Virginia · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 626: Firearm or explosive material; exemptions, carrying in public institutions of higher education.
Enacted Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 626 is a bill introduced in the Virginia House on January 13, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: Firearm or explosive material; exemptions, carrying in public institutions of higher education. Primary sponsor: Katrina Callsen (Democratic). It lists 10 additional sponsors. Most recent recorded action (April 13, 2026): Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0643).
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
Carrying a firearm or explosive material within Capitol Square or building owned or leased by the Commonwealth; exemptions; public institutions of higher education; penalty. Limits the exemption from the prohibition on the carrying of any firearm or explosive material within any building owned or leased by the Commonwealth or agency thereof or any office where employees of the Commonwealth or any agency thereof are regularly present for the purpose of performing their official duties that currently applies to any property owned or operated by a public institution of higher education to instead apply to any individual within a building owned or operated by a public institution of higher education who possesses a weapon as part of such public institution of higher education's curriculum or activities or as part of any organization authorized by such public institution of higher education to conduct its programs or activities within such building, as such uses are approved through the law-enforcement or public safety unit of such institution. This bill is identical to SB 272.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 8
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Katrina Callsen | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 54 |
| Jessica L. Anderson | Co-sponsor | Not applicable (committee) | — | — |
| Elizabeth Bennett-Parker | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 39 |
| Nicole Cole | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 66 |
| Rae Cousins | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 79 |
| Mark C. Downey | Co-sponsor | Not applicable (committee) | — | — |
| Lily V. Franklin | Co-sponsor | Not applicable (committee) | — | — |
| Amy Laufer | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 55 |
| Marty Martinez | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 29 |
| Cia Price | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 85 |
| Kathy Tran | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 18 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0643)
- Approved by Governor-Chapter 643 (effective 7/1/2026)
- Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
- Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 10, 2026
- Signed by President
- Signed by Speaker
- Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB626)
- Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB626ER)
- Enrolled
- Passed Senate (21-Y 19-N 0-A)
- Passed by for the day
- Read third time
Showing 12 most recent of 29 actions. Full history