Virginia · 2026 Regular Session

HB694 Concealed handgun; carrying without a permit.

Direction

Firearms carryAI label

Expands gun access model confidence 95%

Eliminates the requirement for a permit to carry a concealed handgun for persons who are otherwise qualified to obtain one and who may lawfully carry openly, so greater ability to carry concealed handguns without a permit.

11. For the sole purpose of carrying a concealed handgun, any person who carries a handgun anywhere he may lawfully carry a handgun openly within the Commonwealth and who is otherwise qualified under this article to obtain a concealed handgun permit. Such person shall not be required to meet the requirements of subsection B of § 18.2-308.02 or subsection B of § 18.2-308.06, as applicable, to carry a concealed handgun under this subdivision.

✓ Quote verified word for word in the bill text

Filed (completed)
Committee
Passed one chamber
Passed both
Governor
Law

Status: Died (session ended)

Last action: 2026-01-23: Tabled in Public Safety (15-Y 7-N)
Filed: 2026-01-13
Sponsor: Eric Zehr R

Read official text (Introduced)Legislature page LegiScan

Why the model tagged it this way: The bill amends § 18.2-308 by adding a new exception (subdivision 11) that allows qualified persons to carry a concealed handgun without a permit in places where open carry is lawful, directly expanding the ability to carry concealed firearms without a permit. It also removes the prior affirmative defense language tied to having a permit and makes conforming changes to exceptions. No other listed topics are substantively addressed.

Related bills

HB1035 Public schools; school security and discipline, employment of school security officers, training.Expands gun access No change to gun access Committee
HB229 Weapons; possession prohibited in hospital that provides mental health or developmental services.Restricts gun access Restricts gun access Law
HB101 Concealed handguns; alternate methods of submission of applications for permits.Expands gun access Law
HB1524 Assault firearms; carrying in public areas prohibited, exceptions, penalty.Restricts gun access No change to gun access Law

Hearings and calendar

2026-01-23 08:00 · Hearing · House Public Safety Hearing House Committee Room A - 008

Votes

Date	Chamber	Motion	Yea-Nay
2026-01-23	H	Tabled in Public Safety (15-Y 7-N)	15-7	Passed

Text versions

Introduced 2026-01-13

History (3 actions)

Date	Chamber	Action
2026-01-23	H	Tabled in Public Safety (15-Y 7-N)
2026-01-13	H	Referred to Committee on Public Safety
2026-01-13	H	Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26103559D