VirginiaHB15252026 Regular SessionHouse

Firearms, certain; definitions, possession, transportation, or purchase by certain persons, penalty.

Sponsored By: Garrett McGuire (Democratic)

Became Law

Summary

Possession, transportation, or purchase of certain firearms by certain persons; penalty. Provides additional exceptions, outlined in the bill, for persons younger than 18 years of age to possess or transport handguns or assault firearms anywhere in the Commonwealth. The bill also makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor for persons younger than 21 years of age to purchase a handgun or assault firearm anywhere in the Commonwealth.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Stricter gun rules for under 21

Anyone under 18 cannot knowingly possess or carry a handgun or assault firearm in Virginia. Anyone under 21 cannot knowingly buy a handgun or assault firearm. Breaking these bans is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Some cases are allowed for minors under 18. You may have a gun at home or on a parent’s property. You may be on someone else’s land with the owner’s written OK and a parent or guardian’s consent. You may go to a range or gun class with an adult, with the gun unloaded while traveling. You may hunt with an adult, with the gun unloaded while traveling. Official training or duty as law enforcement, U.S. Armed Forces, or National Guard is allowed. Cadets in Corps of Cadets or ROTC at a public college are allowed during those activities. Active-duty law officers and active Trooper Basic Academy trainees are allowed while on duty or in training.

Law takes effect now, State Police lead

This law is in force from its passage. The rules and penalties start right away. The Virginia State Police run and enforce these rules. If prison costs cannot be estimated, the Sentencing Commission records at least $50,000 as the fiscal impact.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Garrett McGuire

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 364 • No: 281

Senate vote 4/22/2026

Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation

Yes: 21 • No: 18

House vote 4/22/2026

House concurred in Governor's recommendation

Yes: 63 • No: 36

Senate vote 3/14/2026

Conference report agreed to by Senate

Yes: 21 • No: 18

House vote 3/14/2026

Conference report agreed to by House

Yes: 60 • No: 37

Senate vote 3/6/2026

Senate insisted on amendments Block Vote

Yes: 40 • No: 0

House vote 3/4/2026

Senate substitute rejected by House

Yes: 0 • No: 95

Senate vote 3/2/2026

Passed Senate with substitute

Yes: 21 • No: 19

Senate vote 3/2/2026

Courts of Justice Substitute agreed to

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/26/2026

Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading)

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/26/2026

Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/25/2026

Reported from Finance and Appropriations

Yes: 10 • No: 5

Senate vote 2/23/2026

Reported from Courts of Justice with substitute and rereferred to Finance and Appropriations

Yes: 9 • No: 5

House vote 2/12/2026

Read third time and passed House

Yes: 58 • No: 37

House vote 2/6/2026

Reported from Public Safety with substitute

Yes: 14 • No: 8

House vote 2/5/2026

Subcommittee recommends reporting with substitute

Yes: 7 • No: 3

Actions Timeline

  1. Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 18-N 0-A)

    4/22/2026Senate
  2. House concurred in Governor's recommendation (63-Y 36-N 0-A)

    4/22/2026House
  3. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP1102)

    4/22/2026Governor
  4. Reenrolled bill text (HB1525ER2)

    4/22/2026House
  5. Reenrolled

    4/22/2026House
  6. Approved by Governor-Chapter 1102 (effective 7/1/2026)

    4/22/2026Governor
  7. Signed by President

    4/22/2026Senate
  8. Signed by Speaker

    4/22/2026House
  9. Governor's recommendation adopted

    4/22/2026Governor
  10. Governor's recommendation received by House

    4/11/2026Governor
  11. Fiscal Impact statement From VCSC (4/7/2026 1:37 pm)

    4/7/2026House
  12. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1525)

    4/3/2026House
  13. Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026

    3/31/2026Governor
  14. Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 31, 2026

    3/31/2026House
  15. Signed by Speaker

    3/31/2026House
  16. Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB1525ER)

    3/30/2026House
  17. Enrolled

    3/30/2026House
  18. Signed by President

    3/30/2026Senate
  19. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1525)

    3/17/2026House
  20. Conference report agreed to by Senate (21-Y 18-N 0-A)

    3/14/2026Senate
  21. Conference report agreed to by House (60-Y 37-N 0-A)

    3/14/2026House
  22. Conference Report released

    3/14/2026
  23. Fiscal Impact statement From VCSC (3/14/2026 12:23 pm)

    3/14/2026House
  24. House Conferees: McGuire, Simon, Oates

    3/11/2026House
  25. Conferees appointed by House

    3/11/2026House

Bill Text

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