210 total bills, 85 anti-gun bills,
83 pro-gun bills for this session
Proposed Virginia Firearm Legislation
210 total bills, 85 anti-gun bills,
83 pro-gun bills for this session
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Filter: Click on bill number for details. jump to upper chamber
note: Virginia does not carry over legislation from session to session
Title: Concealed handgun permits, out-of-state; photo identification.
Description: Out-of-state concealed handgun permits; photo identification. Removes certain requirements for an out-of-state concealed handgun permit or license to be recognized and accepted in Virginia and instead requires an out-of-state permit or license holder to carry a government-issued photo identification and present his permit or license and such identification upon demand by a law-enforcement officer in order for his out-of-state permit or license to be recognized and accepted in Virginia.
Last Action: Incorporated by Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 5, 2016
Title: Forfeiture of property used in connection with the commission of crimes; finding of guilt required.
Description: Forfeiture of property used in connection with the commission of crimes; finding of guilt required. Requires that any action for the forfeiture of property used in connection with the commission of a crime be stayed until the person whose property is the subject of the forfeiture action has been found guilty of the crime authorizing the forfeiture, regardless of whether he has been sentenced. The bill provides that property may be forfeited even though no finding of guilt is made if (i) the forfeiture is ordered by the court pursuant to a plea agreement or (ii) the owner of the property has not submitted a written demand for the return of the property within one year from the date the property was seized.
Last Action: VOTE: DEFEATED (47-Y 50-N)
Last Action Date: February 16, 2016
Title: Weapons other than handguns; purchase by certain officers.
Description: Purchase of weapons other than handguns by certain officers. Allows officers of certain agencies to purchase, at a fair market price and with approval of the agency head, weapons other than handguns that are issued for personal use of an officer so long as the weapon is a type and configuration that can be purchased at a regular hardware or sporting goods store by a private citizen without restrictions other than the instant background check. Current law allows this type of purchase only for the Department of State Police.
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0196)
Last Action Date: March 1, 2016
Title: Speaker of the House; authority to employ legal counsel to represent General Assembly.
Description: Speaker of the House; legal counsel. Authorizes the Speaker of the House to employ legal counsel to represent the General Assembly and institute legal action against any federal authority that violates the sovereign rights of the Commonwealth reserved and guaranteed under the United States Constitution.
Last Action: Tabled in Rules by voice vote
Last Action Date: January 28, 2016
Title: Concealed handguns; authorization and training for persons designated to carry on school property.
Description: Authorization and training for persons designated to carry concealed handguns on school property. Permits a school board or an administrator of a private school to designate one or more qualified persons for every school who may carry a concealed handgun on school property. Such qualified persons include certain school division employees, certain school volunteers who carry valid concealed handgun permits, and certain retired law-enforcement officers. Any person designated to carry a concealed handgun must be certified and trained by the Virginia Center for School and Campus Safety or the National Rifle Association in the storage, use, and handling of a concealed handgun. The bill also outlines the training requirements for designated persons to be established by the Department of Criminal Justice Services.
Last Action: Left in Education
Last Action Date: February 16, 2016
Title: Concealed handguns; possession by full-time faculty members at higher educational institutions.
Description: Possession of concealed handguns; faculty members at public institutions of higher education. Allows full-time faculty members of public institutions of higher education who possess a valid Virginia concealed handgun permit to carry a concealed handgun on campus.
Last Action: Left in Education
Last Action Date: February 16, 2016
Title: Federal firearms laws; enforcement.
Description: Federal firearms laws; enforcement. Provides that agencies and political subdivisions of the Commonwealth, and employees thereof, shall not knowingly aid any employee or entity of the federal government (i) in the enforcement of federal firearms laws that take effect on or after December 1, 2015, or (ii) in the conduct or enforcement of a criminal background check related to any intrastate sale, loan, gift, or other transfer of a firearm between citizens of the Commonwealth.
Last Action: Left in Appropriations
Last Action Date: February 18, 2016
Title: Virginia National Guard; possession of handguns by members at certain facilities.
Description: Possession of handguns by members of the Virginia National Guard. Allows a member of the Virginia National Guard to possess a concealed handgun owned by him at National Guard facilities and facilities under contract with the National Guard if such member has a valid concealed handgun permit. The bill also provides that the member's commanding officer may prohibit the member from possessing a concealed handgun while participating in any training or other exercises where the commanding officer reasonably determines that (i) such possession would interfere with the conduct of such training or other exercises, (ii) such possession may result in mission impairment, or (ii) the member is unfit to carry a handgun.
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0740)
Last Action Date: April 20, 2016
Title: Virginia National Guard; possession of handguns by members.
Description: Possession of handguns by members of the Virginia National Guard. Allows a member of the Virginia National Guard to possess a concealed handgun at National Guard facilities and facilities under contract with the National Guard if such member has a valid concealed handgun permit.
Last Action: Incorporated by Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: January 29, 2016
Title: Local government; publication of notices for charter changes, referenda, and public hearings, etc.
Description:
Last Action: Continued to 2017 in Counties, Cities and Towns by voice vote
Last Action Date: January 29, 2016
Title: Risk management plan; coverage for injury or death on state property, concealed handgun prohibition.
Description: Risk management plan; coverage for injury or death on state property; concealed handgun prohibition. Provides that the risk management plan established by the Division of Risk Management shall include coverage for any claim made by or on behalf of a person possessing a valid concealed handgun permit who is injured or killed upon any buildings, grounds, or properties owned or leased by the Commonwealth as a result of the criminal act of a third party if the carrying of a concealed handgun on such buildings, grounds, or properties was prohibited by regulation. The bill also provides that, in addition to providing for the actual damages arising from the person's injury or death, the coverage shall include an additional amount of $350,000.
Last Action: Left in General Laws
Last Action Date: February 16, 2016
Title: Risk management plan; coverage for injury/death on college property, concealed handgun prohibition.
Description: Risk management plan; coverage for injury or death on college property; concealed handgun prohibition. Provides that the risk management plan established by the Division of Risk Management shall include coverage for any claim made by or on behalf of a person possessing a valid concealed handgun permit who is injured or killed upon any buildings, grounds,or properties owned or leased by a public institution of higher education as a result of the criminal act of a third party if the carrying of a concealed handgun on such buildings, grounds, or properties was prohibited by regulation. The bill also provides that, in addition to providing for the actual damages arising from the person's injury or death, the coverage shall include an additional amount of $350,000.
Last Action: Left in General Laws
Last Action Date: February 16, 2016
Title: Concealed handgun permits; individuals on federal Terrorist Screening Database.
Description: Concealed handgun permits; Terrorist Screening Database. Prohibits individuals who are on the federal Terrorist Screening Database from obtaining a concealed handgun permit. The bill requires the State Police to consult with the FBI's Terrorist Screening Center to receive the Terrorist Screening Database report. A second enactment clause provides that the bill will not go into effect unless the U.S. Department of Justice approves the policies and procedures set out in the bill.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 16, 2016
Title: School board employees; possession of firearms by employees who are former law-enforcement officers.
Description: School board employees who are former law-enforcement officers; possession of firearms. Permits any local school board to allow any school board employee who is a former law-enforcement officer and ceased or retired from serving in such capacity while in good standing to possess any firearm designed or intended to expel a projectile by action of an explosion of a combustible material upon (i) any public elementary or secondary school in the school division, including buildings and grounds; (ii) that portion of any property open to the public and then exclusively used for school-sponsored functions or extracurricular activities while such functions or activities are taking place; and (iii) any school bus owned or operated by the local school board.
Last Action: Left in Education
Last Action Date: February 16, 2016
Title: Firearms; law-enforcement certification of transfer.
Description: Law-enforcement certification of certain firearms. Provides that when the certification of a chief law-enforcement officer is required by federal law for transfer of a firearm as defined in the National Firearms Act, such certification must be provided within 60 days if the applicant is not prohibited by law from receiving the firearm. If the applicant is prohibited by law from receiving the firearm, the chief law-enforcement officer or his designee shall notify the applicant in writing of the reason for the prohibition. For the purposes of the bill, the definition of "firearm" is limited to machine guns, rifles and shotguns of a certain length, weapons made from certain rifles or shotguns, and silencers. If the chief law-enforcement officer fails to provide certification within 60 days, the applicant has a right to an ore tenus hearing in circuit court and, unless the evidence shows that the applicant is prohibited by law from receiving the firearm, the court shall order the chief law-enforcement officer to issue the certification within five business days.
Last Action: Stricken from docket by Militia, Police and Public Safety by voice vote
Last Action Date: January 29, 2016
Title: Transfer of certain firearms; identification requirement.
Description: Transfer of certain firearms; identification requirement. Allows Virginia residents to purchase a firearm by presenting only one photo-identification form issued by a governmental agency of the Commonwealth or by the U.S. Department of Defense that demonstrates that the prospective purchaser resides in Virginia. The bill provides that a member of the armed forces whose photo identification issued by the Department of Defense does not have a Virginia address may establish his Virginia residency with such photo identification and permanent orders assigning the purchaser to a duty post, including the Pentagon, in Virginia. Current law requires photo identification and another document that establishes residency, such as a lease or utility bill, and that includes an address that matches the photo identification.
Last Action: Stricken from docket by Militia, Police and Public Safety by voice vote
Last Action Date: January 29, 2016
Title: Hunter education courses; Board of GIF to provide incentives for completing safety course.
Description: Hunter education incentives. Allows the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries to provide incentives for completing a safety course to those hunters who have not been required to successfully complete such course in order to hunt wildlife.
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0123)
Last Action Date: March 1, 2016
Title: Concealed handgun permits; judge, etc., may carry wherever he travels in the Commonwealth.
Description: Concealed handgun permit; judges exempt. Provides that a judge or justice of the Commonwealth may carry a concealed handgun throughout the Commonwealth without a permit.
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0672)
Last Action Date: April 1, 2016
Title: Firearms; disposition of those acquired by localities.
Description: Disposition of certain firearms acquired by localities. Provides that a locality is not required to offer for sale certain firearms that are surrendered to a locality accompanied by a signed request that the firearm be destroyed.
Last Action: Left in Courts of Justice
Last Action Date: February 16, 2016
Title: Felons; restoration of firearms rights, report to State Police.
Description: Criminal law; restoration of firearms rights; report to State Police. Provides a mechanism for reporting to the Department of State Police when a circuit court restores a felon's right to possess, transport, and carry a firearm, ammunition for a firearm, or a stun weapon. The bill provides that prior to entry of a restoration order, the petitioner's fingerprints and petition shall be sent to the Central Criminal Records Exchange (CCRE), which shall forward the petitioner's criminal history record information to the court, which shall inform the attorney for the Commonwealth that the criminal history record information is available for review. If the order is issued, the Department of State Police shall enter the petitioner's name and description in the CCRE so that law-enforcement personnel accessing the CCRE will be aware of the order's existence.
Last Action: Left in Appropriations
Last Action Date: February 18, 2016
Title: Firearms; control by state agencies, rights of employees.
Description: Control of firearms by state agencies; rights of employees. Prohibits state agencies other than the Department of Corrections, Department of Juvenile Justice, and Virginia Port Authority and institutions of higher education from adopting any regulation or workplace rule preventing officers or employees of such agencies from storing a lawfully possessed firearm and ammunition in a locked private motor vehicle at their workplace unless the adoption of the regulation is expressly authorized by statute. The bill also provides that any such regulation or rule adopted prior to July 1, 2016, is invalid.
Last Action: Requires 67 afirmative votes to override Governor's veto
Last Action Date: April 20, 2016
Title: Firearms dealers; local regulation of dealers in proximity of schools.
Description: Firearms businesses; local regulation; proximity to schools. Authorizes any locality to adopt an ordinance regulating or prohibiting anyone from engaging in the business of selling firearms at retail, providing gunsmithing services, or operating a sports shooting range, within 1,000 feet of a school.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 16, 2016
Title: Firearms; possession in school zone, penalty.
Description: Possession of firearms in school zone; penalty. Provides, with certain exceptions, that an individual who knowingly possesses any firearm while such person is in a school zone, defined by the bill as the area within a distance of 1,000 feet from a school, is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. An individual is permitted to possess a firearm in a school zone if (i) he is on private property, (ii) he possesses a valid concealed handgun permit, (iii) the firearm is unloaded and is in either a closed container or a locked firearms rack in or upon a motor vehicle, (iv) he possesses a firearm as part of the school's curriculum or activities or as part of a school-sponsored or school-authorized program, (v) he possesses such firearm in accordance with a contract with the school, or (vi) he is a law-enforcement officer or armed security officer hired by a private or religious school.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 16, 2016
Title: Firearms; possession in school zone, regulation by locality.
Description: Possession of firearms in school zone; regulation by locality. Authorizes a locality to adopt an ordinance prohibiting an individual from knowingly possessing any firearm while such person is in a school zone, which is defined as the area within a distance of 1,000 feet of a school. Such ordinance shall not apply to (i) an individual who is on private property, (ii) an individual who possesses a valid concealed handgun permit, (iii) a firearm that is unloaded and is either in a closed contained or a locked firearms rack in or upon a motor vehicle, (iv) an individual who possesses a firearm as part of the school's curriculum or activities or as part of a school-sponsored or school-authorized program, (v) an individual who possesses such firearm in accordance with a contract with the school, or (vi) a law-enforcement officer or armed security officer hired by a private or religious school. The penalty for an offense set forth in such ordinance shall not exceed a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 16, 2016
Title: Firearms; prohibits person in Terrorist Screening Database to purchase, etc.
Description: Sale, purchase, possession, and transport of firearms; Terrorist Screening Database. Prohibits a person who knows or has reason to know that he is in the federal Terrorist Screening Database of the Terrorist Screening Center administered by the FBI (the Database) from purchasing, possessing, or transporting a firearm. The bill disqualifies any person in the Database from obtaining a concealed handgun permit. The bill prohibits selling firearms to any person in the Database and requires dealers to obtain a Database check before transferring a firearm. The bill requires State Police to consult with the Terrorist Screening Center to determine if a potential firearm purchaser is in the Database. A second enactment clause provides that the bill will not go into effect unless the U.S. Department of Justice approves the policies and procedures set out in the bill.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 16, 2016
Title: Concealed handguns; revocation of permit.
Description: Revocation of concealed handgun permit; alcohol or illegal drugs. Makes optional, and conditioned on a determination that the violation demonstrates a reckless disregard for safety, the court's revocation of a person's concealed handgun permit upon conviction of carrying a handgun in a public place while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs. Under current law, revocation of such convicted person's permit is mandatory. The bill provides that only if such convicted person's permit is revoked by the court is the convicted person ineligible to apply for a concealed handgun permit for five years.
Last Action: Left in Courts of Justice
Last Action Date: February 16, 2016
Title: Carrying a concealed handgun; permit not required.
Description: Carrying a concealed handgun; exception. Allows any person who regardless of having met the demonstration of competence requirement is otherwise qualified to obtain a concealed handgun permit to carry a handgun concealed in any place where such person could openly carry a handgun.
