Why 4/5: The bill significantly expands the scope and accessibility of Virginia's red flag law, a key gun safety mechanism.
This bill significantly expands the reach of Virginia's red flag law by allowing more people to petition for substantial risk orders and enabling more courts to issue them. It also clarifies factors judges must consider and establishes a process for returning firearms not owned by the subject of an order.
Cleared committee
Reported from Courts of Justice (9-Y 5-N)
Update
Rules suspended
Update
Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading) (39-Y 0-N 0-A)
Update
Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)
Third reading
Read third time
Passed a chamber
Passed Senate (21-Y 19-N 0-A)
Update
Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB901)
Enrolled
Enrolled
Passed a chamber
Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB901ER)
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 (“Substantial risk orders; eligible petitioners, court jurisdiction, constr. possession of firearms.”) · Read the actual bill →
Passed a chamber
Signed by Speaker
Passed a chamber
Signed by President
Update
Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB901)
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 698 (effective 7/1/2026)