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HB 2719

Firearms; adding court ordered outpatient mental health treatment as prohibition to ownership.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by A.C. Cordoza

Bill expands Virginia firearm ownership bans to include people under court-ordered outpatient mental health treatment, but subcommittee voted unanimously to remove it from consideration.

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Bill Summary · HB 2719

Legislative bill overview

HB 2719 would add court-ordered outpatient mental health treatment to Virginia's list of disqualifications for firearm ownership. Currently, Virginia prohibits firearm possession for individuals with certain mental health adjudications, but this bill specifically targets those required by courts to undergo outpatient mental health treatment rather than just inpatient commitments.

Why is this important

This addresses the intersection of mental health policy and Second Amendment rights by expanding who cannot legally possess firearms. The practical impact depends on how broadly "court-ordered outpatient treatment" is defined—it could affect thousands of Virginians, potentially including those with minor conditions, and raises questions about due process, privacy, and whether outpatient treatment necessarily correlates with dangerousness.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional concerns: Second Amendment advocates argue this may be overbroad and violate rights without sufficient due process safeguards, especially if outpatient orders stem from civil (not criminal) proceedings
  • Definition ambiguity: "Court-ordered outpatient mental health treatment" lacks clear boundaries—it could capture diverse conditions and severities, raising fairness questions
  • Practical implementation: The subcommittee's 9-0 recommendation to strike suggests significant skepticism about enforceability, verification mechanisms, or policy effectiveness relative to public safety benefits

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

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