Virginia · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 778: Pop-up events; local enhanced enforcement actions.
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 778 is a bill introduced in the Virginia House on January 13, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: Pop-up events; local enhanced enforcement actions. Primary sponsor: Virgil Thornton (Democratic). It lists 1 additional sponsor. Most recent recorded action (February 6, 2026): Continued to next session in Counties, Cities and Towns (Voice Vote).
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.
Pop-up events; local enhanced enforcement actions. Allows a locality by ordinance to establish pop-up event zones, as defined in the bill, for the purpose of taking enhanced enforcement actions within such zone if the pop-up event may significantly disrupt normal community operations. A local governing body's presiding officer, a locality's chief law-enforcement officer, and a locality's chief administrative officer must be in concurrence to activate such zone. The bill requires a locality to give notification of a pop-up event zone through an online webpage, providing as much advance notice as is practicable. The bill further grants the authority to take enhanced enforcement actions such as (i) declaring the pop-up event zone a gun free zone, (ii) establishing temporary speed limit reductions and enhanced traffic fines within the pop-up event zone, (iii) establishing and enforcing occupancy limits on both public and private property within the pop-up event zone, and (iv) declaring a curfew for unaccompanied minors. The bill allows a locality to recover all relevant costs and fees incurred from the designation and enforcement of the zone directly from event organizers.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 2
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virgil Thornton | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 86 |
| Mamie Locke | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 23 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Continued to next session in Counties, Cities and Towns (Voice Vote)
- Referred to Committee on Counties, Cities and Towns
- Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26101452D