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VA SB27

VA SB27
Firearm industry members; definitions, standards of responsible conduct, civil liability.


summary

Introduced
11/17/2025
In Committee
02/13/2026
Crossed Over
03/05/2026
Passed
03/11/2026
Dead

Introduced Session

2026 Regular Regular Session

Bill Summary

Firearm industry members; standards of responsible conduct; civil liability. Creates standards of responsible conduct for firearm industry members and requires such members to establish and implement reasonable controls regarding the manufacture, sale, distribution, use, and marketing of the firearm industry member's firearm-related products, as those terms are defined in the bill. Such reasonable controls include reasonable procedures, safeguards, and business practices that are designed to (i) prevent the sale or distribution of a firearm-related product to a straw purchaser, a firearm trafficker, a person prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law, or a person who the firearm industry member has reasonable cause to believe is at substantial risk of using a firearm-related product to harm themselves or unlawfully harm another or of unlawfully possessing or using a firearm-related product; (ii) prevent the loss of a firearm-related product or theft of a firearm-related product from a firearm industry member; (iii) ensure that the firearm industry member complies with all provisions of state and federal law and does not otherwise promote the unlawful manufacture, sale, possession, marketing, or use of a firearm-related product; (iv) prevent the installation and use of an auto sear on firearm-related products; and (v) ensure that the firearm industry member does not engage in an act or practice in violation of the Virginia Consumer Protection Act. The bill also provides that a firearm industry member may not knowingly or recklessly create, maintain, or contribute to a public nuisance, as defined in the bill, through the sale, manufacturing, importing, or marketing of a firearm-related product. The bill creates a civil cause of action for the Attorney General or a local county, city, or town attorney to enforce the provisions of the bill or for any person who has been injured as a result of a firearm industry member's violation to seek an injunction and to recover costs and damages. The bill also allows the Attorney General to issue a civil investigative demand if he has reasonable cause to believe that any person has engaged in, is engaging in, or is about to engage in any violation of such standards.

AI Summary

This bill establishes new standards of responsible conduct for firearm industry members, defined as those involved in the sale, manufacture, distribution, importation, or marketing of firearm-related products, which includes firearms, ammunition, components like unfinished frames or receivers, and accessories. These members are required to implement "reasonable controls," meaning specific procedures and safeguards designed to prevent the sale of firearms to prohibited individuals or those at risk of harm, to prevent theft, to ensure compliance with all laws, to stop the use of auto sears (devices that increase a firearm's rate of fire), and to avoid violating the Virginia Consumer Protection Act. The bill also prohibits firearm industry members from knowingly creating or contributing to a "public nuisance," which is broadly defined as a condition that endangers public health, safety, or comfort, through their firearm-related business activities. Importantly, the bill creates a civil right of action, allowing the Attorney General or local attorneys to sue for injunctions and damages, and also permits individuals injured by a violation to sue for injunctions, damages, and legal costs, without needing to prove intent to cause harm. The bill also outlines procedures for civil investigations and specifies venue and time limits for legal actions.

Committee Categories

Budget and Finance, Justice

Sponsors (5)

Last Action

Signed by Speaker (on 03/12/2026)

bill text


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