VirginiaHB6262026 Regular SessionHouse

Firearm or explosive material; exemptions, carrying in public institutions of higher education.

Sponsored By: Katrina Callsen (Democratic)

Became Law

Summary

Carrying a firearm or explosive material within Capitol Square or building owned or leased by the Commonwealth; exemptions; public institutions of higher education; penalty. Limits the exemption from the prohibition on the carrying of any firearm or explosive material within any building owned or leased by the Commonwealth or agency thereof or any office where employees of the Commonwealth or any agency thereof are regularly present for the purpose of performing their official duties that currently applies to any property owned or operated by a public institution of higher education to instead apply to any individual within a building owned or operated by a public institution of higher education who possesses a weapon as part of such public institution of higher education's curriculum or activities or as part of any organization authorized by such public institution of higher education to conduct its programs or activities within such building, as such uses are approved through the law-enforcement or public safety unit of such institution. This bill is identical to SB 272.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Who can still carry in state buildings

On‑duty law‑enforcement, authorized security, active‑duty military, and fire marshals with police powers can carry while doing official work. Cadet corps members recognized by a public college can carry only during an official ceremonial event. Off‑duty State Police and some retired officers may carry if they complete yearly firearms training and qualify to active‑duty standards; retired officers may carry when visiting a state‑owned or leased gun range. Certain authorized employees (such as Corrections, juvenile corrections, Conservation and Recreation, Wildlife Resources) and licensed bail bondsmen may carry when allowed by law or policy. People already exempt to enter courthouses under state law keep that exemption. Students and staff may possess weapons for an institution‑approved class or activity if approved by the school’s police or safety unit or an authorized organization. Magistrates may carry while performing official duties.

Misdemeanor and forfeiture for banned carry

Carrying a firearm or explosive in the banned places is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Police can seize the weapon, and it can be forfeited to the Commonwealth. The Sentencing Commission uses at least a $50,000 minimum cost estimate when this law increases time in state prisons.

Weapons banned at Capitol and state offices

You cannot carry a gun or explosive inside the Virginia Capitol, on Capitol Square and its surrounding area in Richmond, in any state‑owned or leased building, or in any office where state employees regularly work. Signs must be posted along the Capitol Square boundary and at public entrances to these places. If a required sign is missing at the entrance and you did not have actual notice of the ban, you cannot be convicted.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Katrina Callsen

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 165 • No: 72

Senate vote 3/2/2026

Passed Senate

Yes: 21 • No: 19

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 and rereferred to Finance and Appropriations

Yes: 9 • No: 4

House vote 2/5/2026

Read third time and passed House

Yes: 63 • No: 35

House vote 1/30/2026

Reported from Public Safety

Yes: 15 • No: 6

House vote 1/29/2026

Subcommittee recommends reporting

Yes: 7 • No: 3

Actions Timeline

  1. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0643)

    4/13/2026Governor
  2. Approved by Governor-Chapter 643 (effective 7/1/2026)

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

    3/10/2026Governor
  4. Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 10, 2026

    3/10/2026House
  5. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB626)

    3/6/2026House
  6. Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB626ER)

    3/6/2026House
  7. Enrolled

    3/6/2026House
  8. Signed by President

    3/6/2026Senate
  9. Signed by Speaker

    3/6/2026House
  10. Passed Senate (21-Y 19-N 0-A)

    3/2/2026Senate
  11. Passed by for the day

    2/27/2026Senate
  12. Read third time

    2/27/2026Senate
  13. Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

    2/26/2026Senate
  14. Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading) (40-Y 0-N 0-A)

    2/26/2026Senate
  15. Rules suspended

    2/26/2026Senate
  16. Reported from Finance and Appropriations (10-Y 5-N)

    2/25/2026Senate
  17. Reported from Courts of Justice and rereferred to Finance and Appropriations (9-Y 4-N)

    2/23/2026Senate
  18. Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice

    2/6/2026Senate
  19. Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading)

    2/6/2026Senate
  20. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB626)

    2/5/2026House
  21. Read third time and passed House (63-Y 35-N 0-A)

    2/5/2026House
  22. Read second time and engrossed

    2/4/2026House
  23. Read first time

    2/3/2026House
  24. Reported from Public Safety (15-Y 6-N)

    1/30/2026House
  25. Subcommittee recommends reporting (7-Y 3-N)

    1/29/2026House

Bill Text

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