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Bill

HB 1096

Substantial Risk Order Reporting System; established.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by J.J. Singh

Virginia establishes statewide reporting system to track court-issued Substantial Risk Orders restricting firearm access for individuals deemed dangerous.

Approved by Governor-Chapter 935 (effective 7/1/2026)
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Bill Summary · HB 1096

Legislative bill overview

HB 1096 establishes a statewide reporting system for Substantial Risk Orders (SROs) in Virginia, which are court-issued directives that temporarily restrict firearm access for individuals deemed to pose a significant danger to themselves or others. The bill creates infrastructure to track and coordinate SRO issuance across judicial circuits and law enforcement agencies. This represents a systematic approach to managing what courts have already determined to be high-risk situations.

Why is this important

Substantial Risk Orders (also called "red flag" laws) exist in Virginia law but lack a unified reporting mechanism, potentially creating gaps in enforcement and coordination between courts and police. Establishing a centralized system could improve response times, reduce duplicative efforts, and ensure consistent implementation across the state's diverse judicial jurisdictions. The bill also has fiscal implications requiring appropriations, suggesting meaningful resource allocation for database infrastructure and administration.

Potential points of contention

  • Due process concerns: Opponents may argue that SRO systems, even with reporting coordination, raise constitutional questions about temporary firearm restrictions and the procedural safeguards available to accused individuals
  • Implementation burden: Law enforcement and judicial agencies may dispute whether adequate funding and training are provided to properly use and maintain the reporting system
  • Privacy and data security: Questions about who can access the SRO database, how long records are retained, and whether individuals can challenge their inclusion in the system

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

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