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Virginia · 2025 Regular Session
HB1597Firearms; secure storage, penalties.
Direction
Firearmsstorage minorsAI label
↓Restricts gun accessmodel confidence 95%
Requires firearms and ammunition to be stored in a locked container inaccessible to minors or prohibited persons when they are known to be present in the residence, with misdemeanor penalties for violations, so more restrictions on firearm storage.
Any person who possesses a firearm in a residence where such person knows that a minor or a person who is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm is present shall store such firearm and the ammunition for such firearm in a locked container, compartment, or cabinet that is inaccessible to such minor or prohibited person.
✓ Quote verified word for word in the bill text
FirearmsotherAI label
=No change to gun accessmodel confidence 85%
Mandates dealers to post notices about secure storage requirements and requires a public awareness campaign on secure firearm storage and prevention of access by minors or prohibited persons, with no change to the underlying ability to buy, own or carry firearms.
Every dealer, as defined in § 18.2-308.2:2, shall post in a conspicuous manner at the premises of such dealer a notice stating: "Any person who possesses a firearm in a residence where such person knows that a minor or a person who is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm is present shall store such firearm and the ammunition for such firearm in a locked container, compartment, or cabinet that is inaccessible to such minor or prohibited person. A violation of this law is a Class 4 misdemeanor."
✓ Quote verified word for word in the bill text
Filed (completed)
Committee (completed)
Passed one chamber
Passed both
Governor
Law
Status: Died (session ended)
Last action
2025-02-24: Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1597)
Why the model tagged it this way: The bill adds new requirements for secure storage of firearms in homes (when minors or prohibited persons are known to be present) and in unattended vehicles, with civil and criminal penalties, directly restricting firearm storage practices. It also requires dealer notices and a public education campaign on secure storage (including tax credits for devices), which are neutral as they do not alter access to firearms. No provisions address background checks, carry, accessories, red-flag orders, preemption, liability, or other listed topics.
Related bills
HB871Firearms; storage in residence where minor or person prohibited from possessing is present, penalty.↓Restricts gun access↓Restricts gun access Law
SB348Firearms; storage in residence where minor or person prohibited from possessing is present, penalty.↓Restricts gun access↓Restricts gun access Law
HB110Handguns in unattended motor vehicle; definitions, penalty.↓Restricts gun access↓Restricts gun access Law
SB496Handguns in unattended motor vehicle; definitions, penalty.↓Restricts gun access↓Restricts gun access Law
Hearings and calendar
2025-01-13 00:00 · Hearing · House Courts of Justice Committee Hearing House Committee Room C - 206
2025-01-16 16:00 · Hearing · House Public Safety - Firearms Committee Hearing House South Subcommittee Room - 210 Update
2025-01-31 08:00 · Hearing · House Public Safety Committee Hearing House Committee Room A - 008
2025-02-10 08:00 · Hearing · Senate Courts of Justice Hearing Senate Room A, Room 305, General Assembly Building
2025-02-12 09:00 · Hearing · Senate Finance and Appropriations Hearing Senate Room A, Room 305, General Assembly Building
Votes
Date
Chamber
Motion
Yea-Nay
2025-01-31
H
Reported from Public Safety with substitute (12-Y 9-N)
12-9
Passed
2025-02-04
H
Read third time and passed House (50-Y 48-N)
50-48
Passed
2025-02-10
S
Reported from Courts of Justice with substitute and rereferred to Finance and Appropriations (8-Y 6-N 1-A)
8-6
Passed
2025-02-12
S
Reported from Finance and Appropriations with substitute (10-Y 5-N)
10-5
Passed
2025-02-13
S
Constitutional reading dispensed (on 2nd reading) (40-Y 0-N)