Bill > SB496

This bill creates a new law in Virginia that makes it a Class 4 misdemeanor, a minor criminal offense, for anyone to leave a handgun in an unattended vehicle unless it is stored securely. Specifically, the handgun must be placed out of sight in a locked, hard-sided container, which can include a locked glove compartment or center console, or a container attached to the vehicle's interior with a steel cable, bolt, or welding. The bill defines "handgun" as a pistol or revolver designed to be fired with one hand, and "vehicle" broadly to include motor vehicles and boats, but excludes items like bicycles and scooters. A vehicle is considered unattended if the owner, operator, or a passenger cannot see it, and it's left on a public highway, public property, or a commercial parking area. There are exceptions to this law, including for antique firearms, law enforcement officers, and individuals who report the theft or loss of the firearm to law enforcement as required by another section of law.