Last Action: Stricken from docket by Courts of Justice by voice vote
Last Action Date: February 10, 2016
Title: Transfer of firearms; criminal history record information check, penalties.
Description: Transfer of firearms; criminal history record information check; penalties. Adds a definition of "firearms show vendor" or "vendor" and requires that a criminal history record information check be performed on the prospective transferee before the vendor may transfer firearms at a gun show. Under current law, only licensed dealers must obtain such a check. The bill also requires that the promoter of a firearms show provide vendors access to licensed dealers who will conduct the criminal history record information check.
Last Action: Stricken from docket by Militia, Police and Public Safety by voice vote
Last Action Date: January 29, 2016
Title: Brandishing a firearm; intent to induce fear, etc., penalty.
Description: Brandishing a firearm; intent; penalty. Requires that a person pointing, holding, or brandishing a firearm or similar weapons must have the intent to induce fear in the mind of another or know or reasonably should know that his conduct would induce such fear in order to be convicted of the crime of brandishing. Currently, the perpetrator's intent is not an element of the offense in the statute.
Last Action: Requires 67 afirmative votes to override Governor's veto
Last Action Date: April 20, 2016
Title: General Services, Department of; regulation of firearms.
Description: Department of General Services; regulation of firearms. Provides that, unless expressly authorized by statute, the Department of General Services shall not adopt or enforce any rule, regulation, or policy precluding the possession of a concealed handgun by a person with a valid concealed handgun permit. The bill likewise provides that no department, agency, or institution of the Commonwealth occupying property in the charge of the Department's Division of Engineering and Buildings shall adopt any similar prohibition. Finally, the bill invalidates the provisions of Executive Order 50, which prohibits the carrying of firearms in buildings occupied by executive branch agencies, and any regulations adopted to implement Executive Order 50.
Last Action: Incorporated by Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: January 29, 2016
Title: Transfer of firearms; criminal history record information check, penalties.
Description: Transfer of firearms; criminal history record information check; penalties. Adds a definition of "firearms show vendor" or "vendor" and requires that a criminal history record information check be performed on the prospective transferee before the vendor may transfer firearms at a gun show. Under current law, only licensed dealers must obtain such a check. The bill also requires that the promoter of a firearms show provide vendors access to licensed dealers who will conduct the criminal history record information check.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 16, 2016
Title: Temporary detention order; voluntary admission.
Description: Temporary detention order; voluntary admission. Provides that a magistrate shall issue a temporary detention order if a person (i) has a mental illness and there exists a substantial likelihood in the near future that he will cause serious harm to himself or others or suffer serious harm due to his lack of capacity to protect himself or provide for his basic needs and (ii) is in need of hospitalization or treatment, regardless of whether the person is willing and capable of volunteering for hospitalization or treatment. Currently, a temporary detention order cannot be issued if a person volunteers for hospitalization or treatment. If the person accepts voluntary admission, the bill provides that the temporary detention order will be deemed to have expired at that time and no commitment hearing need be held.
Last Action: Left in Courts of Justice
Last Action Date: February 16, 2016
Title: Concealed handgun permit; demonstration of competence.
Description: Concealed handgun permit; demonstration of competence. Removes the option for concealed handgun permit applicants to demonstrate competence with a handgun by completing an electronic, video, or online course conducted by a state-certified or National Rifle Association-certified firearms instructor. The bill does not affect any in person means of satisfying the requirement to demonstrate competence with a handgun under current law.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 16, 2016
Title: Transfer of firearms; criminal history record information check, penalties.
Description: Transfer of firearms; criminal history record information check; penalties. Adds a definition of "firearms show vendor" or "vendor" and requires that a criminal history record information check be performed on the prospective transferee before the vendor may transfer firearms at a gun show. Under current law, only licensed dealers must obtain such a check. The bill also requires that the promoter of a firearms show provide vendors access to licensed dealers who will conduct the criminal history record information check.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 16, 2016
Title: Protective orders; possession of firearms; penalty.
Description: Protective orders; possession of firearms; penalty. Prohibits a person who is subject to a protective order from possessing a firearm, punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor for a first or second offense and a Class 6 felony for a third or subsequent offense. Currently, such person is prohibited only from purchasing or transporting a firearm.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 16, 2016
Title: Concealed handguns; possession by females on campus.
Description: Possession of concealed handguns; females at public institutions of higher education. Prohibits public institutions of higher education from adopting or enforcing any rules prohibiting a female who possess a valid Virginia concealed handgun permit from carrying a concealed handgun on campus.
Last Action: Stricken from docket by Courts of Justice by voice vote
Last Action Date: February 10, 2016
Title: Concealed handguns; carrying with a valid protective order.
Description: Carrying concealed handguns; protective orders. Authorizes any person 21 years of age or older who is not prohibited from purchasing, possessing, or transporting a firearm and is protected by an unexpired protective order to carry a concealed handgun for 45 days after the protective order was issued. The bill provides that if the person issued the protective order applies for a concealed handgun permit during such 45-day period, such person will be authorized to carry a concealed handgun for an additional 45 days and be given a copy of the certified application, which shall serve as a de facto concealed handgun permit. The bill requires such person to have the order or certified application and photo identification on his person when carrying a concealed handgun and to display them upon demand by a law-enforcement officer; failure to do so is punishable by a $25 civil penalty.
Last Action: Governor: Vetoed by Governor
Last Action Date: April 7, 2016
Title: Victims of domestic violence, etc.; firearms safety or training course.
Description: Victims of domestic violence, etc.; firearms safety or training course. Provides that the Department of Criminal Justice Services may distribute funds from the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Victim Fund to reimburse an entity that offers a firearms safety or training course or class approved by the Department free of charge to victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse, stalking, and family abuse. The bill also requires that, upon the issuance of a protective order, the petitioner for the order be provided with a list of such approved courses or classes.
Last Action: Continued to 2017 in Finance (15-Y 0-N)
Last Action Date: March 2, 2016
Title: Victims of domestic violence, etc.; firearms safety or training course.
Description: Victims of domestic violence, etc.; firearms safety or training course. Provides that the Department of Criminal Justice Services may distribute funds from the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Victim Fund to reimburse an entity that offers a firearms safety or training course or class approved by the Department free of charge to victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse, stalking, and family abuse. The bill also requires that, upon the issuance of a protective order, the petitioner for the order be provided with a list of such approved courses or classes.
Last Action: Left in Finance
Last Action Date: December 2, 2016
Title: Firearms; pointing, holding, or brandishing in presence of a law-enforcement officer, penalty.
Description: Brandishing a firearm; law-enforcement officer; penalty. Provides for a six-month mandatory minimum sentence upon conviction of a person for pointing, holding, or brandishing a firearm or similar weapon at someone who the person knows or has reason to know is a law-enforcement officer in such manner as to reasonably induce fear in the mind of another.
Last Action: Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice (9-Y 0-N)
Last Action Date: February 24, 2016
Title: Firearms; possession by persons adjudicated delinquent, military service exception.
Description: Possession of firearms by persons adjudicated delinquent; military service exception. Provides that an individual who was adjudicated delinquent when 14 years of age or older of a delinquent act that would be a felony if committed by an adult and has completed a term of enlistment of no less than two years in the Armed Forces of the United States and, if such person has been discharged from the Armed Forces of the United States, received an honorable discharge is not disqualified from obtaining a concealed handgun permit and may possess or transport any firearm or ammunition for a firearm, any stun weapon, or any explosive material. Under current law, such an individual would be eligible to apply for a concealed handgun permit and to possess a firearm at age 29. The bill does not apply to individuals adjudicated delinquent of certain serious felonies.
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0337)
Last Action Date: March 11, 2016
Title: Firearms; person to report loss or theft to any local law-enforcement agency or VSP.
Description: Reporting lost or stolen firearms; penalty. Requires a person who lawfully possesses a firearm to report the loss or theft of the firearm to any local law-enforcement agency or the Department of State Police within 14 days of when the loss or theft was discovered. The bill requires the relevant law-enforcement agency to enter the report information in the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). A violation is punishable by a $50 civil penalty for a first offense and a civil penalty of not less than $100 or more than $250 for any subsequent offense. The bill provides that a person who, in good faith, reports the loss or theft will be immune from criminal or civil liability for acts or omissions that result from such loss or theft and the immunity does not apply to a person who makes a false report. The bill does not apply to the loss or theft of an antique firearm.
Last Action: Left in Courts of Justice
Last Action Date: February 16, 2016
Title: Firearms; selling, bartering, etc., to persons not lawfully present in United States, penalty.
Description: Sale of firearms; persons not lawfully present in United States; penalty. Provides that the crime of selling, bartering, giving, or furnishing or possessing with the intent to sell, barter, give, or furnish a firearm to a person knowing that such person is prohibited from possessing or transporting a firearm because he is not lawfully present in the United States applies to assault firearms.
Last Action: Continued to 2017 in Finance (15-Y 0-N)
Last Action Date: March 2, 2016
Title: Firearms; selling, bartering, etc., to persons not lawfully present in United States, penalty.
Description: Sale of firearms; persons not lawfully present in United States; penalty. Provides that the crime of selling, bartering, giving, or furnishing or possessing with the intent to sell, barter, give, or furnish a firearm to a person knowing that such person is prohibited from possessing or transporting a firearm because he is not lawfully present in the United States applies to assault firearms.
Last Action: Left in Finance
Last Action Date: December 2, 2016
Title: Assault weapon; transfer of firearm, proof of citizenship.
Description: Transfer of assault weapon; proof of citizenship. Makes consistent the type of identification and other documentation that a purchaser of a firearm must present when purchasing any type of firearm from a licensed dealer by removing the additional requirement for the purchase of an assault weapon that a person who purchases such a weapon must present proof of citizenship. The bill does not alter the provisions prohibiting the sale of assault firearms to noncitizens or persons who have not been lawfully admitted for permanent residence.
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0697)
Last Action Date: April 4, 2016
Title: Possession of handguns by members of the Virginia National Guard.
Description: Possession of handguns by members of the Virginia National Guard. Allows a member of the Virginia National Guard to possess a concealed handgun at National Guard facilities and facilities under contract with the National Guard if such member has a valid concealed handgun permit. The bill also provides that the member's commanding officer may prohibit the member from possessing a concealed handgun while participating in any training or other exercises where the commanding officer reasonably determines that such possession would interfere with the conduct of such training or other exercises.
Last Action: Stricken from docket by Militia, Police and Public Safety by voice vote
Last Action Date: January 29, 2016
Title: Firearms; buyers or transferee, criminal history record check delay.
Description: Transfer of firearms; criminal history record check delay. Increases from the end of the next business day to within five business days the time in which State Police must advise a dealer if its records indicate that a firearms buyer or transferee is prohibited from possessing or transporting a firearm and the time after which a dealer may complete the sale or transfer without a response from the State Police The bill removes the option in current law that a dealer who is advised by the State Police that a response will not be available within the required timeframe may immediately complete the sale or transfer.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 16, 2016
Title: Transfer of handguns; permit required, penalties.
Description: Transfer of handguns; permit required; penalties. Requires the Department of State Police to establish procedures for issuing handgun transfer permits and provides that a person who willfully and intentionally transfers a firearm to a person without a permit is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. The bill provides exceptions to this requirement, including an exemption for dealers who obtain a background check. The bill provides that any person who displays a handgun transfer permit that has been revoked or suspended knowing that such permit has been revoked or suspended is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. In order for the bill to become effective, the U.S. Department of Justice must approve the policies and procedures that the Department of State Police will use to implement the provisions of the bill.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 16, 2016
Title: Concealed handgun permit; eliminates proof of competence.
Description: Concealed handgun permit; proof of competence. Eliminates as proof of demonstrated competence with a handgun completing any firearms training or safety course or class, including an electronic, video, or online course, conducted by a state-certified or National Rifle Association-certified firearms instructor.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 16, 2016
Title: Firearm or pneumatic gun; allowing access by children age four or younger, penalty.
Description: Firearms; access by children; penalty.Provides that it is a Class 1 misdemeanor to knowingly authorize a child age four or younger to use a firearm or pneumatic gun.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 16, 2016
Title: Firearms magazines, certain; prohibition of sale, transfer, etc., prohibited, penalty.
Description: Prohibition of sale, transfer, etc., of certain firearms magazines; fine. Provides that any person, corporation, or other entity that manufactures, imports, possesses, purchases, sells, or transfers any large capacity magazine shall be subject to a $250 fine. The bill provides exceptions to the prohibition. The bill provides that a registrant is limited to three large capacity magazines and must otherwise dispose of all magazines in excess of the limit. The bill requires the Department of State Police to provide a means to register a large capacity magazine and, at the time of registration, to permanently mark such magazine for the purpose of identification and maintain records regarding such identification information. Finally, the bill provides that any large capacity magazine that is possessed in violation of law is subject to forfeiture to the Commonwealth.
Last Action: Stricken from docket by Militia, Police and Public Safety by voice vote
Last Action Date: January 29, 2016
Title: Online firearm sale; criminal history record information check, penalties.
Description: Online firearm sale; criminal history record information check; penalties. Requires a background check for any firearm transfer that is arranged through a public Internet-based communication and requires the Department of State Police to establish a process for transferors to obtain such a check from licensed firearms dealers. A transferor who fails to obtain a required background check and sells the firearm to another person is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. The bill prohibits a person from placing any advertisement knowing the purpose of the advertisement is to sell or transfer a firearm through a public Internet-based communication and provides that placing such an advertisement is punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor. The bill exempts transfers or sales between immediate family members.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 16, 2016
Title: Terrorist Screening Database; check of Database required prior to purchasing firearm from dealer.
Description: Sale of firearms; Terrorist Screening Database. Requires a check of the Terrorist Screening Database (Database) prior to purchasing a firearm from a dealer. The bill requires the State Police to consult with the Terrorist Screening Center to determine if a potential firearms purchaser is in the Database. A person whose name is in the Database will be disqualified from purchasing a firearm. The bill provides that the Superintendent of State Police may, in consultation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, authorize a sale or transfer to a prospective buyer or transferee who is found to be in the Database if (i) said buyer or transferee is the subject of an active state or federal investigation, (ii) it is determined that denying the sale or transfer would compromise the integrity of such investigation, and (iii) such buyer or transferee is under surveillance by a state or federal law-enforcement agency. A second enactment clause provides that the bill will not go into effect unless the U.S. Department of Justice approves the policies and procedures set out in the bill.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 16, 2016
Title: Firearms; removal from persons posing substantial risk, penalties.
Description: Firearms; removal from persons posing substantial risk; penalties. Creates a procedure by which an attorney for the Commonwealth or law-enforcement officer may apply to a circuit court judge for a warrant to remove firearms from a person who poses a substantial risk of injury to himself or others. If firearms are seized pursuant to such warrant, the bill requires a court hearing within 14 days from execution of the warrant to determine whether the firearms should be returned or retained by law enforcement. Seized firearms may be retained by court order for up to 180 days or, with court approval, may be transferred to a third party chosen by the person from whom they were seized. Persons who have been served with a warrant to remove firearms or who are the subject of an order to retain firearms are disqualified from having a concealed handgun permit or purchasing a firearm from a licensed dealer and may not be employed by a licensed firearms dealer. The bill also provides that a person who transfers a firearm to a person whom he knows has been served with a warrant or who is the subject of an order is guilty of a Class 6 felony.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 16, 2016
Title: Firearms show; list of vendors or exhibitors submitted to State Police.
