Why 3/5: This bill directly impacts safety and student rights on public college campuses by restricting weapon possession.
This bill tightens rules for carrying firearms or explosive materials within buildings at Virginia's public institutions of higher education. It limits exemptions to only those instances where weapons are part of approved curriculum, activities, or authorized programs, and are explicitly approved by campus law enforcement.
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Rules suspended
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Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading) (40-Y 0-N 0-A)
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Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)
Third reading
Read third time
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Passed by for the day
Passed a chamber
Passed Senate (21-Y 19-N 0-A)
Enrolled
Enrolled
Passed a chamber
Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB626ER)
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Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB626)
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.
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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 643 (effective 7/1/2026)
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Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0643)