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HB 1622

Firearm in unattended motor vehicle; civil penalty.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Nadarius Clark and 4 co-sponsors

Virginia bill imposes civil penalties on gun owners who leave firearms unattended in vehicles, aiming to reduce firearm theft and associated crime.

Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice (14-Y 1-N)
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Bill Summary · HB 1622

Legislative bill overview

HB 1622 would establish a civil penalty for leaving a firearm unattended in a motor vehicle in Virginia. The bill creates a statutory violation with financial consequences for gun owners who leave firearms accessible in parked vehicles without proper supervision or securing measures.

Why is this important

Unattended firearms in vehicles are frequently stolen and used in subsequent crimes, representing a significant public safety concern in many jurisdictions. This bill attempts to reduce gun theft and related criminal activity by incentivizing responsible firearm storage practices among vehicle owners.

Potential points of contention

  • Second Amendment concerns: Gun rights advocates may argue the civil penalty infringes on property rights and firearm ownership freedoms, even if it doesn't technically prevent ownership
  • Enforcement and privacy issues: Implementation raises questions about how law enforcement would identify violations without conducting warrantless vehicle searches, potentially affecting Fourth Amendment protections
  • Disproportionate impact: Critics may contend the penalty could affect lower-income gun owners more severely than wealthy owners, raising equity concerns about civil penalty structures

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

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