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Bill

SB 348

Firearms; storage in residence where minor or person prohibited from possessing is present, penalty.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jennifer Boysko and 1 co-sponsor

SB 348 mandates secure firearm storage when minors or prohibited persons are in Virginia homes, establishing penalties for violations to reduce unauthorized access and unintentional harm.

Governor's recommendation received by Senate
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 348

Legislative bill overview

SB 348 would require Virginia residents to securely store firearms when minors or individuals prohibited from possessing firearms are present in the home. The bill establishes penalties for violations of these storage requirements, creating a legal duty for gun owners to prevent unauthorized access by specified populations.

Why is this important

Firearm storage laws directly affect public safety outcomes, particularly regarding unintentional youth injuries, suicides, and theft of weapons. This represents a policy approach to reduce harm without prohibiting firearm ownership, though it creates new enforcement and compliance obligations for gun owners in their private residences.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional concerns: Second Amendment advocates argue regulations requiring specific storage methods in one's home may infringe on property rights and gun ownership protections, particularly regarding quick-access for self-defense scenarios.
  • Enforcement challenges: Critics question how storage compliance would be monitored without warrantless searches, potentially creating selective enforcement based on police discretion or complaints.
  • Definitional precision: The bill's terms—what constitutes "secure" storage and which individuals are "prohibited from possessing"—require clear legal definitions to avoid inconsistent application and unintended consequences.

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

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