SB272Introduced in the Senate
Firearm or explosive material; exemptions, carrying in public institutions of higher education.
Introduced by Creigh Deeds, District 11
What does this bill do?
Plain-English breakdown
Writing a plain-English summary of this bill… this can take a few seconds the first time.
Official description
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 HB 626.
Where it stands
Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0644)
April 13, 2026
How did lawmakers vote?
House of Delegates votes
2 recorded votes · each counted separately
Senate votes
4 recorded votes · each counted separately
House of DelegatesStage: Passed House (63-Y 35-N 0-A) · February 16, 2026
63
Yes
35
No
2
Absent or Not Voting
100 delegates recorded in this House of Delegates vote. Colors show vote categories only, not whether a vote was good or bad.
See how each delegate voted
| Delegate | District | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Patrick Hope | 1 | Yes |
| Adele McClure | 2 | Yes |
| Alfonso Lopez | 3 | Yes |
| Charniele Herring | 4 | Yes |
| Elizabeth Bennett-Parker | 5 | Yes |
| Richard Sullivan | 6 | Yes |
| Karen Keys-Gamarra | 7 | Yes |
| Irene Shin | 8 | Yes |
| Karrie Delaney | 9 | Yes |
| Dan Helmer | 10 | Yes |
Bill history
Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26100667D
Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
Fiscal Impact statement From VCSC (1/14/2026 6:52 pm)
Reported from Courts of Justice and rereferred to Finance and Appropriations (9-Y 5-N)
Reported from Finance and Appropriations (10-Y 5-N)
Rules suspended
Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 1st reading) (40-Y 0-N 0-A)
Passed by for the day (Voice Vote)
Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB272)
Read second time
Engrossed by Senate (Voice Vote)
Read third time and passed Senate (21-Y 19-N 0-A)
Placed on Calendar
Read first time
Referred to Committee on Public Safety
Reported from Public Safety (13-Y 7-N)
Read second time
Read third time
Passed House (63-Y 35-N 0-A)
Enrolled
Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB272ER)
Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB272)
Signed by Speaker
Signed by President
Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 10, 2026
Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
Approved by Governor-Chapter 644 (effective 7/1/2026)
Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0644)
Verify the information
Our commitment to neutrality
We provide factual information only. We never tell you which politicians or bills to support, and we do not rank, score, or endorse anyone.