Virginia · 2027 Regular Session

HB778 Pop-up events; local enhanced enforcement actions.

Direction

Firearms preemption sanctuaryAI label

Restricts gun access model confidence 80%

Authorizes local governments to declare pop-up event zones as gun-free zones, allowing localities to impose temporary local firearm carry restrictions in designated areas.

Declare the pop-up event zone a gun-free zone;

✓ Quote verified word for word in the bill text

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

Stage: Committee · step 2 of 6

Last action: 2026-07-21: Continued from last session
Filed: 2026-01-13
Committee: Counties, Cities and Towns
Sponsor: Virgil Thornton D + 1 cosponsor (1 D)

Read official text (Introduced)Legislature page LegiScan

Why the model tagged it this way: The bill adds authority for local ordinances to declare temporary pop-up event zones as gun-free zones (among other enhanced enforcement measures like curfews, occupancy limits, and traffic fines). This directly addresses firearms by enabling new local restrictions on carrying in those zones. No other listed topics are substantively addressed.

Related bills

HB1524 Assault firearms; carrying in public areas prohibited, exceptions, penalty.Restricts gun access No change to gun access Law
HB7 Law-enforcement officers; restrictions on wearing of facial coverings, exceptions, civil liability.No change to gun access No change to gun access Died (session ended)
HB540 Carrying firearms in restricted locations; exception.Expands gun access Expands gun access Died (session ended)
HB691 Firearms; control by localities.Expands gun access Died (session ended)

Text versions

Introduced 2026-01-13

History (4 actions)

Date	Chamber	Action
2026-07-21	H	Continued from last session
2026-02-06	H	Continued to next session in Counties, Cities and Towns (Voice Vote)
2026-01-13	H	Referred to Committee on Counties, Cities and Towns
2026-01-13	H	Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26101452D