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Bill

HB 540

Carrying firearms in restricted locations; exception.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Karen Hamilton

Virginia bill proposing a firearms exception to state carrying restrictions was voted down by subcommittee and faces unlikely passage.

Subcommittee recommends passing by indefinitely (7-Y 3-N)
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Bill Summary · HB 540

Legislative bill overview

HB 540 would create an exception to Virginia's restrictions on carrying firearms in certain locations, though the specific exception is not detailed in the provided bill information. The bill was prefiled in January 2026 and referred to the Committee on Public Safety, where its Firearms subcommittee recently voted to recommend indefinite postponement (killing the bill).

Why is this important

Firearm carrying regulations directly affect public safety policy and individual rights—two areas where Virginians hold strong, differing views. The subcommittee's 7-3 vote to indefinitely postpone suggests the bill faced significant opposition, indicating disagreement among lawmakers about where exceptions should exist in Virginia's firearms restrictions.

Potential points of contention

  • The nature of the proposed exception (which restricted locations would allow firearms) and whether it expands or contracts public safety protections
  • Whether creating carve-outs undermines the legislative intent of existing firearm restrictions in sensitive areas
  • Whether the exception adequately accounts for the interests of property owners, workers, and patrons in the affected locations

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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