Highlights
Impacted Employers:Virginia employers
Effective Date:July 1, 2026
Summary:Virginia has enacted legislation that will require secure vehicular storage of handguns in certain employment areas.
Next Steps:Review policies, practices and training to help comply with the changes.
|
The Details
Virginia has enacted legislation (House Bill 110), which will require individuals to securely store a handgun in certain areas, such as parking areas, lots, or structures exclusively reserved and used for commercial or retail employees.
House Bill 110
House Bill 110 prohibits an individual from knowingly leaving a handgun in an unattended vehicle or trunk unless it is out of plain view in a locked hard-sided container, including a locked container affixed to a vehicle's interior (which must include a locked glove compartment or a locked center console) by steel cable, bolt, or welding.
Note: A boat is considered a vehicle, but bicycles, electric personal assistive mobility devices, electric power-assisted bicycles, motorized skateboards or scooters, and mopeds are not considered vehicles under the law.
A vehicle is unattended when:
- It is left unattended on a public highway or other public property or a parking area, lot, or structure that is intended for commercial or retail use, or exclusively reserved and used by commercial or retail employees; and
- The owner, operator, or passenger of the motor vehicle cannot observe the vehicle.
Exceptions
The law does not apply to the storage of an antique firearm, a law-enforcement officer, or an individual who reports the theft or loss of a firearm to a law-enforcement agency.
Next Steps
Train employees and supervisors on the requirements under House Bill 110 by July 1, 2026.