VirginiaHB9162026 Regular SessionHouse

Concealed handgun permit; demonstrated competence, effective clause.

Sponsored By: Alfonso H. Lopez (Democratic)

Became Law

Summary

Concealed handgun permit; demonstrated competence. Adds a handgun shooting class or course that teaches (i) efficient, effective, and responsible use of a concealed handgun for self-defense outside of the home; (ii) state laws pertaining to handguns; and (iii) proper handgun storage techniques to those programs that satisfy the demonstration of competence requirement for the issuance of a Virginia resident or nonresident concealed handgun permit. The bill removes the requirement that such a training course must be conducted by the National Rifle Association or the United States Concealed Carry Association. The provisions of the bill do not become effective unless reenacted by the 2027 Session of the General Assembly.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

Nonresident concealed carry permits and fees

Virginia issues a five-year nonresident concealed handgun permit to people 21 or older who live outside Virginia. You apply to the State Police with a copy of a valid photo ID, two photos, and fingerprints, and you consent to state and FBI checks. You must show in-person handgun competence; copies of certificates or instructor affidavits are accepted. The State Police may charge up to $100 to cover checks and issuance. The permit shows only basic identity items and your photo. If you are later found disqualified, the State Police revoke the permit and you must return it. The State Police must set application rules by regulation.

Resident concealed carry permits and privacy

Adults 21 and older who live in a Virginia county or city can apply to the circuit court clerk for a five-year concealed handgun permit. The State Police set a standard form, and clerks cannot ask for extra documents. You must show one valid government photo ID. You must give proof of in-person handgun competence; copies of certificates or instructor affidavits are accepted and do not expire. Clerks must keep your application private, except for law enforcement and your own record. An application is complete when the clerk gets all required information and the fee before or with the background check. A service member stationed outside Virginia applies where their military home of record is. Making a material false statement on the application is perjury.

Law on hold unless reenacted in 2027

None of these changes take effect unless the General Assembly reenacts them in 2027. Until reenactment, the prior permit rules remain in place.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Alfonso H. Lopez

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 258 • No: 79

House vote 3/11/2026

Senate substitute agreed to by House

Yes: 72 • No: 27

Senate vote 3/10/2026

Committee amendments rejected (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 3/10/2026

Passed Senate with substitute

Yes: 21 • No: 19

Senate vote 3/10/2026

Finance and Appropriations Substitute agreed to

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 3/5/2026

Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading)

Yes: 39 • No: 0

Senate vote 3/5/2026

Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 3/4/2026

Reported from Finance and Appropriations with substitute

Yes: 10 • No: 5

Senate vote 3/3/2026

Motion to rerefer to Finance and Appropriations agreed to

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 3/2/2026

Reported from Courts of Justice with amendments

Yes: 9 • No: 6

House vote 2/12/2026

Read third time and passed House

Yes: 81 • No: 16

House vote 2/6/2026

Reported from Public Safety

Yes: 19 • No: 3

House vote 2/5/2026

Subcommittee recommends reporting

Yes: 7 • No: 3

Actions Timeline

  1. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0438)

    4/8/2026Governor
  2. Approved by Governor-Chapter438 (Effective - see bill)

    4/8/2026Governor
  3. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB916)

    4/1/2026House
  4. Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026

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

    3/31/2026House
  6. Signed by Speaker

    3/31/2026House
  7. Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB916ER)

    3/30/2026House
  8. Enrolled

    3/30/2026House
  9. Signed by President

    3/30/2026Senate
  10. Senate substitute agreed to by House (72-Y 27-N 0-A)

    3/11/2026House
  11. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB916)

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

    3/10/2026Senate
  13. Finance and Appropriations Substitute agreed to

    3/10/2026Senate
  14. Committee amendments rejected (Voice Vote)

    3/10/2026Senate
  15. Engrossed by Senate - committee substitute

    3/10/2026Senate
  16. Read third time

    3/10/2026Senate
  17. Passed by for the day

    3/9/2026Senate
  18. Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

    3/6/2026Senate
  19. Committee substitute printed 26109383D-S1

    3/6/2026Senate
  20. Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

    3/5/2026Senate
  21. Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading) (39-Y 0-N 0-A)

    3/5/2026Senate
  22. Rules suspended

    3/5/2026Senate
  23. Reported from Finance and Appropriations with substitute (10-Y 5-N)

    3/4/2026Senate
  24. Rereferred to Finance and Appropriations

    3/3/2026Senate
  25. Motion to rerefer to Finance and Appropriations agreed to

    3/3/2026Senate

Bill Text

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