Senate adopts conference report on gun-storage rules after debate over member exemption

The Senate of Virginia adopted a conference committee report on Senate Bill 496 (the cognate to House Bill 110) on March 14, approving language that makes it unlawful to leave handguns in unattended vehicles unless the firearm is secured in a locked glove compartment, center console, or a permanently affixed, locked container out of sight. The measure cleared the chamber after a recorded vote.

Senator from Fairfax, who explained the bill, said the conference text requires firearms in unattended vehicles on public streets or public parking to be secured and excluded private property from enforcement. He described the requirement as a way to keep guns secure and to reduce thefts from vehicles. “You can leave it in a locked center console, locked glove compartment, or a separate container out of sight and affixed permanently to the vehicle,” he said.

Opponents pressed the Senate on a provision that at an earlier stage had exempted General Assembly members parking in the Capitol Square garage. Senator from Rockingham called that earlier exception “beyond the pale” and argued the body should not carve out special privileges for members. After a second conference was requested and the exemption language removed, debate narrowed to practical concerns about how the rule would operate for drivers stopping at rest areas or using rental vehicles.

Senator from Virginia Beach asked whether ordinary vehicles without factory locks in the center console would be unfairly penalized; the bill’s sponsor replied that common options — locked glove compartments, locking center consoles, or bolt‑on containers — would be adequate. The sponsor also said the conference report clarifies that reporting a stolen gun to police would bar criminal liability for victims in most cases.

The Senate adopted the conference committee report for S.B. 496 by recorded vote. The bill will now proceed according to the enacted legislative process and any further reconciliation with the House as necessary.

The debate highlighted contrasting views about member exemptions and practical enforcement; supporters described the measure as public‑safety‑minded and targeted at thefts from vehicles, while critics warned of uneven impact on ordinary motorists and urged clearer guidance for common situations such as rest stops and rental cars.

The Senate will return the measure to enrolled status for final processing after the conference report adoption.

The Senate’s actions on the conference report were recorded in the official floor proceeding and the final tally from the Senate roll call was recorded in the daily journal.