Why 4/5: This bill creates a new legal obligation for firearm owners regarding storage and for dealers regarding public notice, with criminal penalties for non-compliance.
Gun owners in Virginia would be required to store firearms and ammunition in locked containers if a minor or a person prohibited from possessing a firearm is present in their residence. Failure to comply would result in a Class 4 misdemeanor, and firearm dealers would need to post notices about this new law.
Update
Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)
Third reading
Read third time
Update
Passed by for the day
Update
Courts of Justice Substitute agreed to
Substitute adopted
Engrossed by Senate - committee substitute
Passed a chamber
Passed Senate with substitute (21-Y 19-N 0-A)
Substitute adopted
Senate substitute agreed to by House (60-Y 34-N 0-A)
Enrolled
Enrolled
Passed a chamber
Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB871ER)
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 (“Firearms; storage in residence where minor or person prohibited from possessing is present, penalty.”) · Read the actual bill →
Update
Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB871)
Passed a chamber
Signed by President
Passed a chamber
Signed by Speaker
Enrolled
Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 14, 2026
Sent to the Governor
Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
Line-item veto
Governor's recommendation received by House