Description: Firearms show; State Police list of vendors or exhibitors. Requires a promoter of a firearms show to include in the list of vendors or exhibitors it is required to submit to State Police information regarding whether a vendor or exhibitor sold or transferred a firearm. The bill removes the exemption from the creation of such list and the promotor notice requirement for towns with a population of not less than 1,995 and not more than 2,010, according to the 1990 United States census.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 16, 2016
Title: Foster care homes; firearm storage on premises.
Description: Foster care homes; firearm storage. Authorizes a person in lawful possession of a firearm, ammunition, or components or combination thereof to store such items on the premises of a foster care home in a locked container, compartment, or cabinet with safety mechanisms activated. The bill provides that any person residing on the premises of a foster care home may lawfully carry a firearm in the presence of a child placed in foster care provided that such person is off the premises of the foster care home. The bill does not apply to persons residing in a licensed or approved foster care home in which no child in foster care is currently placed.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 16, 2016
Title: Protective order; violation of order, possession of a firearm or other deadly weapon, penalty.
Description: Violation of protective order; firearm or other deadly weapon; penalty. Provides that any person who violates a protective order with which he has been served while knowingly armed with a firearm or other deadly weapon is guilty of a Class 6 felony.
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0585)
Last Action Date: March 29, 2016
Title: Firearms; regulation by state entities prohibited.
Description: Regulation of firearms by state entities. Prohibits any state entity from adopting or enforcing any rule, regulation, policy, or administrative action governing the purchase, possession, transfer, ownership, carrying, storage, or transporting of firearms, ammunition, or components or combinations thereof unless expressly authorized by statute. The bill invalidates any such rule, regulation, policy, or administrative action adopted by a state entity prior to July 1, 2016. The bill does not prohibit a law-enforcement officer from acting within the scope of his duties, nor does it apply to the Department of Corrections, Department of Juvenile Justice, Department of State Police, Virginia National Guard, Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, Department of Social Services, Virginia Port Authority, Office of the State Inspector General, Department of Forensic Science, Virginia Indigent Defense Commission, each office of an attorney for the Commonwealth, or any institution of higher education. The bill allows entities to adopt or enforce rules or regulations necessary for compliance with the Fire Prevention Code or necessary for the operation of Reserve Officer Training Corps programs. The bill expressly authorizes the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries to create certain regulations governing the possession, carrying, transportation, and storage of firearms, ammunition, or components or combinations thereof.
Last Action: Requires 67 afirmative votes to override Governor's veto
Last Action Date: April 20, 2016
Title: Firearms; possession or transportation following certain convictions.
Description: Possession or transportation of firearms following convictions for certain misdemeanor crimes; penalty. Prohibits a person who has been convicted of misdemeanor sexual battery or assault and battery where the victim is a family or household member from possessing or transporting a firearm. A person who violates this provision is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 16, 2016
Title: Concealed handgun permit; reciprocity, report.
Description: Concealed handgun permit reciprocity; report. Provides that any agreement for reciprocal recognition of concealed handgun or concealed weapons permits or licenses that was valid as of December 1, 2015, shall be valid until June 1, 2017. The bill requires the Crime Commission to submit a report to the General Assembly by December 1, 2016, regarding the requirements and qualifications for receiving a concealed weapons permit in Virginia as compared to other states.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 16, 2016
Title: Concealed handgun permit; application; disqualification.
Description: Concealed handgun permit; application; disqualification. Adds family members who reside with or have resided with the applicant for a concealed handgun permit to the persons whose statements that the applicant is likely to use a weapon unlawfully or negligently to endanger others may be submitted to the court. Under current law sheriffs, police chiefs, and the attorney for the Commonwealth may submit such statements. If the court finds an individual disqualified for a concealed handgun permit based on such statements, the individual may not reapply for five years and must include with his application documentation as to why he is no longer likely to use a weapon unlawfully or negligently to endanger others.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 16, 2016
Title: Concealed handgun permits; recognition of out-of-state permits.
Description: Recognition of out-of-state concealed handgun permits; photo identification. Provides that the holder of an out-of-state concealed handgun permit who is at least 21 years of age is authorized to carry a concealed handgun in Virginia if (i) the other state has a 24-hour-a-day means of verification of the validity of the permits issued in that state, if available; (ii) the person carries a government-issued photo identification and displays it upon demand of a law-enforcement officer; and (iii) the person has not previously had a Virginia concealed handgun permit revoked. The bill requires the Superintendent of State Police (Superintendent) to enter into agreements for reciprocal recognition with other states that require an agreement to be in place before the state will recognize a Virginia concealed handgun permit as valid in the state. The bill provides that if the Superintendent determines that another state requires the Attorney General to execute or formally approve such agreement, the Attorney General will execute or approve such agreement within 30 days of written notification by the Superintendent that the Attorney General is required to execute or approve such agreement. Current law recognizes concealed handgun permits issued by states that (a) provide a 24-hour-a-day means of verification of the validity of the permits issued in that state and (b) have requirements and qualifications that are adequate to prevent possession of a permit by persons who would be denied a permit in Virginia. In addition, the bill requires the Superintendent, within 60 days of the effective date of the bill, to enter into agreements for reciprocal recognition of concealed handgun permits or licenses with other states where agreements were in existence on December 1, 2015.
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0047)
Last Action Date: February 26, 2016
Title: School resource officers; prohibits possession of firearms and other weapons, penalty.
Description: School resource officers; possession of firearms and other weapons; penalty. Prohibits school resource officers from possessing firearms, stun weapons, knives, and certain other weapons on school property, school buses, or public property being used exclusively for school-sponsored functions or extracurricular activities.
Last Action: Stricken from docket by Militia, Police and Public Safety by voice vote
Last Action Date: January 29, 2016
Title: Concealed handgun permits; reciprocity.
Description: Concealed handgun permits; reciprocity. Provides that the Superintendent of State Police shall continue to recognize any valid concealed handgun or concealed weapon permit or license issued by another state where such state's permit or license was, as of November 1, 2015, recognized by the Superintendent of State Police as authorizing the holder of such permit or license to carry a concealed handgun in the Commonwealth. The bill also requires the Superintendent to attempt to reestablish reciprocal recognition of concealed handgun permits with any state where reciprocity may have been lost and report on his efforts to the Clerks of the House and Senate.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 16, 2016
Title: Gun safes; establishes an exemption from retail sales tax.
Description: Sales tax exemption; gun safes. Establishes an exemption from retail sales tax for the purchase of a gun safe with a selling price of $1,000 or less. The bill defines a gun safe as a safe or vault that is (i) commercially available, (ii) secured with a digital or dial combination locking mechanism or biometric locking mechanism, and (iii) designed for the storage of a firearm or for ammunition for use in a firearm. Under the bill a gun safe does not include a glass-faced cabinet.
Last Action: Continued to 2017 in Finance by voice vote
Last Action Date: February 15, 2016
Title: Gun safes; establishes an exemption from retail sales tax.
Description: Sales tax exemption; gun safes. Establishes an exemption from retail sales tax for the purchase of a gun safe with a selling price of $1,000 or less. The bill defines a gun safe as a safe or vault that is (i) commercially available, (ii) secured with a digital or dial combination locking mechanism or biometric locking mechanism, and (iii) designed for the storage of a firearm or for ammunition for use in a firearm. Under the bill a gun safe does not include a glass-faced cabinet.
Last Action: Left in Finance
Last Action Date: December 1, 2016
Title: Law enforcement, local and State Police; enforcement of executive actions or orders.
Description: Local law enforcement and State Police; enforcement of executive actions or orders. Prohibits local law enforcement or the Department of State Police from cooperating with a federal agency through the furnishing of police services for the purpose of enforcing an executive action or order related to firearms, ammunition, or components or combination thereof that has not been made law by an act of Congress.
Last Action: Left in Appropriations
Last Action Date: February 18, 2016
Title: School security officers; carrying a firearm.
Description: School security officers; carrying a firearm. Authorizes a school security officer to carry a firearm in the performance of his duties if he is a retired law-enforcement officer who meets the firearms training standards for active law-enforcement officers, the local school board grants him the authority to carry a firearm in the performance of his duties, and he is not otherwise prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a firearm.
Last Action: Requires 67 afirmative votes to override Governor's veto
Last Action Date: April 20, 2016
Title: Concealed weapons; exemption for certain retired officers from prohibition to carry.
Description: Carrying concealed weapons; exception for certain retired officers. Decreases from 15 to 10 the number of years of service required for certain retired officers to be exempt from the prohibition on carrying a concealed weapon.
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text reprinted (CHAP0421)
Last Action Date: March 11, 2016
Title: Concealed handguns; protective orders, surrender of firearms, penalty.
Description: Concealed handguns; protective orders; surrender of firearms; penalty. Provides that a person who is protected by a protective order may request that the order include as a condition either (i) that such person be permitted to carry a concealed handgun or (ii) that the person who is subject to the order surrender any firearms in his possession to law enforcement. If the person protected by the order chooses to carry a concealed handgun, the bill authorizes such person to do so for a period of 45 days after the order was issued or until the order expires, whichever occurs first. The bill also provides that if such person applies for a concealed handgun permit during such 45-day period, such person will be authorized to carry a concealed handgun for an additional 45 days and be given a copy of the certified application, which shall serve as a de facto concealed handgun permit. The bill requires such person to have the order or certified application and photo identification on his person when carrying a concealed handgun and to display them upon demand by a law-enforcement officer; failure to do so is punishable by a $25 civil penalty. If the person protected by the order chooses to require that the person who is subject to the order surrender any firearms, the bill provides that the person who is subject to a protective order must surrender any firearm possessed by him to the law-enforcement agency for the locality in which such person resides within 24 hours of being served with the protective order. The bill requires the law-enforcement agency to prepare a written receipt, which shall be signed by the person surrendering the firearm, containing the name of the person, the date on which the firearm was surrendered, and the manufacturer, model, and serial number of the firearm and to provide a copy of the receipt to the person. The bill provides further that the person may present the copy of the receipt to the law-enforcement agency upon the expiration of the protective order, and the law-enforcement agency shall then return the firearm. The failure to surrender a firearm is punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Last Action: Stricken from docket by Militia, Police and Public Safety by voice vote
Last Action Date: January 29, 2016
Title: Localities; regulation of firearms in government buildings.
Description: Localities; regulation of firearms in government buildings. Allows localities to regulate the possession of firearms, ammunition, or components or combination thereof in or the carrying of firearms, ammunition, or components or combination thereof into any building owned or used by such locality for governmental purposes. Current law prohibits localities from adopting or enforcing any ordinance, resolution, or motion regarding firearms, ammunition, or components or combination thereof unless expressly authorized by statute.
Last Action: Stricken from docket by Militia, Police and Public Safety by voice vote
Last Action Date: January 29, 2016
Title: Firearms shows; voluntary background checks by Department of State Police.
Description: Firearms shows; voluntary background checks; penalties. Requires the Department of State Police to be available to perform background checks for non-dealer sales at firearms shows if requested by a party involved in a transaction. The promoter of the firearms show shall furnish the Department of State Police sufficient facilities to perform the background checks. In order for the bill to become effective, the U.S. Department of Justice must approve the policies and procedures that the Department of State Police will use to implement the provisions of the bill.
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0045)
Last Action Date: February 26, 2016
Title: Protective orders; possession of firearms, penalty.
Description: Protective orders; possession of firearms; penalty. Provides that it is a Class 6 felony for a person who is subject to a permanent protective order (i.e., a protective order with a maximum duration of two years) for family abuse to possess a firearm while the order is in effect. The bill also provides that such person may continue to possess and transport a firearm for 24 hours after being served with the order for the purposes of selling or transferring the firearm to another person. Under current law, it is a Class 1 misdemeanor for a person subject to a protective order to purchase or transport a firearm.
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0048)
Last Action Date: February 26, 2016
Title: School security officers; carrying a firearm in performance of duties.
Description: School security officers; carrying a firearm in performance of duties. Authorizes a school security officer to carry a firearm in the performance of his duties if (i) within 10 years immediately prior to being hired by the local school board he was an active law-enforcement officer in the Commonwealth; (ii) he retired or resigned from his position as a law-enforcement officer in good standing; (iii) he meets the training and qualifications to carry a concealed handgun as a retired law-enforcement officer; (iv) he has met the additional training and certification requirements of the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS); (v) the local school board solicits input from the chief law-enforcement officer of the locality regarding the qualifications of the school security officer and receives verification from such chief law-enforcement officer that the school security officer is not prohibited by state or federal law from possessing, purchasing, or transporting a firearm; and (vi) the local school board grants him the authority to carry a firearm in the performance of his duties. The bill requires DCJS to establish additional firearms training and certification requirements for school security officers who carry a firearm in the performance of their duties. Existing law requires DCJS to establish minimum training and certification requirements for school security officers.
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0311)
Last Action Date: March 13, 2017
Title: Firearms; restoration of right to person convicted of a nonviolent felony to possess, etc.
Description: Restoration of right to possess, etc., a firearm. Provides that a person convicted of a felony, other than a violent felony, whose civil rights have been restored is not required to petition a circuit court for an order to possess, transport, or carry a firearm, ammunition for a firearm, or a stun weapon. The bill provides that such person's right to possess, transport, or carry such items is automatically restored upon the restoration of his civil rights. The bill has an effective date of January 1, 2019, contingent upon voter approval of amendments to Article II, Section 1 and Article V, Section 12 of the Constitution of Virginia at the November 2018 general election.
Last Action: Left in Courts of Justice
Last Action Date: February 7, 2017
Title: Firearms; libraries owned or operated by localities.
Description: Control of firearms; libraries owned or operated by localities. Allows a locality to adopt an ordinance that prohibits firearms, ammunition, or components or a combination thereof in libraries owned or operated by the locality.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 7, 2017
Title: Switchblade knife; exception to carry concealed.
Description: Carrying a switchblade knife; exception. Authorizes Carrying a switchblade knife; exception. Authorizes any person to carry a switchblade knife concealed when such knife is carried for the purpose of engaging in a lawful profession or lawful recreational activity the performance of which is aided by the use of a switchblade knife. The bill removes switchblade knives from the list of weapons the selling, bartering, giving, or furnishing of which is a Class 4 misdemeanor.
Last Action: Governor: Governor's Action Deadline Midnight, February 20, 2017
Last Action Date: February 13, 2017
Title: Law enforcement, local; fees for concealed handgun permits, courthouse and courtroom security.
