HB 110: Firearm in Unattended Motor Vehicle; Civil Penalty
🟡 THREAT LEVEL: MODERATE
BILL SNAPSHOT
Bill Number: HB 110
Bill Patron: Del. Amy J. Laufer (D)
Bill Area: Second Amendment / Firearm Regulation
Who This Bill Affects: Law-abiding Virginia firearm owners
QUICK SUMMARY
HB 110 makes it illegal to leave a handgun visible inside an unattended vehicle. If someone does, they can face a civil fine of up to $500. The vehicle may also be towed for “safekeeping.” In simple terms, if a firearm is visible in your parked car, you could be fined, even if no crime occurs.
RALLY ANALYSIS
HB 110 expands government regulation over lawful firearm owners rather than focusing on criminals who steal guns or commit violent acts. While the bill is framed as a safety measure, it creates penalties for otherwise law-abiding citizens whose firearms are visible in their own vehicles.
The bill potentially penalizes the victim of a crime instead of the perpetrator.
Virginia already has laws addressing theft, reckless handling, and criminal misuse of firearms. HB 110 adds another layer of regulation without addressing the root causes of crime.
WHY THIS MATTERS
- It penalizes responsible gun owners instead of criminals.
- It expands government authority into private vehicle storage decisions.
- It creates new financial penalties & towing costs.
- It continues incremental restrictions on Second Amendment rights.
- It shifts focus away from enforcing existing laws against violent offenders.
RALLY VERDICT: ❌ OPPOSE
HB 110 expands government regulation over lawful firearm owners rather than focusing on criminals who steal guns or commit violent acts. The bill creates penalties for otherwise law-abiding citizens whose firearms are visible in their own vehicles.
Virginia already has laws addressing theft, reckless handling, and criminal misuse of firearms. HB 110 adds another layer of regulation. Rally Virginia opposes this bill.
RALLY RADAR — THREAT LEVEL LEGEND
⚫ CRITICAL THREAT — Immediate and severe harm; must be stopped
🔴 HIGH THREAT — Serious risk to safety, liberty, or governance
🟡 MODERATE THREAT — Concerning but limited scope
🟢 LOW THREAT — Minimal impact or symbolic
