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Bill

HB 916

Concealed handgun permit; demonstrated competence, effective clause.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Nadarius Clark and 3 co-sponsors

Virginia bill requiring concealed handgun permit applicants demonstrate firearm competency through training or testing before permit approval.

Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0438)
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Bill Summary · HB 916

Legislative bill overview

HB 916 would establish a demonstrated competence requirement for Virginia concealed handgun permit (CHP) applicants. The bill appears to mandate that individuals seeking a CHP show proficiency through training or testing before permit approval. This represents a shift from Virginia's current "shall-issue" permitting system, which requires minimal prerequisites beyond background checks.

Why is this important

Concealed carry permitting directly affects public safety policy and Second Amendment implementation. Virginia's current system is among the least restrictive in the nation, and adding competence requirements would meaningfully change who can legally carry concealed weapons—potentially reducing negligent discharge incidents but also creating barriers to permit access.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional interpretation: Opponents argue competence requirements effectively create a burden on Second Amendment rights, while supporters contend reasonable restrictions are constitutionally permissible
  • Access equity: Training costs and availability could disproportionately affect lower-income residents seeking permits, raising concerns about unequal access to constitutional rights
  • Burden on law enforcement: Implementation requires defining competence standards, establishing approved training programs, and administering testing—creating administrative costs and potential delays in permit processing
  • Effectiveness debate: Empirical evidence on whether competence requirements reduce gun violence is mixed and contested among researchers

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

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