guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor.

C. The provisions of this section shall not apply to (i) any person in lawful possession of a firearm who is carrying such firearm on or about his person or (ii) the storage of any antique firearm as defined in § 18.2-308.2:2.

D. Nothing in this section shall be construed as preventing any person from lawfully authorizing a minor to access a firearm in accordance with § 18.2-56.2.

E. Every dealer, as defined in § 18.2-308.2:2, shall post in a conspicuous manner at the premises of such dealer a notice stating: "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. A violation of this law is a Class 4 misdemeanor."