Description: Local law enforcement; fees for concealed handgun permits; courthouse and courtroom security; assessment. Eliminates (i) the fee, under current law up to $35, that a local law-enforcement agency is permitted to charge for conducting the background investigation for a concealed handgun permit and (ii) the requirement that the local law-enforcement agency forward to the State Police any amount assessed by the FBI for providing criminal history record information in the background investigation. The bill makes discretionary the current mandatory fee of up to $10 charged by the clerk for processing a concealed handgun permit application or issuing a permit. The bill increases from $10 to $20 the maximum amount, designated solely to fund courthouse and courtroom security, that a local governing body may assess against a convicted defendant as part of the costs in a criminal or traffic case in district or circuit court.
Last Action: Left in Appropriations
Last Action Date: February 8, 2017
Title: Concealed handgun permits; expiration notice.
Description: Renewal of concealed handgun permits; notice. Provides that if a clerk has an electronic system for the application for and issuance of concealed handgun permits and such system has the capability of sending electronic notices to a permit holder, the clerk shall send the permit holder an electronic email notice that the permit will expire at least 90 days prior to such expiration. The bill provides that such notice shall be sent only if the applicant provides his email or other electronic address on his permit application, which shall request but not require this information. The bill provides further that any failure to send or receive such notice does not extend the validity of the existing permit beyond its expiration date.
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0099)
Last Action Date: February 20, 2017
Title: Concealed handguns; authorization and training for persons designated to carry on school property.
Description: Authorization and training for persons designated to carry concealed handguns on school property. Permits a school board or an administrator of a private school to designate one or more employees of the school who may carry a concealed handgun on school property. Any person designated to carry a concealed handgun must be certified and trained by the Virginia Center for School and Campus Safety or the National Rifle Association in the storage, use, and handling of a concealed handgun. The bill also outlines the training requirements for designated persons to be established by the Department of Criminal Justice Services.
Last Action: Left in Education
Last Action Date: February 7, 2017
Title: Concealed handgun permits; age requirement for persons on active military duty.
Description: Concealed handgun permits; age requirement for persons on active military duty. Allows a person at least 18 years of age but less than 21 years of age to apply for a concealed handgun permit if he is on active military duty or has received an honorable discharge from the United States Armed Forces or the Virginia National Guard and has completed basic training as a part of his military service. The bill allows reciprocity under the same circumstances for a nonresident who carries a concealed handgun or weapons permit recognized in the Commonwealth. Current law requires that residents and nonresidents be at least 21 years of age to carry a concealed handgun.
Last Action: (67 affirmative votes required to override)
Last Action Date: April 5, 2017
Title: Prohibited public carrying of certain firearms; penalty.
Description: Prohibited public carrying of certain firearms; penalty. Prohibits the carrying of a loaded shotgun or rifle in places open to the public in certain cities and counties. Current law prohibits the carrying in such locations of certain loaded firearms with high capacity magazines, silencers, folding stock, or long ammunition or a loaded shotgun with a magazine that will hold more than seven rounds of the longest ammunition for which it is chambered. The bill adds the City of Roanoke to the list of cities in which the carrying of such firearms is prohibited.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 7, 2017
Title: Firearms; restricting access to children, Class 1 misdemeanor.
Description: Restricting access to firearms by children; mental state; penalty. Removes the requirement that conduct required for a conviction of unlawfully leaving a loaded, unsecured firearm in such a manner as to endanger the life or limb of any child under the age of 14 be reckless. The bill increases the penalty for such violation from a Class 3 misdemeanor to a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 7, 2017
Title: Handguns; limitation on purchases, penalty.
Description: Purchase of handguns; limitation on handgun purchases; penalty. Prohibits any person who is not a licensed firearms dealer from purchasing more than one handgun in a 30-day period and establishes such an offense as a Class 1 misdemeanor. The bill exempts from this provision (i) persons who have been issued a certificate by the Department of State Police under certain circumstances and with an enhanced background check, (ii) law-enforcement agencies and officers, (iii) state and local correctional facilities, (iv) licensed private security companies, (v) persons who hold a valid Virginia concealed handgun permit, (vi) persons whose handgun has been stolen or irretrievably lost or who are trading in a handgun, (vii) purchases of handguns in a private sale, and (viii) purchases of antique firearms.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 7, 2017
Title: Firearms; carrying in public while intoxicated, etc., penalty.
Description: Firearms; alcohol; penalties. Provides that it is a Class 1 misdemeanor for a person who is intoxicated or under the influence of illegal drugs to carry a loaded firearm on or about his person in a public place and that a person found guilty is ineligible to apply for a concealed handgun permit for a period of five years. Current law provides that such prohibition applies only to persons permitted to carry a concealed handgun. The bill also creates a Class 2 misdemeanor for a person who carries a loaded firearm on or about his person onto the premises of any restaurant or club licensed to sell and serve alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption and consumes an alcoholic beverage while on the premises. Current law provides that such prohibition applies only to those persons carrying a concealed handgun on such premises.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 7, 2017
Title: Law-enforcement immunity; storage of firearms.
Description: Law-enforcement immunity; storage of firearms. Shields from civil or criminal liability any law-enforcement agency or law-enforcement officer that stores, possesses, or transports a firearm with the consent of a person prohibited from possessing a firearm because he is subject to a protective order for any damage, deterioration, loss, or theft of such firearm. The bill does not require any law-enforcement agency or law-enforcement officer to take possession of any firearm.
Last Action: Left in Courts of Justice
Last Action Date: February 7, 2017
Title: Sales tax exemption; gun safes.
Description: Sales tax exemption; gun safes. Establishes an exemption from retail sales tax for the purchase of a gun safe with a selling price of $1,000 or less. The bill defines a gun safe as a safe or vault that is (i) commercially available, (ii) secured with a digital or dial combination locking mechanism or biometric locking mechanism, and (iii) designed for the storage of a firearm or ammunition for use in a firearm. Under the bill, a gun safe does not include a glass-faced cabinet.
Last Action: Assigned Finance sub: Subcommittee #3
Last Action Date: January 20, 2017
Title: Restoration of firearms rights; report to State Police.
Description: Restoration of firearms rights; report to State Police. Provides a mechanism for reporting to the Department of State Police when a circuit court restores a felon's right to possess, transport, and carry a firearm, ammunition for a firearm, or a stun weapon. The bill provides that if a court enters an order restoring a felon's right, the order shall contain the felon's name and date of birth and the clerk of the court shall certify and forward the restoration order to the Central Criminal Records Exchange (CCRE). The bill provides that the Department of State Police, upon receipt of the restoration order, shall enter the felon's name and description in the CCRE so that law-enforcement personnel accessing the CCRE will be aware of the order's existence.
Last Action: Left in Appropriations
Last Action Date: February 8, 2017
Title: Firearms; removal from persons posing substantial risk, penalties.
Description: Firearms; removal from persons posing substantial risk; penalties. Creates a procedure by which an attorney for the Commonwealth or law-enforcement officer may apply to a circuit court judge for a warrant to remove firearms from a person who poses a substantial risk of injury to himself or others. If firearms are seized pursuant to such warrant, the bill requires a court hearing within 14 days from execution of the warrant to determine whether the firearms should be returned or retained by law enforcement. Seized firearms may be retained by court order for up to 180 days or, with court approval, may be transferred to a third party chosen by the person from whom they were seized. Persons who have been served with a warrant to remove firearms until such warrant has been dissolved by a court or who are the subject of an order to retain firearms are disqualified from having a concealed handgun permit or purchasing a firearm from a licensed dealer and may not be employed by a licensed firearms dealer. The bill also provides that a person who transfers a firearm to a person he knows has been served with a warrant or who is the subject of an order is guilty of a Class 6 felony.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 7, 2017
Title: Firearms; criminal history record information check before transfer, penalties.
Description: Transfer of firearms; criminal history record information check; penalties. Requires that a criminal history record information check be performed on the prospective transferee before a vendor may transfer firearms at a gun show. A violation is a Class 6 felony. A definition of "vendor" is added. The bill also requires that the promoter of a firearms show post notice of the requirement for a criminal history record information check and provide vendors with access to licensed dealers who will conduct the criminal history record information check. The bill repeals a provision added by the 2016 Session of the General Assembly that requires the Department of State Police to be available to perform background checks for non-dealer sales at firearms shows if requested by a party involved in a transaction.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 7, 2017
Title: Purchase and transport of firearms; simple assault hate crime.
Description: Purchase and transport of firearms; simple assault hate crime. Prohibits persons convicted of simple assault or assault and battery when the victim was selected because of his race, religious conviction, color, or national origin from purchasing or transporting a firearm for five years following such conviction.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 7, 2017
Title: Firearms; felon sharing residence with person who legally possesses.
Description: Possession of firearms; shared residence. Exempts a person prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a felony conviction from such prohibition if he is in constructive possession of a firearm owned by another person by virtue of sharing a residence with such other person who lawfully possesses a firearm, provided that he is not in actual possession of the firearm.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 7, 2017
Title: Place of worship; carrying dangerous weapon personal protection.
Description: Dangerous weapon; place of worship; personal protection. Provides that the term "good and sufficient reason," as used in the exception to the prohibition on carrying dangerous weapons in a place of worship, includes personal protection. This bill codifies an opinion of the Attorney General (4/8/2011).
Last Action: Subcommittee recommends striking from docket by voice vote
Last Action Date: January 19, 2017
Title: Concealed handgun permit; permit requirements.
Description: Concealed handgun permit; permit requirements. Provides that a concealed handgun permit shall be of a size comparable to a Virginia driver's license and may be laminated or use a similar process to protect the permit. Current law requires that the permit be no larger than two inches wide by three and one-fourth inches long.
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0047)
Last Action Date: February 17, 2017
Title: Concealed handguns; protective orders.
Description: Carrying concealed handguns; protective orders. Authorizes any person 21 years of age or older who is not prohibited from purchasing, possessing, or transporting a firearm and is protected by an unexpired protective order to carry a concealed handgun for 45 days after the protective order was issued. The bill provides that if the person issued the protective order applies for a concealed handgun permit during such 45-day period, such person will be authorized to carry a concealed handgun for an additional 45 days and be given a copy of the certified application, which shall serve as a de facto concealed handgun permit. The bill requires such person to have the order or certified application and photo identification on his person when carrying a concealed handgun and to display them upon demand by a law-enforcement officer; failure to do so is punishable by a $25 civil penalty. This bill is identical to SB 1299.
Last Action: (67 affirmative votes required to override)
Last Action Date: April 5, 2017
Title: Victims of domestic violence, etc.; firearms safety or training course.
Description: Victims of domestic violence, etc.; firearms safety or training course. Creates the Virginia Firearms Safety and Training for Sexual and Domestic Violence Victims Fund. The bill provides that the Department of Criminal Justice Services may distribute funds from the Fund to reimburse an entity that offers a firearms safety or training course or class approved by the Department free of charge to victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse, stalking, or family abuse. The Department would not be permitted to issue reimbursements in excess of the amount available in the Fund. The bill also requires that, upon the issuance of a protective order, the petitioner for the order be provided with a list of such approved courses or classes. This bill is identical to SB 1300.
Last Action: (67 affirmative votes required to override)
Last Action Date: April 5, 2017
Title: Firearms; access by children; penalty.
Description: Firearms; access by children; penalty. Provides that it is a Class 1 misdemeanor to knowingly authorize a child age four or younger to use a firearm or pneumatic gun.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 7, 2017
Title: Firearms; transfer, criminal history record check delay.
Description: Transfer of firearms; criminal history record check delay. Increases from the end of the next business day to within five business days the time in which State Police must advise a dealer if its records indicate that a firearms buyer or transferee is prohibited from possessing or transporting a firearm and the time after which a dealer may complete the sale or transfer without a response from the State Police. The bill removes the option in current law that a dealer may immediately complete the sale or transfer if he is advised by the State Police that a response will not be available within the required timeframe.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 7, 2017
Title: Concealed handgun permit; disqualification, driving illegally after consumption of alcohol.
Description: Disqualification for a concealed handgun permit; persons under 21 driving after illegally consuming alcohol. Disqualifies a person convicted or adjudicated delinquent of driving after illegally consuming alcohol as a person under the age of 21 or adjudicated delinquent of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated within the three-year period immediately preceding the application from obtaining a concealed handgun permit. Current law disqualifies persons convicted of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated within the three-year period immediately preceding the application from obtaining a concealed handgun permit.
Last Action: Left in Courts of Justice
Last Action Date: February 7, 2017
Title: Marijuana; decriminalization of simple marijuana possession.
Description: Marijuana; decriminalization of simple marijuana possession. Decriminalizes marijuana possession and provides a civil penalty of no more than $250 for a first violation and $1,000 for a second or subsequent violation. Under current law, a first offense is punishable by a maximum fine of $500 and a maximum 30-day jail sentence, and subsequent offenses are a Class 1 misdemeanor. The bill creates a rebuttable presumption that a person who possesses no more than one-half ounce of marijuana possesses it for personal use and provides that the existing suspended sentence and substance abuse screening provisions apply only to criminal violations or to civil violations by a minor. The bill decreases the penalty for distribution or possession with intent to sell more than one-half but not more than five pounds of marijuana from a Class 5 felony to a Class 6 felony.
Last Action: Left in Courts of Justice
Last Action Date: February 7, 2017
Title: School security officers; authorized to carry a firearm.
Description: School security officers; carrying a firearm. Authorizes a school security officer to carry a firearm in the performance of his duties if he (i) is a retired law-enforcement officer; (ii) was an active law-enforcement officer in the Commonwealth of Virginia within the 10 years immediately prior to being hired by the local school board; (iii) annually participates in the same firearms training and testing and meets the training and qualification standards to carry firearms as is required of an active law-enforcement officer in the Commonwealth; (iv) is granted the authority to carry a firearm in the performance of his duties by the local school board; and (v) is not otherwise prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a firearm.
Last Action: Left in Education
Last Action Date: February 7, 2017
Title: Slingbow hunting; authorizes use to hunt small and big game.
Description: Slingbow hunting; license. Authorizes the use of a slingbow to hunt deer and small game when a hunter is licensed to hunt with a bow and arrow.
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0530)
Last Action Date: March 16, 2017
Title: Concealed handgun permits; age requirement for persons on active military duty.
Description: Concealed handgun permits; age requirement for persons on active military duty. Allows a person at least 18 years of age but less than 21 years of age to apply for a concealed handgun permit if he is on active military duty. The bill allows a nonresident at least 18 and years of age but less than 21 years of age who holds a concealed handgun or weapons permit recognized in the Commonwealth to carry a concealed handgun within the Commonwealth if he is on active military duty. Current law requires that persons be at least 21 years of age to carry a concealed handgun.
Last Action: Tabled in Militia, Police and Public Safety by voice vote
Last Action Date: January 27, 2017
Title: Protective orders; possession of firearms, felony.
Description: Protective orders; possession of firearms; felony. Provides that it is a Class 6 felony for a person who is subject to a permanent protective order (i.e., a protective order with a maximum duration of two years) for subjecting another person to an act of violence, force, or threat to possess a firearm while the order is in effect, which is equivalent to the existing penalty for possession of a firearm by a person subject to a permanent protective order for family abuse. The bill also provides that such person may continue to possess and transport a firearm for 24 hours after being served with the order for the purposes of selling or transferring the firearm to another person. The bill also requires that any person who is prohibited from possessing a firearm because he is subject to a permanent protective order certify in writing to the clerk of the court that issued the order within 48 hours after being served with the order that any firearm in his possession has been sold or transferred.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 7, 2017
Title: Emergency Services and Disaster Law of 2000; reference to firearms, emergency shelter.
