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HB 2241

Firearms, etc.; possession, etc., by person convicted of hate crime.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Elizabeth Bennett-Parker and 9 co-sponsors

Virginia bill prohibiting firearm possession by hate crime convicts vetoed by Governor; House failed override attempt in April 2025.

House sustained Governor's veto
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2241

Legislative bill overview

HB 2241 would prohibit individuals convicted of hate crimes from possessing firearms, similar to existing restrictions on those convicted of domestic violence or felonies. The bill was passed by the Virginia legislature but was vetoed by the Governor on March 24, 2025, and the House failed to override that veto on April 2, 2025.

Why is this important

This bill directly addresses the intersection of violent extremism and gun access by creating legal consequences for individuals whose criminal convictions demonstrate bias-motivated violence. The outcome reflects ongoing tension in Virginia between legislative efforts to restrict firearm access for certain offenders and executive resistance to such restrictions.

Potential points of contention

  • Second Amendment concerns: Opponents argue that restricting gun rights based on hate crime convictions raises constitutional questions about due process and proportional punishment, especially since hate crimes are often prosecuted as enhanced versions of underlying crimes (assault, intimidation, etc.)
  • Definition clarity: Questions about which convictions qualify as "hate crimes" and whether prosecutorial inconsistencies across jurisdictions could create unequal application of the firearm ban
  • Rehabilitation and rights restoration: Debate over whether permanent firearm prohibitions are proportional punishment or whether convicted individuals should have pathways to rights restoration after rehabilitation

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

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