Virginia Lawmakers Send Vehicle Gun-Storage Bill to Spanberger After Dropping Carveout

Overview

• HB110, which passed both chambers, would prohibit leaving a visible handgun in an unattended vehicle on a public street and require locked storage inside the car.
• Acceptable storage under the bill includes a locked glove box, a locked center console, or another lockable device affixed to the vehicle, with an exception for those who report a theft to police.
• The penalty remains unclear, with WTKR reporting a misdemeanor offense and The Center Square reporting a civil fine of up to $500 in the version sent to the governor.
• A proposed exemption for members of the General Assembly was considered during conference negotiations and was removed before final approval.
• Backers point to persistent gun thefts from vehicles, including Virginia Beach data and an Everytown analysis, while opponents say the policy penalizes victims; the bill is part of a broader Democratic-led firearms package now on Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s desk.