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Bill

HB 969

Virginia Gun Violence Prevention Center; work group to develop policy, etc., to establish.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lashrecse Aird and 22 co-sponsors

Virginia establishes a Gun Violence Prevention Center to research firearm-related harm and develop evidence-based prevention policies.

Governor's recommendation received by House
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Bill Summary · HB 969

Legislative bill overview

HB 969 establishes a Gun Violence Prevention Center in Virginia, creating a dedicated state institution to research, analyze, and develop policy responses to gun violence. The center would serve as a coordinating body for data collection, evidence-based prevention strategies, and public health approaches to firearm-related harm.

Why is this important

Gun violence prevention centers can influence state-level policy by providing research infrastructure and data analysis that inform legislative decisions. The center's work could shape how Virginia approaches gun safety regulations, public health interventions, and resource allocation for violence prevention programs.

Potential points of contention

  • Second Amendment concerns: Opponents may argue the center represents government overreach or advocacy against gun ownership rights rather than neutral research
  • Funding and scope: Disagreement over budget allocation, staffing, and whether the center should focus on public health research versus policy advocacy
  • Definitional conflicts: Debate over what constitutes "gun violence" (suicides, accidents, self-defense incidents) and which data the center prioritizes in its analysis

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

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