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Bill

HB 702

Local law-enforcement agencies; firearm give-back or buy-back programs.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Nadarius Clark and 5 co-sponsors

Virginia bill establishes voluntary firearm surrender program with dedicated fund and reporting requirements to track participation and gun collection outcomes.

Governor's recommendation received by House
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 702

Legislative bill overview

HB 702 establishes a Virginia Firearm Give-Back Program that allows residents to voluntarily surrender firearms, with the state creating a dedicated fund to support the program's operations. The bill requires reporting on program participation, firearms collected, and fund expenditures to the General Assembly.

Why is this important

Firearm give-back programs aim to reduce firearm availability in communities through voluntary surrender, potentially addressing gun violence, accidental harm, and safe storage concerns. The program's effectiveness and cost depend heavily on participation rates, public awareness, and how surrendered firearms are handled and destroyed.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional concerns: Some Second Amendment advocates argue government-sponsored surrender programs represent overreach, while others support them as purely voluntary alternatives
  • Program funding and scope: Appropriations Committee involvement suggests debate over cost allocation and whether resources should fund incentives for surrender versus other public safety measures
  • Gun rights versus public safety framing: Disagreement over whether the program addresses genuine public safety needs or represents unnecessary government involvement in firearm ownership
  • Implementation details: Unclear provisions on confidentiality protections for participants, whether incentives will be offered, and whether private firearms dealers would participate

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

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