Virginia General Assembly Passes Bill to Ban Firearms on Capitol Grounds and Buildings

THE BILL NOW HEADS TO CONFERENCE FOR FINALIZATION BEFORE GOING TO GOV. RALPH NORTHAM FOR HIS SIGNATURE

Washington, D.C., February 22, 2020 - Today, Brady celebrates the passage of HB 2295 by both chambers of the Virginia General Assembly. This bill prohibits individuals from bringing firearms onto the grounds of the state Capitol and into buildings owned or leased by the Commonwealth, a common-sense public safety measure. The Virginia Senate passed this bill today and it will now head to conference for finalization before going to Gov. Ralph Northam for his signature. Brady urges Gov. Northam to sign this bill without delay.

Brady Senior Manager of State Policy Kelsey Rogers shared:

“The General Assembly has again acted in the best interest of all Virginians in passing this bill to prohibit firearms on Capitol grounds and in buildings owned or leased by the Commonwealth. Brady thanks both chambers of the General Assembly for this common-sense action and thanks Del. Mark Levine for introducing and championing this bill.

Throughout 2020, we saw armed demonstrations throughout Richmond and on the grounds of the Capitol, where participants carried long guns and wore military-style gear in a transparent attempt to intimidate lawmakers. Such purposeful acts of intimidation cannot be allowed to affect our legislative processes; firearms are a tool and symbol of intimidation when used to menace lawmakers and suppress free speech. You do not need a gun to pass a bill or argue against a policy.

While both chambers will finalize this bill in conference, Brady urges Gov. Northam to speedily sign the final bill when he receives it. This is a common-sense law that protects lawmakers, free speech and our democratic processes. Brady looks forward to seeing it become law without delay.”

About This Bill:

HB 2295 – This bill prohibits bringing firearms onto the Capitol grounds, including within Capitol Square, the surrounding area, and into buildings owned or leased by the Commonwealth.