Description: Emergency Services and Disaster Law of 2000; firearms; emergency shelter. Removes the authority of a governmental entity under the Emergency Services and Disaster Law of 2000 to limit lawful possession, carrying, transportation, sale, or transfer of firearms in any place or facility used by the governmental entity as an emergency shelter.
Last Action: House sustained Governor's veto
Last Action Date: April 5, 2017
Title: Firearms; selling, bartering, etc., to persons not lawfully present in United States, penalty.
Description: Sale of firearms; persons not lawfully present in United States; penalty. Provides that the crime of selling, bartering, giving, or furnishing or possessing with the intent to sell, barter, give, or furnish a firearm to a person knowing that such person is prohibited from possessing or transporting a firearm because he is not lawfully present in the United States also applies to selling, bartering, giving, or furnishing an assault firearm to a person prohibited from possessing or transporting an assault firearm because he is not lawfully admitted for permanent residence.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 7, 2017
Title: Localities; regulation of firearms in government buildings.
Description: Localities; regulation of firearms in government buildings. Allows localities to regulate the possession of firearms, ammunition, or components or combination thereof in, or the carrying of firearms, ammunition, or components or combination thereof into, any building owned or used by such locality for governmental purposes. Current law prohibits localities from adopting or enforcing any ordinance, resolution, or motion regarding firearms, ammunition, or components or combination thereof unless expressly authorized by statute.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 7, 2017
Title: Firearms, certain; possession by minors, parental permission, penalty.
Description: Relating to possession of certain firearms by minors; parental permission; penalty.Requires any minor who possesses certain firearms in the home or on the property of his parent, grandparent, or legal guardian to have prior permission from such parent, grandparent, or legal guardian.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 7, 2017
Title: Firearm transfers; criminal history record information checks required, penalty.
Description: Firearm transfers; criminal history record information checks; penalty. Requires a background check for any firearm transfer and requires the Department of State Police to establish a process for transferors to obtain such a check from licensed firearms dealers. A transferor who fails to obtain a required background check and sells the firearm to another person is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. The bill exempts transfers between immediate family members, transfers that occur by operation of law, transfers by the executor or administrator of an estate or by the trustee of a testamentary trust, and temporary transfers that occur in the presence of the owner of the firearm or are necessary to prevent imminent death or serious bodily injury. The bill removes the provision that makes background checks of prospective purchasers or transferees at firearms shows voluntary.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 7, 2017
Title: Firearms; civil liability for sale or transfer without a background check.
Description: Civil liability for sale or transfer of a firearm; background check. Provides that a person may be held civilly liable for injuries to person or property or wrongful death of another caused by a third party if it can be shown that the civil defendant sold or transferred a firearm to the person who committed the crime resulting in injury or death without obtaining a background check and verification that the transferee was not prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 7, 2017
Title: Firearm transfers; criminal history record information checks, penalty.
Description: Firearm transfers; criminal history record information checks; penalty. Requires a background check for any firearm transfer and requires the Department of State Police to establish a process for transferors to obtain such a check from licensed firearms dealers. A transferor who fails to obtain a required background check and sells the firearm to another person is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. The bill exempts transfers between immediate family members, transfers that occur by operation of law, transfers by the executor or administrator of an estate or by the trustee of a testamentary trust, and temporary transfers that (i) occur within the continuous presence of the owner of the firearm; (ii) are necessary to prevent imminent death or serious bodily injury; (iii) occur at a shooting range, shooting gallery, or other area designed for the purpose of target shooting, for use during target practice, a firearms safety or training course or class, a shooting competition, or any similar lawful activity; or (iv) are for the purpose of and while the transferee is engaged in hunting, trapping, or target shooting. The bill removes the provision that makes background checks of prospective purchasers or transferees at firearms shows voluntary.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 7, 2017
Title: Concealed handgun permits; fee for processing.
Description: Fees for concealed handgun permits. Makes the $10 fee that the clerk of court is now required to charge for processing a concealed handgun permit application or issuing a concealed handgun permit discretionary with the clerk.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 7, 2017
Title: Concealed handgun permits; age requirement for persons on active military duty.
Description: Concealed handgun permits; age requirement for persons on active military duty. Allows a person at least 18 years of age but less than 21 years of age to apply for a concealed handgun permit if he is on active military duty. The bill allows a nonresident at least 18 and years of age but less than 21 years of age who holds a concealed handgun or weapons permit recognized in the Commonwealth to carry a concealed handgun within the Commonwealth if he is on active military duty. Current law requires that persons be at least 21 years of age to carry a concealed handgun.
Last Action: Tabled in Militia, Police and Public Safety by voice vote
Last Action Date: January 27, 2017
Title: Concealed handgun; eligibility to carry openly within Commonwealth.
Description: Concealed handgun permits. 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 Appropriations
Last Action Date: February 8, 2017
Title: Retail establishments and restaurants; posting of signs relating to firearms policy.
Description: Retail establishments and restaurants; posting of signs relating to firearms policy. Provides that if a retail establishment or restaurant has a policy that permits the carrying of firearms onto the premises, the proprietor or other person in charge of the retail establishment or restaurant must post in an appropriate place, in a clear, conspicuous, and sufficient manner, a "Firearms Permitted" sign. The bill imposes a civil penalty of not more than $25 for failure to post such signs, to be paid into the Literary Fund.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 7, 2017
Title: Concealed handgun; retired conservation officers may carry.
Description: Carrying a concealed handgun; retired conservation officers. Adds conservation officers retired from the Department of Conservation and Recreation to the list of retired persons eligible to carry a concealed handgun without a permit. This bill is identical to SB 1465.
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0101)
Last Action Date: February 20, 2017
Title: Restricted firearm ammunition; use or attempted use in the commission of a felony, penalty.
Description: Restricted ammunition; use or attempted use in the commission of a felony; penalty. Removes the prohibition on use or attempted use of restricted firearm ammunition in any non-felony criminal offense. The bill expands the definition of restricted firearms ammunition to include "pinched tip" bullets and expands the exception to such definition to include certain ammunition with copper cores. The bill provides that if any ammunition has been approved by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for commercial sale, it is not restricted firearms ammunition.
Last Action: Left in Courts of Justice
Last Action Date: February 7, 2017
Title: Concealed handgun permit; application for permit requires photo identification.
Description: Application for a concealed handgun permit; photo identification. Requires applicants for a concealed handgun permit to present one valid form of government-issued photo identification issued by a governmental agency of the Commonwealth or by the U.S. Department of Defense or U.S. State Department (passport). The bill removes the requirement that the application be made under oath before a notary.
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0237)
Last Action Date: February 23, 2017
Title: Brandishing a firearm; intent to induce fear, etc., penalty.
Description: Brandishing a firearm; intent; penalty. Requires that a person pointing, holding, or brandishing a firearm or similar weapon must have the intent to induce fear in the mind of another or know or reasonably should know that his conduct would induce such fear in order to be convicted of the crime of brandishing. Currently, the perpetrator's intent is not an element of the offense in the statute.
Last Action: Stricken from docket by Courts of Justice by voice vote
Last Action Date: February 3, 2017
Title: Concealed handgun permit; change of address.
Description: Concealed handgun permit; change of address. Replaces the requirement that a concealed carry permit holder present proof of a new address with a requirement that the permit holder present written notice of the change of address on a form provided by the Department of State Police for a court to issue a replacement concealed handgun permit due to a change of address.
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0238)
Last Action Date: February 23, 2017
Title: Firearm transactions; voluntary background checks, clarification of provisions.
Description: Firearm transactions; voluntary background checks; clarification. Clarifies the provisions that apply to voluntary background checks performed at a firearms show by translating the Latin term of art mutatis mutandis into English.
Last Action: Stricken from docket by Militia, Police and Public Safety by voice vote
Last Action Date: January 27, 2017
Title: Income tax, state; tax credit for purchase of gun safe.
Description: Income tax credit; purchase of gun safe. Establishes an individual income tax credit beginning January 1, 2017, for the purchase of a gun safe. The credit would equal 50 percent of the purchase price paid for any gun safe with a selling price of $500 or less. The bill defines a gun safe as a safe or vault that is (i) commercially available, (ii) secured with a digital or dial combination locking mechanism or biometric locking mechanism, and (iii) designed for the storage of a firearm or ammunition for use in a firearm. An individual may not claim more than $100 in tax credits for all taxable years. The Department would be authorized to issue up to $250,000 in tax credits each year. The credit would expire on January 1, 2022.
Last Action: Stricken from docket by Finance by voice vote
Last Action Date: January 30, 2017
Title: Self-defense; limited immunity when reporting acts, penalties.
Description: Limited immunity when reporting acts of self-defense; Limited immunity when reporting acts of self-defense; penalties. Provides that no statements made by a person in a good faith effort to promptly report an incident involving the threatened or actual use of justifiable physical or deadly physical force may be used against that person in any civil or criminal proceeding. The bill also provides that any documents or reports regarding a statement made by a person in a good faith effort to promptly report an incident involving the threatened or actual use of justifiable physical or deadly physical force, in a good faith effort to obtain emergency medical or law enforcement assistance, shall not be released to the public or news media prior to its use in a trial involving such incident if it is reasonably expected that a trial involving such incident will occur. If it is not reasonably expected that a trial involving such incident will occur, the contents of the report may be released to the public or news media at the discretion of the attorney for the Commonwealth or with the consent of the person who made the statement. The bill also provides that any person who uses any statements made by a person in a good faith effort to promptly report an incident involving the threatened or actual use of justifiable physical or deadly physical force against him in a civil or criminal proceeding, or provides any documents that are not releasable to the public, is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor for the first offense, a Class 6 felony for a second
Last Action: Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
Last Action Date: January 19, 2017
Title: Concealed weapons; carrying of firearms by former attorneys for the Commonwealth, etc.
Description: Carrying concealed weapons; former attorneys for the Commonwealth and assistant attorneys for the Commonwealth. Exempts from the prohibition on carrying a concealed handgun a retired or resigned attorney for the Commonwealth or assistant attorney for the Commonwealth who (i) was not terminated for cause and served at least 10 years prior to his retirement or resignation; (ii) during the most recent 12-month period, has met, at his own expense, the standards for qualification in firearms training for active law-enforcement officers in the Commonwealth; (iii) carries with him written proof of consultation with and favorable review of the need to carry a concealed handgun issued by the attorney for the Commonwealth from whose office he retired or resigned; and (iv) meets the requirements of a "qualified retired law enforcement officer" pursuant to the federal Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2004 (18 U.S.C. § 926C). The bill provides that a retired or resigned attorney for the Commonwealth or assistant attorney for the Commonwealth who has received such proof of consultation and favorable review shall have the opportunity to annually participate, at his expense, in the same training and testing to carry firearms as is required of active law-enforcement officers in the Commonwealth.
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0689)
Last Action Date: March 24, 2017
Title: Firearms; purchase, possession, or transportation.
Description: Purchase, possession, or transportation of firearms; petition to restore right. Provides that any person who is not a resident of the Commonwealth and who is prohibited from purchasing, possessing, or transporting any firearm in the Commonwealth due to an acquittal by reason of insanity, being adjudicated mentally incompetent or incapacitated, or being involuntarily admitted or ordered to outpatient treatment may petition for the restoration of such rights in the general district court of the city or county in which the most recent of such proceedings occurred. Current law provides that a person so prohibited may petition for the restoration of such rights in the general district court of the city or county in which he resides.
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0516)
Last Action Date: March 16, 2017
Title: Handguns; all dealers who sell or transfer to also have personalized handguns available for sale.
Description: Sale of handguns; personalized handguns required. Requires all dealers who sell or transfer any handgun to also have personalized handguns available for sale. The bill defines "personalized handgun" as a handgun that incorporates within its design, and as part of its original manufacture, technology that automatically limits its operational use and that cannot be readily deactivated, so that it is capable of being fired only by an authorized or recognized user. The bill requires the Attorney General, in consultation with the Superintendent of State Police, to maintain a list of personalized handguns that are available for retail sales purposes. The bill exempts transactions between certain manufacturers, dealers, and collectors, purchases by law-enforcement agencies, and sales or transfers of antique firearms.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 7, 2017
Title: VWC; permits commissioners and deputy commissioners to carry a concealed weapon.
Description: Commissioners and deputy commissioners of the Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission; carrying a concealed weapon; carrying a weapon in a courthouse. Permits commissioners and deputy commissioners of the Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission to carry a concealed weapon wherever they may travel in the Commonwealth and exempts such persons from the prohibition on carrying firearms in a courthouse.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: February 7, 2017
Title: Alcoholic beverages; unlawful transport by persons who are under age 21, penalty.
Description: Unlawful transport of alcoholic beverages; penalty. Makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person to whom an alcoholic beverage may not lawfully be sold (persons who are under age 21, interdicted, or intoxicated) to knowingly transport alcoholic beverages. Under current law the purchase, possession, or consumption of alcohol by such persons is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Last Action: Stricken from Senate calendar (38-Y 2-N)
Last Action Date: March 10, 2016
Title: Concealed handgun; person may carry concealed without permit if otherwise eligible to obtain permit.
Description: Concealed handgun permits. 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: Chair votes No
Last Action Date: February 1, 2016
Title: Protective orders; possession of firearms, penalty.
Description: Protective orders; possession of firearms; penalty. Provides that it is a Class 6 felony for a person who is subject to a permanent protective order (i.e., a protective order with a maximum duration of two years) for family abuse to possess a firearm while the order is in effect. The bill also provides that such person may continue to possess and transport a firearm for 24 hours after being served with the order for the purposes of selling or transferring the firearm to another person. Under current law, it is a Class 1 misdemeanor for a person subject to a protective order to purchase or transport a firearm.
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0049)
Last Action Date: February 26, 2016
Title: Use of firearm in commission of crime; civil liability.
Description: Use of firearm in commission of crime; civil liability. Provides that a person may be held civilly liable for injury to the person or property of another or for wrongful death resulting from the use of a firearm in the commission of a crime if it can be shown by clear and convincing evidence that the firearm came into the possession of the person who committed the crime because of the failure of the civil defendant to adequately secure the firearm from theft or unauthorized possession.
Last Action: Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice (10-Y 4-N)
Last Action Date: January 20, 2016
Title: Protective orders; possession of firearms; penalty.
Description: Protective orders; possession of firearms; penalty. Prohibits a person who is subject to a protective order from possessing a firearm; currently, such person is only prohibited from purchasing or transporting a firearm. Such conduct is punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Last Action: Incorporated by Courts of Justice
Last Action Date: January 27, 2016
Title: Handguns; establishes limitation on purchases, penalty.
