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Bill > HB909
VA HB909
VA HB909Elections; certain conduct prohibited at polling places applicable to locations for absentee voting.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
02/24/2026
02/24/2026
Crossed Over
02/11/2026
02/11/2026
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Regular Session
Bill Summary
Elections administration; certain activities or conduct prohibited at polling places applicable to locations for absentee voting in person; prohibited possession of firearm within 100 feet of certain locations. Clarifies that the provisions of law prohibiting certain activities or conduct in and around a polling place shall also apply to locations where absentee voting in person is available. The bill also prohibits any person, with certain exceptions, from (i) knowingly carrying any firearm and (ii) knowingly doing so within 100 feet of the entrance of a polling place, the building used by the local electoral board to meet to ascertain election results, the building used to conduct a recount of an election, and other additional locations used for voting-related and elections-related activities. Under current law, this prohibition applies within 40 feet of such entrances.
AI Summary
This bill expands the areas where carrying firearms is prohibited near polling places and other election-related locations, increasing the restricted zone from 40 feet to 100 feet. It clarifies that these prohibitions, which include activities like campaigning and influencing voters, now apply not only to traditional polling places but also to locations where voters can cast absentee ballots in person, such as the general registrar's office or satellite voter offices. Additionally, the bill extends the 100-foot firearm prohibition to buildings used by local electoral boards to meet and ascertain election results, buildings used for election recounts, and central absentee voter precincts. The exceptions for law enforcement officers, retired law enforcement officers, and armed security officers remain in place.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (10)
Irene Shin (D)*,
Nadarius Clark (D),
Rae Cousins (D),
Garrett McGuire (D),
May Nivar (D),
Marcia Price (D),
Atoosa Reaser (D),
Saddam Salim (D),
J.J. Singh (D),
Kathy Tran (D),
Last Action
Passed Senate (21-Y 19-N 0-A) (on 03/02/2026)
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/HB909 |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB909) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1168607.PDF |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB909/text/HB909H1 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB909/text/HB909HC1 |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB909) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1127244.PDF |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB909/text/HB909 |
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