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Bill

SB 723

Concealed handgun; carrying without a permit.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Glen Sturtevant

Virginia bill would allow residents to carry concealed handguns without a permit, eliminating current court-approval requirements for concealed carry.

Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice (9-Y 6-N)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 723

Legislative bill overview

SB 723 would eliminate Virginia's requirement for residents to obtain a permit before carrying a concealed handgun in public. Currently, Virginia law requires individuals to apply for and receive a concealed carry permit from their local circuit court. This bill would allow permitless concealed carry statewide.

Why is this important

This represents a significant shift in Virginia's firearms regulation, affecting public safety policy and law enforcement practices. The change would impact background check procedures, tracking mechanisms, and how police identify individuals carrying firearms during routine interactions.

Potential points of contention

  • Public safety concerns: Opponents argue permit requirements enable background checks and help law enforcement identify prohibited gun carriers; supporters counter that constitutional rights shouldn't require permitting
  • Law enforcement impact: Police may lose a tool for identifying armed individuals during traffic stops and other encounters; implementation challenges for existing background check infrastructure
  • Constitutional interpretation: Disagreement over whether permit requirements are consistent with Second Amendment protections versus whether they're necessary regulations

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

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