Description: Purchase of handguns; limitation on handgun purchases; penalty. Prohibits any person who is not a licensed firearms dealer from purchasing more than one handgun in a 30-day period and establishes such an offense as a Class 1 misdemeanor. The bill exempts from this provision (i) law-enforcement agencies and officers, (ii) state and local correctional facilities, (iii) licensed private security companies, (iv) persons who hold a valid Virginia concealed handgun permit, (v) persons whose handgun has been stolen or who are trading in a handgun, (vi) purchases of handguns in a private sale, and (vii) purchases of antique firearms.
Last Action: Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice (11-Y 3-N)
Last Action Date: January 27, 2016
Title: Concealed handgun permits; sharing of information.
Description: Concealed handgun permits; sharing of information. Provides that information on concealed handgun permittees in the Virginia Criminal Information Network shall not be shared with law enforcement in states that do not have reciprocity agreements with Virginia for the carrying of concealed handguns.
Last Action: Stricken from docket by Militia, Police and Public Safety by voice vote
Last Action Date: March 4, 2016
Title: Concealed handgun permits; reciprocity with other states.
Description: Concealed handgun permits; reciprocity. Requires the General Assembly, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, to determine whether states meet the statutory qualifications for Virginia to recognize the concealed handgun permit of a person from another state. Under current law, this function is performed by the Superintendent of State Police in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General. The bill also requires the Superintendent of State Police to enter into agreements for reciprocal recognition with any state that qualifies.
Last Action: Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety
Last Action Date: December 1, 2016
Title: Concealed handgun permits; reciprocity with other states.
Description: Concealed handgun permits; reciprocity. Requires the General Assembly, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, to determine whether states meet the statutory qualifications for Virginia to recognize the concealed handgun permit of a person from another state. Under current law, this function is performed by the Superintendent of State Police in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General. The bill also requires the Superintendent of State Police to enter into agreements for reciprocal recognition with any state that qualifies.
Last Action: Continued to 2017 in Militia, Police and Public Safety by voice vote
Last Action Date: February 26, 2016
Title: Firearms magazines, certain; prohibition of sale, transfer, etc., penalties.
Description: Prohibition of sale, transfer, etc., of certain firearms magazines; penalties. Prohibits any person from selling, bartering, or transferring a firearms magazine designed to hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition. A violation is a Class 1 misdemeanor. The bill prohibits a person from carrying semi-automatic center-fire firearms with more than 10 rounds of ammunition in a public place; under existing law this prohibition applies only in certain localities and only to such firearms if the firearm holds more than 20 rounds of ammunition. The bill redefines "assault firearm" in the Code section that prohibits noncitizens and persons not lawfully admitted for permanent residence from possessing assault firearms and in the Code section that prohibits dealers from transferring an assault firearm to such persons by reducing the number of rounds of ammunition that the magazine will hold from more than 20 to more than 10. Under current law a juvenile adjudicated delinquent of the unlawful use of a firearm loses his driving privileges for two years if the firearm is capable of holding 12 shotgun shells; the bill reduces that number to more than 10.
Last Action: Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice (11-Y 3-N)
Last Action Date: January 27, 2016
Title: Firearms, loaded; prohibits carrying certain firearms in public places, exception.
Description: Public places; loaded firearms. Prohibits the carrying of certain loaded firearms in public places. Concealed handgun permit holders, law-enforcement officers, licensed security guards, military personnel in the performance of their lawful duties, persons hunting, and persons at shooting ranges are exempt. The bill narrows the definition of a firearm and makes the prohibition, which previously applied only to certain localities, apply statewide.
Last Action: Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice (10-Y 2-N)
Last Action Date: January 20, 2016
Title: Concealed handgun permits; proof of competence, training courses.
Description: Concealed handgun permits; proof of competence. Makes various changes to the types of training courses permitted to satisfy the requirement to demonstrate competence with a handgun in order to obtain a concealed handgun permit, including (i) requiring that a National Rifle Association (NRA) or Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) training course focus on the use and handling of a concealed handgun; (ii) requiring that a law-enforcement officer qualify to carry a handgun rather than a firearm in the course of normal police duties; and (iii) requiring that online NRA or DCJS training courses be synchronous. The bill eliminates as proof of demonstrated competence with a handgun (a) completing a hunter education or safety course; (b) completing a law-enforcement firearms safety or training course offered to security guards, investigators, special deputies, or any other division of law enforcement or security enforcement; and (c) having previously held a concealed handgun permit. The bill also provides that any proof of demonstrated competence with a handgun shall expire five years from the date of completion of such course or class.
Last Action: Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice (9-Y 5-N)
Last Action Date: January 20, 2016
Title: Transfer of firearms; permit required.
Description: Transfer of firearms; permit required. Requires the Department of State Police to establish procedures for issuing firearms transfer permits and provides that a person, other than a licensed dealer, who willfully and intentionally transfers a firearm to a person without a permit is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Last Action: Left in Courts of Justice
Last Action Date: December 2, 2016
Title: Transfer of firearms; permit required.
Description: Transfer of firearms; permit required. Requires the Department of State Police to establish procedures for issuing firearms transfer permits and provides that a person, other than a licensed dealer, who willfully and intentionally transfers a firearm to a person without a permit is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Last Action: Continued to 2017 in Courts of Justice (10-Y 4-N)
Last Action Date: January 20, 2016
Title: Concealed weapons; adds any employee with internal investigations authority designated by DOC.
Description:
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0209)
Last Action Date: March 1, 2016
Title: Transfer of firearms; criminal history record information check, penalties.
Description: Transfer of firearms; criminal history record information check; penalties. Adds a definition of "firearms show vendor" or "vendor" and requires that a criminal history record information check be performed on the prospective transferee before the vendor may transfer firearms at a gun show. Under current law, only licensed dealers must obtain such a check. The bill also requires that the promoter of a firearms show provide vendors access to licensed dealers who will conduct the criminal history record information check.
Last Action: Failed to report (defeated) in Courts of Justice (5-Y 9-N)
Last Action Date: January 20, 2016
Title: Handguns; purchase by certain officers.
Description: Purchase of handguns by certain officers. Adds employees of the Department of Corrections with internal investigations authority to the list of retired law-enforcement officers who may purchase their service handguns for $1.
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0210)
Last Action Date: March 1, 2016
Title: Firearms; Terrorist Screening Database check prior to purchase.
Description: Sale of firearms; Terrorist Screening Database. Requires a check of the Terrorist Screening Database prior to purchasing a firearm from a dealer. The State Police will be required to consult with the Terrorist Screening Center to determine if a potential firearms purchaser is in the Database. A person whose name is in the Database will be disqualified from purchasing a firearm. A second enactment clause provides that the bill will not go into effect unless the U.S. Department of Justice approves the policies and procedures set out in the bill.
Last Action: Stricken at the request of Patron in Courts of Justice (15-Y 0-N)
Last Action Date: January 27, 2016
Title: Firearm or pneumatic gun; allowing access by children age six or younger, penalty.
Description: Firearms; access by children; penalty. Provides that it is a Class 1 misdemeanor to knowingly authorize a child age six or younger to use a firearm or pneumatic gun.
Last Action: Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice (10-Y 4-N)
Last Action Date: January 20, 2016
Title: Firearm transfers; penalties.
Description: Firearm transfers; penalties. Creates a Class 2 misdemeanor for a person who is not a licensed dealer to sell, rent, trade, or transfer a firearm to any other person who is not a licensed dealer. The bill also creates a Class 2 misdemeanor for a person who is not a licensed dealer to buy, rent, trade, or transfer a firearm from any other person who is not a licensed dealer. The bill exempts certain transfers, such as between immediate family members, by operation of law, and when the transfer is temporary and is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm or occurs while in the continuous presence of the owner of the firearm.
Last Action: Failed to report (defeated) in Courts of Justice (4-Y 10-N)
Last Action Date: January 27, 2016
Title: Firearm registration; Va. State Crime Commission to study cost of establishing program.
Description: Study; Virginia State Crime Commission; firearm registration; report. Directs the Virginia State Crime Commission to study the feasibility and costs of establishing a firearm registration program for firearms purchased in the Commonwealth, along with the potential efficacy of firearm registration in reducing firearm-related deaths and injuries.
Last Action: Stricken at request of Patron in Rules by voice vote
Last Action Date: February 2, 2017
Title: Persons involuntarily admitted or ordered to outpatient treatment; purchase, etc., of ammunition.
Description: Purchase, etc., of ammunition by persons involuntarily admitted or ordered to outpatient treatment; penalty. Provides that it is a Class 1 misdemeanor for a person who has been involuntarily admitted or ordered to outpatient treatment or who has agreed to voluntary admission after being the subject of a temporary detention order to purchase, possess, or transport ammunition for a firearm. Current law only applies to the purchase, possession, or transportation of the firearm itself.
Last Action: Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice (9-Y 5-N)
Last Action Date: January 27, 2016
Title: Concealed handgun permit; disqualifications, residential mental health or substance abuse treatment.
Description: Concealed handgun permits; disqualifications; residential mental health or substance abuse treatment. Provides that a person is disqualified from obtaining a concealed handgun permit if he has received mental health or substance abuse treatment in a residential setting within five years before or after the date of his application for the permit. Currently, such disqualification applies only if the treatment occurred within five years prior to the date of his application for the permit. The bill provides that the State Police, a local law-enforcement agency, or an attorney for the Commonwealth, upon receipt of information that a permit holder is disqualified because of such treatment, shall notify the court that issued the permit. If the court finds that the permit holder is in fact disqualified because of such treatment, the court shall revoke the permit.
Last Action: Failed to report (defeated) in Courts of Justice (7-Y 8-N)
Last Action Date: January 27, 2016
Title: Firearms; purchase by persons intending to commit act of terrorism, penalty.
Description: Firearms; purchase by persons intending to commit act of terrorism; penalty. Provides that any person who, having the present intention to commit, conspire to commit, or aid and abet in the commission of an act of terrorism, purchases a firearm is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor and any person who sells a firearm to a person who has expressed such an intention is guilty of a Class 4 felony. The bill provides that any such person shall also be disqualified from obtaining a concealed handgun permit. The bill further provides that any person who is listed on the consolidated Terrorist Watchlist maintained by the Terrorist Screening Center administered by the Federal Bureau of Investigation is disqualified from obtaining a concealed handgun permit. A second enactment clause provides that the provisions related to the Terrorist Watchlist will not go into effect unless the U.S. Department of Justice approves the policies and procedures set out in the bill.
Last Action: Stricken at the request of Patron in Courts of Justice (14-Y 0-N)
Last Action Date: January 27, 2016
Title: Firearms, loaded; carrying in public while under influence.
Description: Firearms; alcohol; penalties. Provides that it is a Class 1 misdemeanor for a person who is under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs to carry a loaded firearm on or about his person in a public place and that a person found guilty is ineligible to apply for a concealed handgun permit for a period of five years. The bill also creates a Class 2 misdemeanor for a person who carries a loaded firearm on or about his person onto the premises of any restaurant or club licensed to sell and serve alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption and consumes an alcoholic beverage while on the premises.
Last Action: Passed by indefinitely in Finance (15-Y 0-N)
Last Action Date: February 10, 2016
Title: Transfer of firearms; criminal history record information check, penalties.
Description: Transfer of firearms; criminal history record information check; penalties. Adds a definition of "firearms show vendor" or "vendor" and requires that a criminal history record information check be performed on the prospective transferee before the vendor may transfer firearms at a gun show. Under current law, only licensed dealers must obtain such a check. The bill also requires that the promoter of a firearms show provide vendors access to licensed dealers who will conduct the criminal history record information check.
Last Action: Incorporated by Courts of Justice
Last Action Date: January 20, 2016
Title: Firearms; access by children; penalty.
Description: Firearms; access by children; penalty. Provides that it is a Class 1 misdemeanor to knowingly authorize a child age four or younger to use a firearm or pneumatic gun.
Last Action: Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice (10-Y 4-N)
Last Action Date: January 20, 2016
Title: Firearms; no person who is subject to an emergency protective order.
Description: Violation of protective order; firearm or other deadly weapon; penalty. Provides that any person who violates a protective order with which he has been served while knowingly armed with a firearm or other deadly weapon is guilty of a Class 6 felony.
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0638)
Last Action Date: April 1, 2016
Title: Firearms; removal from persons posing substantial risk; penalties.
Description: Firearms; removal from persons posing substantial risk; penalties. Creates a procedure by which an attorney for the Commonwealth or law-enforcement officer may apply to a circuit court judge for a warrant to remove firearms from a person who poses a substantial risk of injury to himself or others. If firearms are seized pursuant to such warrant, the bill requires a court hearing within 14 days from execution of the warrant to determine whether the firearms should be returned or retained by law enforcement. Seized firearms may be retained by court order for up to 180 days or, with court approval, may be transferred to a third party chosen by the person from whom they were seized. Persons who have been served with a warrant to remove firearms or who are the subject of an order to retain firearms are disqualified from having a concealed handgun permit or purchasing a firearm from a licensed dealer and may not be employed by a licensed firearms dealer. The bill also provides that a person who transfers a firearm to a person whom he knows has been served with a warrant or who is the subject of an order is guilty of a Class 6 felony.
Last Action: Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice (9-Y 5-N)
Last Action Date: January 20, 2016
Title: Firearms; Terrorist Screening Database check prior to purchase.
Description: Sale of firearms; Terrorist Screening Database. Requires a check of the Terrorist Screening Database prior to purchasing a firearm from a dealer. The State Police will be required to consult with the Terrorist Screening Center to determine if a potential firearms purchaser is in the Database. A person whose name is in the Database will be disqualified from purchasing a firearm. A second enactment clause provides that the bill will not go into effect unless the U.S. Department of Justice approves the policies and procedures set out in the bill.
Last Action: Stricken at the request of Patron in Courts of Justice (13-Y 0-N)
Last Action Date: January 27, 2016
Title: Asset forfeiture; changes burden of proof.
Description: Asset forfeiture; burden of proof. Changes the Commonwealth's burden of proof to clear and convincing evidence from preponderance of the evidence in proving that the property is subject to forfeiture in civil asset forfeiture cases.
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0664)
Last Action Date: April 1, 2016
Title: Law-enforcement officers, retired; authority to carry concealed handguns.
Description: Retired law-enforcement officers; concealed handguns. Clarifies provisions relating to the authority of retired law-enforcement officers, special agents of the State Corporation Commission and Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, members of the enforcement division of the Department of Motor Vehicles, and investigators of the security division of the Virginia Lottery to carry concealed handguns. Such officers, agents, members, and investigators who resigned after 20 years of service to accept a position covered by a retirement system authorized under Title 51.1 of the Code of Virginia fall under the same provisions as retired law-enforcement officers, agents, members, and investigators. Such retired officers, agents, members, and investigators who annually meet the training and qualification standards for active law-enforcement officers are authorized to carry concealed handguns in airports and schools and are deemed to have been issued a concealed handgun permit.
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0257)
Last Action Date: March 7, 2016
Title: Concealed handgun permit; demonstration of competence.
