HB 1797: Concealed handgun permits; reciprocity with other states.

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

Concealed handgun permits; reciprocity with other states. Provides that the Superintendent of State Police, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, shall determine whether other states meet the statutory qualifications for Virginia to recognize the concealed handgun permit of a person from such other state. Under current law, any out-of-state permit is recognized in the Commonwealth, provided that (i) the issuing authority provides the means for instantaneous verification of the validity of all such permits or licenses issued within that state, accessible 24 hours a day; (ii) the permit or license holder carries a photo identification issued by a government agency of any state or by the U.S. Department of Defense or U.S. Department of State and displays the permit or license and such identification upon demand by a law-enforcement officer; and (iii) the permit or license holder has not previously had a Virginia concealed handgun permit revoked. The bill prevents a Virginia resident, except for an active duty service member or such service member's spouse, who has not been issued a valid resident concealed handgun permit from using a concealed handgun or concealed weapon permit or license issued by another state to carry a concealed handgun in the Commonwealth. The foregoing provisions of the bill have a delayed effective date of July 1, 2026.The bill requires the Superintendent of State Police, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, to review any agreements for reciprocal recognition that are in place with any other states as of July 1, 2025, to determine whether the requirements and qualifications of those states' laws are adequate to prevent possession of a permit or license by persons who would be denied a permit in the Commonwealth and revoke any reciprocity agreement or recognition of any states that do not meet such requirements or qualifications by December 1, 2025. The bill requires the Attorney General to provide a written explanation for any determination that a state's laws are adequate to prevent possession of such permit or license by persons who would be denied such permit in the Commonwealth.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 5

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. April 2, 2025House sustained Governor's veto
2. March 24, 2025Vetoed by Governor
3. March 5, 2025Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., March 24, 2025
4. March 5, 2025Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 5, 2025
5. February 25, 2025Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1797)
6. February 23, 2025Signed by President
7. February 20, 2025Signed by Speaker
8. February 20, 2025Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB1797ER)
9. February 20, 2025Enrolled
10. February 18, 2025Senate Amendment agreed to by House (51-Y 45-N)
11. February 14, 2025Passed Senate with amendment (21-Y 14-N)
12. February 14, 2025Engrossed by Senate as amended

Showing 12 most recent of 33 actions. Full history