2026 VIRGINIA LEGISLATIVE SESSION

CAMPUS CARRY JUST BECAME A CRIME

HB626 closes the campus carry loophole — now even your CHP won't save you on college grounds

Virginia HB626 removes the exemption that some CHP holders relied on. Campus carry was already illegal under §18.2-308 — HB626 closes the loophole and makes it crystal clear: no guns on campus, period.

HB 626

WHAT THE BILL DOES

Closes the Loophole

Removes the gray area exemption that CHP holders relied on. Makes crystal clear: no guns on campus, period. Now explicitly criminal under Virginia law.

Applies Everywhere

Covers all Virginia public universities, community colleges, and higher education institutions statewide.

No CHP Exemption

Previously, the ambiguity allowed some CHP holders to claim protection. HB626 eliminates that gray area entirely. Campus grounds are absolutely off-limits.

CCW Irrelevant

Valid concealed carry permit provides NO exemption. College grounds are blanket prohibition zones.

Governor's Desk

Bill currently awaiting gubernatorial action (as of 2026 session). Status: Active.

Sponsor: Katrina Callsen

Chief patron driving enforcement legislation. Bill reflects anti-carry campus policy priorities.

PENALTY BREAKDOWN

Classification

CLASS 1

Misdemeanor Offense

Maximum Jail

12 MO

Incarceration

Maximum Fine

$2.5K

Criminal Penalty

Record Impact

PERMANENT

Criminal Conviction

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THE CATCH

The Loophole Closes

Before HB626: CHP holders had a gray area exemption under §18.2-308. The ambiguity created uncertainty about whether valid concealed carry permits protected you on campus.

After HB626: No exemption. Period. Even with a valid CHP, carrying on campus is now explicitly criminal. Class 1 misdemeanor, up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine, permanent criminal record.

The Exemption Removed

Previously, some interpreted §18.2-308 as creating a gray area for CHP holders on campus. HB626 closes that interpretation permanently.

Your Virginia concealed carry permit is valid everywhere in Virginia — EXCEPT college campuses. No exceptions, no gray areas, no ambiguity. Campus police now have full authority to enforce this absolute prohibition criminally.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Scope of Impact

Affects all Virginia students, staff, and visitors at public universities and community colleges. Blanket prohibition across all public higher education.

Enforcement Reality

Campus police gain full criminal enforcement power on this specific violation. This expands their jurisdiction beyond traditional campus security issues.

No Appeal to CCW

Valid concealed carry permit provides zero legal exemption. Campus grounds are completely off-limits, regardless of carry authorization elsewhere.

Criminal Record Risk

Even first-time violations result in permanent criminal record. Misdemeanor conviction affects employment, housing, professional licensing.

Legislative Trend

Part of broader legislative session focused on campus security and firearm restrictions. HB626 reflects policy priorities at state level.

Student Impact

College-age students in Virginia now face criminal liability for exercising Second Amendment rights on campus. Requires legal awareness and compliance.

VIRGINIA VS. OTHER STATES

State	Campus Carry Legal	Policy Only	Criminal Offense
Texas	Yes — Permitted
Utah	Yes — Permitted
Colorado		Policy Only
Virginia (HB626)	No		Class 1 Misdemeanor
California	No		Criminal
New York	No		Criminal

Virginia just made exercising your Second Amendment right on a college campus a crime. Know the law. Stay informed.

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