In the 2026 Regular Session of the Virginia General Assembly, Delegates Jason Ballard and Will Davis introduced House Bill 106 (HB 106). The legislation aims to reduce fees associated with obtaining or renewing a concealed handgun permit in Virginia by lowering the maximum amount local law-enforcement agencies can charge for background investigations.
Current Fee Structure for Concealed Handgun Permits
Under existing law (Section 18.2-308.03 of the Code of Virginia), applicants typically pay:
- A $10 court processing fee
- Up to $5 from the Virginia State Police
- Up to $35 from local law enforcement for background investigations
This results in a maximum total of $50. The fees help cover administrative costs and background checks required for permitting.
Key Provisions of HB 106
House Bill 106 proposes two main changes:
- Reducing the local law-enforcement agency fee cap from $35 to $10.
- Lowering the overall maximum total fee for processing an application from $50 to $25.
The bill makes a straightforward amendment to the Code of Virginia without altering eligibility requirements, procedures, or other aspects of the permitting process.
Arguments in Support of the Bill
Proponents, including gun rights organizations like the Virginia Citizens Defense League, argue that the current $35 local fee often exceeds actual administrative and investigative costs. Lowering it to $10 would:
- Make permits more accessible, especially for working-class and lower-income residents.
- Create greater uniformity and predictability across Virginia localities.
- Align fees more closely with real costs while maintaining thorough background screening.
- Remove unnecessary financial barriers for law-abiding citizens exercising their rights.
Supporters view the measure as a practical step toward responsible firearm policy that promotes compliance and public safety.
Legislative Progress and Outcome
HB 106 was:
- Prefiled on January 2, 2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Public Safety
- Assigned to the Firearms subcommittee
- Recommended to pass by indefinitely (7-Y 3-N) on January 22, 2026
- Left in committee on February 18, 2026
The bill did not advance further in the session.
Potential Impact if Enacted
Had it passed, the changes would have saved applicants up to $25 per application compared to the current maximum. This could have encouraged more eligible Virginians to complete the permitting process, fostering greater compliance with state regulations and supporting lawful concealed carry.
Broader Context
HB 106 fits into ongoing legislative discussions in Virginia about refining the concealed handgun permit system, including efforts to streamline procedures and reduce costs for responsible gun owners. It reflects continued interest in balancing individual rights with public safety standards.
Note: This article is based on the introduced version of the bill and public legislative records. For the most current information, check official sources like the Virginia Legislative Information System (LIS).
