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Bill

HB 110

Handguns in unattended motor vehicle; definitions, penalty.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Elizabeth Bennett-Parker and 8 co-sponsors

Virginia establishes civil penalties for leaving firearms unattended in motor vehicles to reduce gun theft and unauthorized access.

Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0560)
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Bill Summary · HB 110

Legislative bill overview

HB 110 establishes a civil penalty for leaving a firearm unattended in a motor vehicle in Virginia. The bill creates a mechanism to fine individuals who leave firearms accessible in parked cars, regardless of whether theft or misuse occurs. This focuses on negligent storage practices rather than criminal firearm ownership.

Why is this important

Unattended firearms in vehicles are a significant source of gun theft and accidental access by children and unauthorized users. Virginia experienced notable incidents involving stolen vehicle firearms being used in subsequent crimes. This civil penalty approach attempts to reduce these risks without criminalizing gun ownership itself, addressing a specific public safety vulnerability.

Potential points of contention

  • Second Amendment concerns: Gun rights advocates may argue the penalty infringes on firearm ownership rights or creates an unfunded mandate for responsible gun owners
  • Enforcement challenges: Questions about how police will identify violations without invasive vehicle searches, and whether enforcement will be applied equitably across communities
  • Penalty structure: Debate over whether civil penalties are sufficient deterrent versus criminal penalties, and whether fines disproportionately affect lower-income gun owners
  • Definition ambiguity: Unclear what "unattended" means legally—does a locked vehicle with windows cracked qualify? Does brief trips inside count?

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

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