Virginia Firearms Local Preemption With Limited 2020 Authority

Virginia Code section 15.2-915 historically prohibited counties, cities, and towns from adopting any ordinance governing the purchase, possession, transfer, ownership, carrying, storage, or transporting of firearms. Effective July 1, 2020, the General Assembly enacted Chapter 1207 expanding local authority, allowing governing bodies to pass ordinances prohibiting firearms in public buildings used for governmental purposes, public parks, recreation or community centers, and at any event requiring a permit. Localities must post conspicuous notice. Outside these enumerated locations, state law continues to occupy the field, voiding broader municipal gun ordinances.

Knowingly violating a properly adopted local firearms ordinance in a covered location is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months jail and a $2,500 fine. Conflicting local ordinances exceeding statutory authority are unenforceable.