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VA SB160
VA SB160Firearms; purchase, etc., after assault & battery of family or household member or intimate partner.
summary
Introduced
01/07/2026
01/07/2026
In Committee
02/20/2026
02/20/2026
Crossed Over
02/06/2026
02/06/2026
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Regular Session
Bill Summary
Purchase, possession, or transportation of firearm; assault and battery of a family or household member or intimate partner; penalty. Adds to the definition of "family or household member," as such definition relates to juvenile and domestic relations district court, a person's intimate partner, defined in the bill as an individual who, within the previous 12 months, was in a romantic, dating, or sexual relationship with the person as determined by the length, nature, frequency, and type of interaction between the individuals involved in the relationship. The bill also adds to the definition of "family or household member," as such definition relates to a person's purchase, possession, or transportation of a firearm following an assault and battery of a family or household member, any individual who cohabits or who, within the previous 12 months, cohabitated with the person. Finally, the bill provides that any person who knowingly and intentionally purchases, possesses, or transports any firearm following a misdemeanor conviction for an offense that occurred on or after July 1, 2026, for the offense of assault and battery against an intimate partner or an offense substantially similar under the laws of any other state or of the United States is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
AI Summary
This bill expands the definition of "family or household member" for certain legal purposes, specifically concerning domestic violence and firearm restrictions. It adds "intimate partner" to the definition of family or household member in the context of juvenile and domestic relations court, defining an intimate partner as someone who has been in a romantic, dating, or sexual relationship with the person within the past 12 months, based on the nature and frequency of their interactions. Additionally, for firearm restrictions following an assault and battery, it includes individuals who have cohabited with the person within the last 12 months. Crucially, the bill establishes that anyone convicted of misdemeanor assault and battery against an intimate partner, or a similar offense in another jurisdiction, on or after July 1, 2026, will be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor if they knowingly and intentionally purchase, possess, or transport a firearm. This prohibition on firearm possession is set to last for three years after the conviction, unless other legal restrictions apply.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Read second time (on 02/24/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB160 |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact statement From VCSC (2/23/2026 10:43 am) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1171880.PDF |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB160/text/SB160H1 |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB160) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1096355.PDF |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB160/text/SB160 |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact statement From VCSC (1/12/2026 11:19 am) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1084003.PDF |
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