Virginia · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 702: Local law-enforcement agencies; firearm give-back or buy-back programs.
Passed both chambers Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 702 is a bill introduced in the Virginia House on January 13, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: Local law-enforcement agencies; firearm give-back or buy-back programs. Primary sponsor: Josh Cole (Democratic). It lists 5 additional sponsors. Most recent recorded action (April 12, 2026): Governor's recommendation received by House.
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.
Local law-enforcement agencies; firearm give-back or buy-back programs. Allows for any county or city law-enforcement agency and any town law-enforcement agency to develop policies and procedures to implement either a firearm give-back program or a firearm buy-back program by January 1, 2028, and annually thereafter. The bill enumerates several requirements to be included in such policies. The bill also requires local law-enforcement agencies to submit an annual report to the Department of State Police. The bill states that proceeds generated from the sale or auction of a returned firearm shall be deposited into the locality's general fund or used solely for the administration of the locality's firearm give-back program or firearm buy-back program.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 6
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Josh Cole | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 65 |
| Nadarius Clark | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 84 |
| Nicole Cole | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 66 |
| Dan Helmer | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 10 |
| J.R. Henson | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 19 |
| Holly Seibold | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 12 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Governor's recommendation received by House
- Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
- Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 10, 2026
- Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB702)
- Signed by President
- Signed by Speaker
- Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB702ER)
- Enrolled
- Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB702)
- Senate substitute agreed to by House (59-Y 34-N 0-A)
- Passed Senate with substitute (21-Y 19-N 0-A)
- Engrossed by Senate - committee substitute
Showing 12 most recent of 38 actions. Full history