Virginia · 2026 Regular Session

SB723 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 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: 2026-01-28: Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice (9-Y 6-N)
Filed: 2026-01-15
Sponsor: Glen Sturtevant R

Read official text (Introduced)Legislature page LegiScan

Why the model tagged it this way: The bill amends Virginia's concealed carry statute by adding an exception 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.

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

2026-01-26 08:00 · Hearing · Senate Courts of Justice Hearing Senate Room A, Room 305, General Assembly Building
2026-01-28 19:00 · Hearing · Senate Courts of Justice Hearing Senate Room A, Room 305, General Assembly Building

Votes

Date	Chamber	Motion	Yea-Nay
2026-01-28	S	Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice (9-Y 6-N)	9-6	Passed

Text versions

Introduced 2026-01-15

History (3 actions)

Date	Chamber	Action
2026-01-28	S	Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice (9-Y 6-N)
2026-01-15	S	Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
2026-01-15	S	Presented and ordered printed 26104381D