Why 4/5: It significantly changes where firearms can be carried on public university property, impacting campus safety.
This bill restricts the ability to carry firearms in buildings on public college and university campuses in Virginia. It narrows the existing exemption, allowing firearms only for specific curriculum, activities, or authorized organizations with law enforcement approval.
First reading
Read first time
Referred to committee
Referred to Committee on Public Safety
Cleared committee
Reported from Public Safety (13-Y 7-N)
Second reading
Read second time
Third reading
Read third time
Passed a chamber
Passed House (63-Y 35-N 0-A)
Enrolled
Enrolled
Passed a chamber
Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB272ER)
Update
Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB272)
This bill has passed its votes and is headed to the Governor's desk. You still have a say — the Governor's office reads messages before deciding whether to sign.
New to all this? See how a bill becomes law →
Summarized from the official bill text (“Firearm or explosive material; exemptions, carrying in public institutions of higher education.”) · Read the actual bill →
Passed a chamber
Signed by Speaker
Passed a chamber
Signed by President
Enrolled
Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 10, 2026
Sent to the Governor
Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
Signed into law
Approved by Governor-Chapter 644 (effective 7/1/2026)
Update
Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0644)