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Bill

HB 201

School boards; safe storage of prescription drugs and firearms in the household.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Elizabeth Bennett-Parker and 7 co-sponsors

Virginia requires school boards to establish safe storage policies for prescription drugs and firearms in households to reduce accidental injuries and poisonings among children.

Approved by Governor-Chapter 88 (effective 7/1/2026)
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Bill Summary · HB 201

Legislative bill overview

HB 201 requires Virginia school boards to establish and enforce policies mandating safe storage of prescription drugs and firearms in households, likely through educational programs or guidelines for students and families. The bill has already passed the House with a 62-35 vote and is now in Senate committee review.

Why is this important

Safe storage policies address two significant public health concerns: accidental poisoning from unsecured medications and unintentional firearm injuries involving children. This represents a shift toward having schools play an active role in promoting household safety practices beyond traditional educational content.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of authority: Whether school boards should have regulatory power over private household practices, or if this overreaches into family autonomy and parental decision-making
  • Implementation burden: Unclear how schools would enforce or verify compliance, monitor compliance, or what consequences exist for non-compliance
  • Equity and access concerns: Safe storage solutions (gun safes, medication lock boxes, secure cabinets) have financial costs that may burden lower-income families disproportionately
  • Political/cultural divide: Firearm storage mandates generate significant disagreement between gun rights advocates and public safety advocates

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

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