Bill > HB702

This bill establishes the Virginia Firearm Give-Back Program and Fund, requiring all local law-enforcement agencies to develop and implement either a firearm give-back or buy-back program by January 1, 2028, and annually thereafter. These programs allow individuals to voluntarily surrender firearms, which will undergo forensic testing to determine if they were used in a crime; if so, they can be retained as evidence. Firearms determined to be lost or stolen will be returned to their original owners. Any firearm not needed as evidence or for prosecution must be destroyed within 90 days, with "destroyed" meaning permanently rendered inoperable. However, antique firearms or historically significant firearms (defined as at least 40 years old, not antique, and possessing historical, collector, or educational value) are exempt from mandatory destruction and can be donated to museums, historical societies, or educational institutions, or sold by a licensed dealer; if no such entity accepts them, they must be destroyed within 180 days. The identity of individuals surrendering firearms will be kept confidential. Local law-enforcement agencies must submit an annual report to the Department of State Police detailing the number of firearms received, and any proceeds from the sale or auction of returned firearms will go to the locality's general fund or be used to administer the program.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB702