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SB 79

Firearms, etc.; carrying into bldg. owned or leased by the Commonwealth, exception for rest areas.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Danny Diggs

SB 79 would ban firearm carrying in Commonwealth-owned buildings except rest areas, but failed committee passage 8-5 on January 26, 2026.

Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice (8-Y 5-N)
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Bill Summary · SB 79

Legislative bill overview

SB 79 would prohibit individuals from carrying firearms into buildings owned or leased by the Commonwealth of Virginia, with a specific exception carved out for rest areas along highways. The bill was introduced by Delegate Danny Diggs and recently failed to advance out of the House Courts of Justice Committee.

Why is this important

This bill addresses firearm access in state-controlled facilities, which affects public safety policies, Second Amendment rights, and workplace security across Virginia's government buildings. The outcome reflects ongoing legislative disagreement over gun regulation scope and the balance between public safety measures and constitutional carrying rights.

Potential points of contention

  • Second Amendment concerns: Opponents argue broad prohibitions on carrying firearms in public buildings infringe on constitutional rights, particularly in an era of permitless carry in Virginia
  • Rest area exception rationale: The specific carve-out for rest areas is unusual and raises questions about the legislative logic—whether this reflects safety concerns, practical enforcement challenges, or political compromise
  • Enforcement and liability: Questions about how violations would be enforced, what penalties apply, and whether the state bears liability if prohibited individuals still access buildings with weapons

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

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