Bill > HB2631

This bill modifies Virginia law regarding firearm purchases by introducing a mandatory five-day waiting period between when a prospective purchaser completes a written consent form for a criminal history record information check and when a firearm can be sold. The bill amends existing statutes to require that for both dealer and private sales, no firearm can be transferred until at least five days have elapsed after the consent form is completed. This waiting period applies to most firearm sales, with some exceptions such as sales to law enforcement, sales at gun shows with background checks, and sales of antique firearms. The bill maintains existing requirements for criminal background checks and identification verification, but adds the new waiting period as an additional step in the firearm purchasing process. Sellers who transfer a firearm before the five-day period has elapsed, or buyers who attempt to purchase a firearm before the waiting period ends, would be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. The intent appears to be providing a "cooling off" period that could potentially prevent impulsive acts of violence by introducing a mandatory delay in firearm purchases.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/HB2631