Concealed handgun permits; reciprocity with other states. Provides that the Superintendent of State Police shall determine whether other states' concealed handgun permit requirements are substantially similar to the statutory qualifications for Virginia to recognize the concealed handgun permit of a person from such other state. Under current law, any out-of-state permit is recognized in the Commonwealth, provided that (i) the issuing authority provides the means for instantaneous verification of the validity of all such permits or licenses issued within that state accessible 24 hours a day; (ii) the permit or license holder carries a photo identification issued by a government agency of any state or by the U.S. Department of Defense or U.S. Department of State and displays the permit or license and such identification upon demand by a law-enforcement officer; and (iii) the permit or license holder has not previously had a Virginia concealed handgun permit revoked. The bill exempts an active duty service member or such service member's spouse from the requirements of the bill. The foregoing provisions of the bill have a delayed effective date of July 1, 2027. The bill also directs the Department of State Police (the Department) to review any agreements for reciprocal recognition that are in place with any other states as of July 1, 2026, to determine whether the requirements those states' laws are substantially similar to the Commonwealth's concealed carry permit requirements and revoke any reciprocity agreement or recognition of any states that do not meet such requirements by December 1, 2026. The bill requires the Department to provide a written explanation for any determination that a state's laws are substantially similar to the requirements of the bill to prevent possession of such permit or license by persons who would be denied such permit in the Commonwealth.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 18.2-308.014
Courts of Justice Substitute: 18.2-308.014
Engrossed: 18.2-308.014
Public Safety Substitute: 18.2-308.014
Appropriations Substitute: 18.2-308.014
Conference Report Substitute: 18.2-308.014
Enrolled: 18.2-308.014