Expands the list of eligible petitioners for emergency and substantial risk orders (red-flag orders) to include school administrators, certified evaluators, various licensed mental health professionals, and intimate partners, and adds factors like threats toward groups/locations or animals for the '
Upon the petition of an attorney for the Commonwealth, [deleted: or] a law-enforcement officer, licensed professional counselor, licensed clinical social worker, licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed clinical psychologist, licensed clinical psychiatrist, licensed psychiatric nurse practitioner, psychiatric physician assistant, psychiatric clinical nurse specialist, doctor of medicine, doctor of osteopathy, certified evaluator, designee of the local community services board, immediate family or household member, intimate partner, school administrator, or superintendent or superintend
✓ Quote verified word for word in the bill text
Filed (completed)
Committee (completed)
Passed one chamber (completed)
Passed both (completed)
Governor (completed)
Law
Stage: Law · step 6 of 6
Last action
2026-04-13: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0698)
Why the model tagged it this way: The bill amends Virginia's substantial risk order (red-flag/ERPO) statutes to expand who can petition (more categories of petitioners), broaden risk factors considered by courts (making orders easier to obtain), clarify jurisdiction across more courts, address constructive possession, and require law enforcement action on credible tips. These changes make firearm removal via such orders more accessible and applicable, resulting in both expansions of the process and restrictions on firearm possession for those subject to orders. No other listed topics are substantively addressed beyond minor,
Related bills
HB896Substantial Risk Order Training Program; established, delayed effective date, report.↑Expands gun access Law
SB495Substantial risk orders; eligible petitioners, court jurisdiction, constr. possession of firearms.↑Expands gun access Law
HB93Firearms; transfers to another person from a prohibited person.↓Restricts gun access↓Restricts gun access Law
SB38Firearms; transfers to another person from a prohibited person.↓Restricts gun access↓Restricts gun access Law
Hearings and calendar
2026-01-30 08:00 · Hearing · House Public Safety Hearing House Committee Room A - 008
2026-02-11 00:00 · Hearing · House Courts of Justice Hearing House Committee Room C - 206
2026-02-23 08:00 · Hearing · Senate Courts of Justice Hearing Senate Room A, Room 305, General Assembly Building
Votes
Date
Chamber
Motion
Yea-Nay
2026-02-09
H
Subcommittee recommends reporting with substitute (7-Y 3-N)
7-3
Passed
2026-02-11
H
Reported from Courts of Justice with substitute (15-Y 7-N)