Virginia · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 696: Firearm/explosive material; carrying into a bldg. owned or leased by the Commonwealth, exceptions.
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 696 is a bill introduced in the Virginia House on January 13, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: Firearm/explosive material; carrying into a bldg. owned or leased by the Commonwealth, exceptions. Primary sponsor: Eric Zehr (Republican). Most recent recorded action (February 18, 2026): Left in Committee Public Safety.
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 into a building owned or leased by the Commonwealth; exceptions for highway rest areas and government stores. Provides that the prohibition on carrying a firearm or explosive material in any building owned or leased by the Commonwealth shall not apply to any highway rest area or government store, as those terms are defined in relevant law.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Republican 1
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eric Zehr | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 51 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Left in Committee Public Safety
- Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB696)
- Subcommittee recommends passing by indefinitely (6-Y 3-N)
- Assigned HMPPS sub: Firearms
- Referred to Committee on Public Safety
- Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26103607D