Description: Concealed handgun permit; demonstration of competence. Removes the option for concealed handgun permit applicants to demonstrate competence with a handgun by completing an electronic, video, or online course conducted by a state-certified or National Rifle Association-certified firearms instructor. The bill does not affect any in-person means of satisfying the requirement to demonstrate competence with a handgun under current law.
Last Action: Failed to report (defeated) in Courts of Justice (5-Y 8-N)
Last Action Date: January 20, 2016
Title: Concealed handgun permits; exemption includes any judge or justice of the Commonwealth.
Description: Concealed handgun permit; judges exempt. Provides that a judge or justice of the Commonwealth may carry a concealed handgun throughout the Commonwealth without a permit.
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0589)
Last Action Date: April 1, 2016
Title: Possession or transportation of firearms following convictions for certain misdemeanor crimes.
Description: Purchase, possession, or transportation of firearms following convictions for certain misdemeanor crimes; penalty. Prohibits a person who has been convicted of misdemeanor sexual battery or assault and battery where the victim is a family or household member from purchasing, possessing or transporting a firearm. A person who violates this provision is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Last Action: Left in Courts of Justice
Last Action Date: December 2, 2016
Title: Possession or transportation of firearms following convictions for certain misdemeanor crimes.
Description: Purchase, possession, or transportation of firearms following convictions for certain misdemeanor crimes; penalty. Prohibits a person who has been convicted of misdemeanor sexual battery or assault and battery where the victim is a family or household member from purchasing, possessing or transporting a firearm. A person who violates this provision is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Last Action: Continued to 2017 in Courts of Justice (14-Y 0-N)
Last Action Date: January 27, 2016
Title: Firearms; confiscation, reporting, and return by law enforcement.
Description: Confiscation, reporting, and return of firearms by law enforcement. Replaces current requirements that law-enforcement agencies report information regarding confiscated firearms to the Department of State Police with a requirement that such information be reported to a firearms tracing system maintained by the U.S. Department of Justice. The bill requires law-enforcement agencies to return stolen firearms to the rightful owner unless the person is prohibited from possessing the firearm or it is needed in a criminal prosecution.
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0214)
Last Action Date: March 1, 2016
Title: Concealed handgun permits, out-of-state; photo identification issued by government agency, etc.
Description: Recognition of out-of-state concealed handgun permits; photo identification. Provides that the holder of an out-of-state concealed handgun permit who is at least 21 years of age is authorized to carry a concealed handgun in Virginia if (i) the other state has a 24-hour-a-day means of verification of the validity of the permits issued in that state, if available; (ii) the person carries a government-issued photo identification and displays it upon demand of a law-enforcement officer; and (iii) the person has not previously had a Virginia concealed handgun permit revoked. The bill requires the Superintendent of State Police (Superintendent) to enter into agreements for reciprocal recognition with other states that require an agreement to be in place before the state will recognize a Virginia concealed handgun permit as valid in the state. The bill provides that if the Superintendent determines that another state requires the Attorney General to execute or formally approve such agreement, the Attorney General will execute or approve such agreement within 30 days of written notification by the Superintendent that the Attorney General is required to execute or approve such agreement. Current law recognizes concealed handgun permits issued by states that (a) provide a 24-hour-a-day means of verification of the validity of the permits issued in that state and (b) have requirements and qualifications that are adequate to prevent possession of a permit by persons who would be denied a permit in Virginia. In addition, the bill requires the Superintendent, within 60 days of the effective date of the bill, to enter into agreements for reciprocal recognition of concealed handgun permits or licenses with other states where agreements were in existence on December 1, 2015.
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0046)
Last Action Date: February 26, 2016
Title: Purchase of weapons other than handguns by certain officers.
Description: Purchase of weapons other than handguns by certain officers. Allows officers of certain agencies to purchase, at a fair market price and with approval of the agency head, weapons other than handguns that are issued for personal use of an officer so long as the weapon is a type and configuration that can be purchased at a regular hardware or sporting goods store by a private citizen without restrictions other than the instant background check. Current law allows this type of purchase only for the Department of State Police.
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0215)
Last Action Date: March 1, 2016
Title: Out-of-state concealed handgun permits; photo identification.
Description: Out-of-state concealed handgun permits; photo identification. Removes certain requirements for an out-of-state concealed handgun permit or license to be recognized and accepted in Virginia and instead requires an out-of-state permit or license holder to carry a government-issued photo identification and present his permit or license and such identification upon demand by a law-enforcement officer in order for his out-of-state permit or license to be recognized and accepted in Virginia.
Last Action: Incorporated by Courts of Justice
Last Action Date: January 27, 2016
Title: Carrying concealed handguns; protective orders.
Description: Carrying concealed handguns; protective orders. Authorizes any person 21 years of age or older who is not prohibited from purchasing, possessing, or transporting a firearm and is protected by an unexpired protective order to carry a concealed handgun for 45 days after the protective order was issued. The bill provides that if the person issued the protective order applies for a concealed handgun permit during such 45-day period, such person will be authorized to carry a concealed handgun for an additional 45 days and be given a copy of the certified application, which shall serve as a de facto concealed handgun permit. The bill requires such person to have the order or certified application and photo identification on his person when carrying a concealed handgun and to display them upon demand by a law-enforcement officer; failure to do so is punishable by a $25 civil penalty.
Last Action: Governor: Vetoed by Governor
Last Action Date: April 7, 2016
Title: Concealed handgun permits; fees.
Description: Fees for concealed handgun permits. Makes the $10 fee that the clerk of court is now required to charge for processing a concealed handgun permit application or issuing a concealed handgun permit discretionary with the clerk.
Last Action: Left in Appropriations
Last Action Date: March 8, 2016
Title: Firearm, crossbow or bow and arrow; shooting in or across road or street, penalty.
Description: Shooting in or across road or in street. Provides that a person who possesses a loaded firearm, crossbow, or bow and arrow for the purpose of hunting in any road or street of a city or town is guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor.
Last Action: Stricken at the request of Patron in Courts of Justice (13-Y 0-N)
Last Action Date: January 27, 2016
Title: Concealed handgun permits, out-of-state; government-issued photo id., reciprocal agreements.
Description: Out-of-state concealed handgun permits; photo identification; reciprocal agreements. Removes certain requirements for an out-of-state concealed handgun permit or license to be recognized and accepted in Virginia and instead requires an out-of-state permit or license holder to carry a government-issued photo identification and present his permit or license and such identification upon demand by a law-enforcement officer in order for his out-of-state permit or license to be recognized and accepted in Virginia. The bill also requires the Superintendent of State Police to enter into agreements for reciprocal recognition with any state that requires such an agreement in order to establish reciprocity for residents of the Commonwealth to carry concealed handguns in that state.
Last Action: Incorporated by Courts of Justice
Last Action Date: January 27, 2016
Title: Concealed Carry Reciprocity Advisory Commission; established, report.
Description: Concealed Carry Reciprocity Advisory Commission. Establishes the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Advisory Commission (the Commission) as a legislative commission. The Commission will review the laws of other states to determine whether the Commonwealth should recognize concealed handgun or concealed weapon permits in other states and will approve the entering into and rescinding of reciprocity agreements with other states. The bill provides that until December 31, 2016, the Superintendent of State Police shall recognize any valid concealed handgun or concealed weapon permit or license issued by another state where such state's permit or license was, as of December 31, 2015, recognized by the Superintendent of State Police as authorizing the holder of such permit or license to carry a concealed handgun in the Commonwealth.
Last Action: Left in Finance
Last Action Date: February 17, 2016
Title: Firearms shows; voluntary background checks by Department of State Police, penalties.
Description: Firearms shows; voluntary background checks; penalties. Requires the Department of State Police to be available to perform background checks for non-dealer sales at firearms shows if requested by a party involved in a transaction. The promoter of the firearms show shall furnish the Department of State Police sufficient facilities to perform the background checks. In order for the bill to become effective, the U.S. Department of Justice must approve the policies and procedures that the Department of State Police will use to implement the provisions of the bill.
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0044)
Last Action Date: February 26, 2016
Title: Firearm transfers; penalties.
Description: Firearm transfers; penalties. Creates a Class 3 misdemeanor for a person who is not a licensed dealer but who conducts business as a merchant of firearms to sell a firearm without a background check conducted by a federally licensed dealer. The bill exempts transfers to family members, personal friends, by inheritance, by operation of law, or for a temporary purpose.
Last Action: Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice (9-Y 5-N)
Last Action Date: February 10, 2016
Title: Concealed handgun; recognition of out-of-state permits.
Description: Recognition of out-of-state concealed handgun permits. Provides that the holder of an out-of-state concealed handgun permit who is at least 21 years of age is authorized to carry a concealed handgun in Virginia if he carries a government-issued photo identification and presents his permit or license and such identification upon demand by a law-enforcement officer. The bill requires the Attorney General to enter into agreements for reciprocal recognition with other states that require an agreement to be in place before the state will recognize a Virginia concealed handgun permit as valid in the state. Current law recognizes concealed handgun permits issued by states that (i) provide a 24-hour-a-day means of verification of the validity of the permits issued in that state and (ii) have requirements and qualifications that are adequate to prevent possession of a permit by persons who would be denied a permit in Virginia. The bill also provides that an out-of-state permit issued to a Virginia resident is not valid if the person would not qualify for a Virginia permit.
Last Action: Incorporated by Courts of Justice
Last Action Date: January 27, 2016
Title: Concealed handgun permits; fee for processing.
Description: Fees for concealed handgun permits. Makes the $10 fee that the clerk of court is now required to charge for processing a concealed handgun permit application or issuing a concealed handgun permit discretionary with the clerk.
Last Action: Passed by indefinitely in Finance (14-Y 1-N)
Last Action Date: February 1, 2017
Title: Firearms; person to report loss or theft within 24 hours.
Description: Reporting lost or stolen firearms. Requires a person who lawfully possesses a firearm to report the loss or theft of the firearm to any local law-enforcement agency or the Department of State Police within 24 hours after such person discovers the loss or theft or is informed by a person with personal knowledge of the loss or theft. The bill requires the relevant law-enforcement agency to enter the report information into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). A violation is punishable by a $50 civil penalty for a first offense and a civil penalty of not less than $100 or more than $250 for any subsequent offense. The bill provides that a person who, in good faith, reports the loss or theft is immune from criminal or civil liability for acts or omissions that result from such loss or theft; the immunity does not apply to a person who knowingly gives a false report. The bill does not apply to the loss or theft of an antique firearm.
Last Action: Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice (9-Y 6-N)
Last Action Date: January 18, 2017
Title: Firearm transactions; voluntary background checks, clarification of provisions.
Description: Firearm transactions; voluntary background checks; clarification. Clarifies the provisions that apply to voluntary background checks performed at a firearms show by translating the Latin term of art mutatis mutandis into English.
Last Action: Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice with letter (14-Y 1-N)
Last Action Date: January 18, 2017
Title: Furnishing certain weapons to minor; exemption.
Description: Furnishing certain weapons to minor; exemption. Exempts the transfer of a dirk, switchblade knife, or bowie knife between family members or for the purpose of engaging in a sporting event or activity from the current prohibition against selling, bartering, giving, or furnishing such weapons to a minor.
Last Action: Requires 27 affirmative votes to override veto
Last Action Date: April 5, 2017
Title: Concealed handgun permit fees; exemptions; retired probation and parole officers.
Description: Concealed handgun permit fees; exemptions; retired probation and parole officers. Exempts retired probation and parole officers who have completed 15 years of service from concealed handgun permit application fees.
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0241)
Last Action Date: February 23, 2017
Title: Firearm locks required for sale or transfer of handguns; warning against accessibility to children.
Description: Firearm locks required for sale or transfer of handguns; warning against accessibility to children; penalty. Makes it unlawful for any licensed manufacturer, licensed importer, or licensed dealer to sell, deliver, or transfer any handgun to any person (i) other than a licensed manufacturer, licensed importer, or licensed dealer, unless the transferee is provided with a locking device for that handgun, or (ii) unless the handgun is accompanied by a warning, in conspicuous and legible type in capital letters printed on a label affixed to the gun and on a separate sheet of paper included within the packaging enclosing the handgun, that handguns should be locked and kept away from children and that there may be civil and criminal liability for failing to do so. There are exceptions for law-enforcement and governmental agencies.
Last Action: Stricken at the request of Patron in Courts of Justice (14-Y 0-N)
Last Action Date: January 18, 2017
Title: VWC; permits commissioners and deputy commissioners to carry a concealed weapon.
Description: Carrying weapon into courthouse; Workers' Compensation commissioner or deputy commissioner exempt. Provides an exception from the prohibition against carrying a weapon into courthouses in the Commonwealth for a commissioner or deputy commissioner of the Workers' Compensation Commission while in the conduct of official duties.
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0761)
Last Action Date: March 24, 2017
Title: Firearm transfers; penalties.
Description: Firearm transfers; penalties. Creates a Class 3 misdemeanor for a person who is not a licensed dealer but who conducts business as a merchant of firearms to sell a firearm without a background check conducted by a federally licensed dealer. The bill exempts transfers to family members, to personal friends, by inheritance, by operation of law, or for a temporary purpose.
Last Action: Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice (9-Y 6-N)
Last Action Date: January 23, 2017
Title: Muzzleloader firearms; definition.
Description: Muzzleloader firearms; definition. Incorporates the Virginia criminal law definition of a muzzleloader into the current statutory definitions of muzzleloading pistol, muzzleloading rifle, and muzzleloading shotgun located in Title 29.1 (Game, Inland Fisheries and Boating).
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0161)
Last Action Date: February 23, 2017
Title: Barrier crimes; clarifies individual crimes, criminal history records checks.
Description: Criminal history records checks; barrier crimes. Clarifies the individual crimes that constitute a barrier for (i) individuals seeking employment at nursing homes, home care organizations, hospices, state facilities, and private providers licensed by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, community services boards, behavioral health authorities, assisted living facilities, adult day care centers, children's welfare agencies, family day homes approved by family day systems, and children's residential facilities; (ii) applicants for licensure, registration, or approval as assisted living facilities, child welfare agencies, or family day homes approved by family day systems; (iii) individuals with whom a local board of social services or child-placing agency is considering placing a child on an emergency, temporary, or permanent basis; (iv) foster and adoptive homes seeking approval from child-placing agencies; and (v) providers of adult services and adult foster care seeking approval by the Department of Social Services. The bill also adds certain offenses to the list of barrier crimes.
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0809)
Last Action Date: April 5, 2017
Title: Concealed handgun permits; sharing of information.
Description: Concealed handgun permits; sharing of information. Prohibits sharing of information regarding Virginia concealed handgun permits in the Virginia Criminal Information Network with law enforcement in states that do not recognize a Virginia concealed handgun permit as valid in the state. The bill requires the Department of State Police to maintain and publish online a list of states that recognize a Virginia concealed handgun permit as valid in the state. The bill does not create a private cause of action.
Last Action: Governor: Vetoed by Governor
Last Action Date: April 27, 2017
Title: Protective orders; possession of firearms; felony.
