Bill > HB700

This bill establishes a mandatory five-day waiting period for all firearm purchases in Virginia, meaning no firearm can be sold until at least five days have passed since the prospective buyer completed a written consent form for a background check by a licensed dealer. This applies to both licensed dealers and private sellers, with exceptions for certain law enforcement and gun buy-back programs. Violating this new waiting period is a Class 1 misdemeanor for individuals, while licensed dealers who willfully sell a firearm in violation face a more severe penalty of a Class 6 felony. The bill aims to add an extra layer of scrutiny to firearm transactions by requiring this delay, which is intended to allow more time for thorough criminal history record information checks, a process where a dealer contacts the State Police to ensure the buyer is not prohibited from owning a firearm under state or federal law.

Justice

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB700