WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 700

Firearms; waiting period for purchase, penalties.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Cliff Hayes

HB 700 establishes a mandatory waiting period for firearm purchases in Virginia with penalties for non-compliance, sparking Second Amendment debates.

Referred to Committee on Public Safety
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 700

Legislative bill overview

HB 700 proposes to implement a waiting period requirement for firearm purchases in Virginia and establishes penalties for violations of this provision. The bill was prefiled in January 2026 and referred to the Committee on Public Safety for consideration.

Why is this important

Waiting periods are a contentious gun policy tool intended to reduce impulsive violence and allow time for background check completion, but their effectiveness remains debated. The bill directly impacts gun purchasers and sellers in Virginia, and raises constitutional questions under the Second Amendment that have been subject to recent litigation nationally.

Potential points of contention

  • Second Amendment concerns: Gun rights advocates argue waiting periods constitute an unconstitutional infringement on the right to bear arms, particularly given recent Supreme Court rulings emphasizing individual gun ownership rights
  • Effectiveness debate: Public health researchers dispute whether waiting periods meaningfully reduce gun violence, while critics note Virginia already has background check procedures that create some delay
  • Business and enforcement impact: Gun dealers would face new compliance requirements and potential penalties, raising questions about implementation costs and liability

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

Sign in to ask a question.