Description: Protective orders; possession of firearms; felony. Provides that it is a Class 6 felony for a person who is subject to a permanent protective order (i.e., a protective order with a maximum duration of two years) for subjecting another person to an act of violence, force, or threat to possess a firearm while the order is in effect, which is equivalent to the existing penalty for possession of a firearm by a person subject to a permanent protective order for family abuse. The bill also provides that such person may continue to possess and transport a firearm for 24 hours after being served with the order for the purposes of selling or transferring the firearm to another person. The bill also requires that any person who is prohibited from possessing a firearm because he is subject to a permanent protective order certify in writing to the clerk of the court that issued the order within 48 hours after being served with the order that any firearm in his possession has been sold or transferred.
Last Action: Passed by indefinitely in Finance (11-Y 5-N)
Last Action Date: January 31, 2017
Title: Firearms; administration of machine gun registry, nonresident concealed handgun permits.
Description: Firearms; administration of machine gun registry, Firearms; administration of machine gun registry, nonresident concealed handgun permits, and criminal history record checks. Requires any person registered to possess a machine gun to notify the Department of State Police (the Department) of a change of address within 30 days of such change. The bill reduces the number of photographs that an applicant for a nonresident concealed handgun permit must submit from two to one. The bill requires the form provided by the Department for a dealer to obtain criminal history record information for a firearm purchase to include a question about whether the proposed purchaser has been the subject of a temporary detention order and subsequently agreed to voluntary admission to a state facility. Current law prohibits such persons from purchasing, possessing, or transporting a firearm and provides that other mental health disqualifications be disclosed on such form. The bill requires firearms dealers to comply with the federal minimum wait time of three days after contacting the system for a background check before releasing a firearm without an approval number; under existing state law, such firearm must be released after one business day without an approval number. The bill removes the option under state law for a dealer to complete a sale if notified that a response will not be available by the end of the dealer's next business day and removes the requirement that the Department notify the dealer of such delay. The bill removes the requirement that the dealer mail the criminal history record check consent form for a person who is
Last Action: Passed by indefinitely in Finance (16-Y 0-N)
Last Action Date: January 31, 2017
Title: Firearms; control of possession in chambers of local governing bodies.
Description: Control of firearms; chambers of local governing bodies. Allows a locality to adopt an ordinance that prohibits firearms, ammunition, or components or a combination thereof at any regular or special meeting of such local governing body, provided notice of such prohibition is publicly posted and the meeting room is owned or operated by the locality.
Last Action: Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice (9-Y 6-N)
Last Action Date: January 18, 2017
Title: Firearms; person to report loss or theft within 24 hours.
Description: Reporting lost or stolen firearms. Requires a person who lawfully possesses a firearm to report the loss or theft of the firearm to any local law-enforcement agency or the Department of State Police within 24 hours after such person discovers the loss or theft or is informed by a person with personal knowledge of the loss or theft. The bill requires the relevant law-enforcement agency to enter the report information into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). A violation is punishable by a $50 civil penalty for a first offense and a civil penalty of not less than $100 or more than $250 for any subsequent offense. The bill provides that a person who, in good faith, reports the loss or theft is immune from criminal or civil liability for acts or omissions that result from such loss or theft; the immunity does not apply to a person who knowingly gives a false report. The bill does not apply to the loss or theft of an antique firearm.
Last Action: Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice (11-Y 4-N)
Last Action Date: January 18, 2017
Title: Firearm transfers; criminal history record information checks, penalty.
Description: Firearm transfers; criminal history record information checks; penalty. Requires a background check for any firearm transfer and requires the Department of State Police to establish a process for transferors to obtain such a check from licensed firearms dealers. A transferor who fails to obtain a required background check and sells the firearm to another person is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. The bill exempts transfers between immediate family members, transfers that occur by operation of law, transfers by the executor or administrator of an estate or by the trustee of a testamentary trust, and temporary transfers that (i) occur within the continuous presence of the owner of the firearm; (ii) are necessary to prevent imminent death or serious bodily injury; (iii) occur at a shooting range, shooting gallery, or other area designed for the purpose of target shooting, for use during target practice, a firearms safety or training course or class, a shooting competition, or any similar lawful activity; or (iv) are for the purpose of and while the transferee is engaged in hunting, trapping, or target shooting. The bill removes the provision that makes background checks of prospective purchasers or transferees at firearms shows voluntary.
Last Action: Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice (12-Y 3-N)
Last Action Date: January 18, 2017
Title: Firearms; access by children, penalty.
Description: Firearms; access by children; penalty. Provides that it is a Class 1 misdemeanor to knowingly authorize a child age four or younger to use or handle a firearm.
Last Action: Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice (8-Y 7-N)
Last Action Date: January 18, 2017
Title: Firearms; carrying in public while intoxicated, etc., penalty.
Description: Firearms; alcohol; penalties. Provides that it is a Class 1 misdemeanor for a person who is intoxicated or under the influence of illegal drugs to carry a loaded firearm on or about his person in a public place and that a person found guilty is ineligible to apply for a concealed handgun permit for a period of five years. Current law provides that such prohibition applies only to persons permitted to carry a concealed handgun. The bill also creates a Class 2 misdemeanor for a person who carries a loaded firearm on or about his person onto the premises of any restaurant or club licensed to sell and serve alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption and consumes an alcoholic beverage while on the premises. Current law provides that such prohibition applies only to those persons carrying a concealed handgun on such premises.
Last Action: Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice (9-Y 5-N)
Last Action Date: January 18, 2017
Title: Concealed weapons; nonduty status active military personnel may carry.
Description: Carrying concealed weapons; exemption for nonduty status active military personnel. Provides that an active duty member of the Virginia National Guard, Armed Forces of the United States, or Armed Forces Reserves of the United States in a nonduty status may carry a concealed weapon wherever such member may travel in the Commonwealth.
Last Action: Incorporated by Courts of Justice
Last Action Date: January 18, 2017
Title: Concealed handguns; protective orders.
Description: Carrying concealed handguns; protective orders. Authorizes any person 21 years of age or older who is not prohibited from purchasing, possessing, or transporting a firearm and is protected by an unexpired protective order to carry a concealed handgun for 45 days after the protective order was issued. The bill provides that if the person issued the protective order applies for a concealed handgun permit during such 45-day period, such person will be authorized to carry a concealed handgun for an additional 45 days and be given a copy of the certified application, which shall serve as a de facto concealed handgun permit. The bill requires such person to have the order or certified application and photo identification on his person when carrying a concealed handgun and to display them upon demand by a law-enforcement officer; failure to do so is punishable by a $25 civil penalty. This bill is identical to HB 1852.
Last Action: Requires 27 affirmative votes to override veto
Last Action Date: April 5, 2017
Title: Victims of domestic violence, etc.; firearms safety or training course.
Description: Victims of domestic violence, etc.; firearms safety or training course. Creates the Virginia Firearms Safety and Training for Sexual and Domestic Violence Victims Fund. The bill provides that the Department of Criminal Justice Services may distribute funds from the Fund to reimburse an entity that offers a firearms safety or training course or class approved by the Department free of charge to victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse, stalking, or family abuse. The Department would not be permitted to issue reimbursements in excess of the amount available in the Fund. The bill also requires that, upon the issuance of a protective order, the petitioner for the order be provided with a list of such approved courses or classes. This bill is identical to HB 1853.
Last Action: Requires 27 affirmative votes to override veto
Last Action Date: April 5, 2017
Title: Foster care; possession of firearm.
Description: Foster care; possession of firearm. Requires that possession of any firearms or other weapons in a foster home comply with federal and state laws and that the individual providing foster care services store all firearms, other weapons, and ammunition in a locked closet or cabinet unless they are being lawfully carried on the individual's person. The bill requires that the key or combination to the locked closet or cabinet be maintained out of the reach of all children in the home.
Last Action: Governor: Vetoed by Governor
Last Action Date: April 27, 2017
Title: Switchblade knife; person may carry concealed, exception.
Description: Carrying a switchblade knife; exception. Authorizes any person to carry a switchblade knife concealed when such knife is carried for the purpose of engaging in a lawful profession or lawful recreational activity the performance of which is aided by the use of a switchblade knife. The bill removes switchblade knives from the list of weapons the selling, bartering, giving, or furnishing of which is a Class 4 misdemeanor. This bill is identical to HB 1432.
Last Action: Requires 27 affirmative votes to override veto
Last Action Date: April 5, 2017
Title: Concealed weapons; nonduty status active military personnel may carry.
Description: Carrying concealed weapons; exemption for nonduty status military personnel. Provides that a member of the Virginia National Guard, Armed Forces of the United States, or Armed Forces Reserves of the United States in a nonduty status may carry a concealed weapon wherever such member may travel in the Commonwealth, provided that such member is carrying his valid military identification card.
Last Action: Requires 27 affirmative votes to override veto
Last Action Date: April 5, 2017
Title: Law enforcement, local; fees for concealed handgun permits, courthouse and courtroom security.
Description: Local law enforcement; fees for concealed handgun permits; courthouse and courtroom security; assessment. Eliminates (i) the fee, under current law up to $35, that a local law-enforcement agency is permitted to charge for conducting the background investigation for a concealed handgun permit and (ii) the requirement that the local law-enforcement agency forward to the State Police any amount assessed by the FBI for providing criminal history record information in the background investigation. The bill makes discretionary the current mandatory fee of up to $10 charged by the clerk for processing a concealed handgun permit application or issuing a permit. The bill increases from $10 to $20 the maximum amount, designated solely to fund courthouse and courtroom security, that a local governing body may assess against a convicted defendant as part of the costs in a criminal or traffic case in district or circuit court.
Last Action: Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice (10-Y 4-N)
Last Action Date: January 18, 2017
Title: Firearms; transfers to a non-licensed dealer.
Description: Firearm transfers; penalties. Creates a Class 2 misdemeanor for a person who is not a licensed dealer to sell, rent, trade, or transfer a firearm to any other person who is not a licensed dealer. The bill also creates a Class 2 misdemeanor for a person who is not a licensed dealer to buy,rent, trade, or transfer a firearm from any other person who is not a licensed dealer. The bill exempts certain transfers, such as between immediate family members, by operation of law, at a firearms show with a voluntary background check, and when the transfer is temporary and is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm or occurs while in the continuous presence of the owner of the firearm.
Last Action: Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice (12-Y 3-N)
Last Action Date: January 18, 2017
Title: Concealed handgun; eligibility to carry openly within Commonwealth.
Description: Concealed handgun permits. 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 Finance (16-Y 0-N)
Last Action Date: February 1, 2017
Title: Absentee voting; eligibility of persons whose polling place prohibits firearms.
Description: Absentee voting; eligibility of persons whose polling place prohibits firearms. Entitles any person who may otherwise lawfully carry a firearm to vote absentee if his polling place is located in a building or on property where such possession is prohibited by law or is prohibited by the owner of private property.
Last Action: Referred to Committee on Privileges and Elections
Last Action Date: January 13, 2017
Title: Firearms; removal from persons posing substantial risk, penalties.
Description: Firearms; removal from persons posing substantial risk; penalties. Creates a procedure by which an attorney for the Commonwealth or law-enforcement officer may apply to a circuit court judge for a warrant to remove firearms from a person who poses a substantial risk of injury to himself or others. If firearms are seized pursuant to such warrant, the bill requires a court hearing within 14 days from execution of the warrant to determine whether the firearms should be returned or retained by law enforcement. Seized firearms may be retained by court order for up to 180 days or, with court approval, may be transferred to a third party chosen by the person from whom they were seized. Persons who have been served with a warrant to remove firearms until such warrant has been dissolved by a court or who are the subject of an order to retain firearms are disqualified from having a concealed handgun permit or purchasing a firearm from a licensed dealer and may not be employed by a licensed firearms dealer. The bill also provides that a person who transfers a firearm to a person he knows has been served with a warrant or who is the subject of an order is guilty of a Class 6 felony.
Last Action: Failed to report (defeated) in Courts of Justice (5-Y 10-N)
Last Action Date: January 18, 2017
Title: Restricted firearm ammunition; use or attempted use in the commission of a crime, penalty.
Description: Restricted ammunition; use or attempted use in the commission of a crime; penalty. Provides that restricted firearms ammunition means any ammunition that has been banned or prohibited from commercial sale by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives or under federal law. Under current law, restricted firearms ammunition was defined as ammunition that are: (i) coated with or contain, in whole or in part, polytetrafluorethylene or a similar product, (ii) commonly known as "KTW" bullets or "French Arcanes," or (iii) any cartridges containing bullets coated with a plastic substance with other than lead or lead alloy cores, jacketed bullets with other than lead or lead alloy cores, or cartridges of which the bullet itself is wholly comprised of a metal or metal alloy other than lead.
Last Action: Left in Courts of Justice
Last Action Date: February 21, 2017
Title: Concealed handguns; permit holders' possession on property of public higher educational institution.
Description: Possession of concealed handguns; concealed handgun permit holders at public institutions of higher education. Allows any firefighter, person employed as search and rescue personnel, person employed as emergency medical services personnel, certified campus security officer, or student, employee, contractor, vendor, or faculty member of a public institution of higher education that participates in a Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program who possesses a valid Virginia concealed handgun permit or a concealed handgun permit from another state that is recognized by Virginia to carry a concealed handgun on the property of, in buildings owned by, or at events hosted at public institutions of higher education.
Last Action: Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice (11-Y 4-N)
Last Action Date: January 23, 2017
Title: Firearms; prohibited at certain preschools and child day centers.
Description: Firearms on school property. Adds public, private, or religious preschools and child day centers that are not operated at the residence of the provider or of any of the children to the list of schools where possessing a firearm on school property or on a school bus is prohibited. Under current law, the list of such schools only includes public, private, or religious elementary, middle, or high schools.
Last Action: Passed by indefinitely in Finance (11-Y 5-N)
Last Action Date: January 31, 2017
Title: Firearms; restoration of rights of convicted felons.
Description: Restoration of firearm rights; convicted felons. Requires the court to find by clear and convincing evidence that a convicted felon, whose civil rights have been restored by the Governor or other appropriate authority, petitioning for a permit to possess or carry a firearm is not a risk to public safety and poses no present or future danger to himself or others prior to granting the petition and issuing the permit. Current law provides for a standard of good cause shown. The bill requires the court to conduct a hearing on such petition, where current law requires a hearing only if requested by the petitioner or the attorney for the Commonwealth.
Last Action: Failed to report (defeated) in Courts of Justice (3-Y 12-N)
Last Action Date: January 23, 2017
Title: Concealed handgun; retired conservation officers may carry.
Description: Carrying a concealed handgun; retired conservation officers. Adds conservation officers retired from the Department of Conservation and Recreation to the list of retired persons eligible to carry a concealed handgun without a permit. This bill is identical to HB 2308.
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0243)
Last Action Date: February 23, 2017
Title: Antique firearms; possession by nonviolent felons.
Description: Possession of antique firearms; nonviolent felons. Permits nonviolent felons to possess, transport, and carry muzzle-loading firearms and black powder in a quantity not exceeding five pounds if it is intended to be used solely for sporting, recreational, or cultural purposes in muzzle-loading firearms.
Last Action: Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0767)
Last Action Date: March 27, 2017
