HB 21: Firearm industry members; creates standards of responsible conduct, civil liability.

Official summary

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

Firearm industry members; standards of responsible conduct; civil liability. Creates standards of responsible conduct for firearm industry members and requires such members to establish and implement reasonable controls regarding the manufacture, sale, distribution, use, and marketing of the firearm industry member's firearm-related products, as those terms are defined in the bill. Such reasonable controls include reasonable procedures, safeguards, and business practices that are designed to (i) prevent the sale or distribution of a firearm-related product to a straw purchaser, a firearm trafficker, a person prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law, or a person who the firearm industry member has reasonable cause to believe is at substantial risk of using a firearm-related product to harm themselves or unlawfully harm another or of unlawfully possessing or using a firearm-related product; (ii) prevent the loss of a firearm-related product or theft of a firearm-related product from a firearm industry member; (iii) ensure that the firearm industry member complies with all provisions of state and federal law and does not otherwise promote the unlawful manufacture, sale, possession, marketing, or use of a firearm-related product; (iv) prevent the installation and use of an auto sear on firearm-related products; and (v) ensure that the firearm industry member does not engage in an act or practice in violation of the Virginia Consumer Protection Act. The bill also provides that a firearm industry member may not knowingly create, maintain, or contribute to a public nuisance, as defined in the bill, through the sale, manufacturing, importing, or marketing of a firearm-related product. The bill creates a civil cause of action for the Attorney General or a local county, city, or town attorney to enforce the provisions of the bill or for any person who has been injured as a result of a firearm industry member's violation to seek an injunction and to recover costs and damages. The bill also allows the Attorney General to issue a civil investigative demand if he has reasonable cause to believe that any person has engaged in, is engaging in, or is about to engage in any violation of such standards of responsible conduct.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 26

“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 10, 2026Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0529)
2. April 10, 2026Approved by Governor-Chapter 529 (effective 7/1/2026)
3. March 16, 2026Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB21)
4. March 14, 2026Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
5. March 14, 2026Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 14, 2026
6. March 12, 2026Signed by President
7. March 12, 2026Signed by Speaker
8. March 12, 2026Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB21ER)
9. March 12, 2026Enrolled
10. March 5, 2026Senate substitute agreed to by House (62-Y 36-N 0-A)
11. March 5, 2026Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB21)
12. March 3, 2026Passed Senate with substitute (21-Y 19-N 0-A)

Showing 12 most recent of 38 actions. Full history