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Bill > HB626
VA HB626
VA HB626Firearm or explosive material; exemptions, carrying in public institutions of higher education.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
02/25/2026
02/25/2026
Crossed Over
02/04/2026
02/04/2026
Passed
04/13/2026
04/13/2026
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
04/13/2026
04/13/2026
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Regular Session
Bill 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.
AI Summary
This bill modifies an existing law that prohibits carrying firearms or explosive materials in certain state-owned or leased buildings, including Capitol Square, which is the area surrounding the Virginia State Capitol. Specifically, it narrows an exemption that previously allowed individuals to carry weapons on property owned or operated by public institutions of higher education. The new provision restricts this exemption to individuals who possess a weapon as part of an approved curriculum, authorized activity, or program conducted by the institution, with such uses needing approval from the institution's law enforcement or public safety unit. This change aims to clarify and limit who can carry weapons on public college and university campuses under this specific exemption.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance, Justice
Sponsors (11)
Katrina Callsen (D)*,
Jessica Anderson (D),
Elizabeth Bennett-Parker (D),
Nicole Cole (D),
Rae Cousins (D),
Mark Downey (D),
Lily Franklin (D),
Amy Laufer (D),
Fernando Martinez (D),
Marcia Price (D),
Kathy Tran (D),
Last Action
Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0643) (on 04/13/2026)
Bill Topics
Education
- ‐ Higher Education
Law, Crime, and Family Issues
- ‐ Firearms and Gun Control
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location | Created |
|---|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB626 | 01/13/2026 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB626/text/CHAP0643 | 04/21/2026 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB626/text/HB626ER | 03/06/2026 |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB626) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1197788.PDF | 03/06/2026 |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB626) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1129606.PDF | 02/05/2026 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB626/text/HB626 | 01/13/2026 |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact statement From VCSC (1/13/2026 3:34 pm) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1085387.PDF | 01/13/2026 |
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