Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that specifies it's a crime to fail to securely store a gun in a house where a minor or someone prohibited from possessing a firearm is present in Virginia.

Highlights:

• Prohibits the storing of a firearm on any premises where such individual knows that a minor or someone who is prohibited from possessing a firearm is, or is likely to be, present unless the firearm is unloaded and secured with a firearm safety device (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies the firearm may be stored loaded if it is stored in a storage device designed only to be opened by a key, combination, or other similar means and the minor or prohibited individual cannot unlock the device (Sec. 1). 

• Establishes a Class 4 misdemeanor for any individual who is guilty of the provisions of this bill regarding storing firearms where minors or prohibited individuals are present (Sec. 1). 

• Requires any theft or loss of a firearm from a vehicle to be reported to law enforcement and establishes a Class 4 misdemeanor for any individual who violates this section (Sec. 1). 

• Specifics that all penalties become a Class 1 misdemeanor if the minor or prohibited individual obtains the firearm (Sec. 1). 

• Requires dealers of firearms to post notices regarding proper storage requirements (Sec. 1). 

• Requires the Superintendent of State Police and the Commissioner of Health to create a public awareness campaign of related resources and materials by January 1, 2026 (Sec. 1). 

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that specifies it's a crime to fail to securely store a gun in a house where a minor or someone prohibited from possessing a firearm is present in Virginia.

Highlights:

• Prohibits the storing of a firearm on any premises where such individual knows that a minor or someone who is prohibited from possessing a firearm is, or is likely to be, present unless the firearm is unloaded and secured with a firearm safety device (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies the firearm may be stored loaded if it is stored in a storage device designed only to be opened by a key, combination, or other similar means and the minor or prohibited individual cannot unlock the device (Sec. 1). 

• Establishes a Class 4 misdemeanor for any individual who is guilty of the provisions of this bill regarding storing firearms where minors or prohibited individuals are present (Sec. 1). 

• Requires any theft or loss of a firearm from a vehicle to be reported to law enforcement and establishes a Class 4 misdemeanor for any individual who violates this section (Sec. 1). 

• Specifics that all penalties become a Class 1 misdemeanor if the minor or prohibited individual obtains the firearm (Sec. 1). 

• Requires dealers of firearms to post notices regarding proper storage requirements (Sec. 1). 

• Requires the Superintendent of State Police and the Commissioner of Health to create a public awareness campaign of related resources and materials by January 1, 2026 (Sec. 1). 

Full Bill Text