Why Virginia Should Reject House Bill 24: Protect Reciprocity and Gun Rights

House Bill 24, introduced by Delegate Dan Helmer for the 2026 session, seeks to amend Virginia’s concealed handgun reciprocity laws. While it may appear to be a technical adjustment, this bill represents a significant step toward restricting lawful gun owners’ rights and undermining reciprocity agreements that have long ensured consistency and fairness across state lines. Virginians deserve to understand why this proposal is unnecessary, harmful, and contrary to our values.

What HB 24 Proposes

HB 24 imposes new conditions on recognizing concealed handgun permits from other states. Specifically:

• States must provide 24/7 verification systems for permits.

• Virginia will review and potentially revoke reciprocity agreements if other states’ standards don’t match Virginia’s.

• Virginia residents cannot carry under another state’s permit unless they have a Virginia-issued permit (with narrow exceptions for active-duty military and spouses).

On the surface, these changes sound administrative. In reality, they create barriers for law-abiding citizens and erode the principle of reciprocity.

Why This Bill Is Problematic

1. Erodes Reciprocity and Interstate Cooperation

Reciprocity agreements exist to respect other states’ laws and ensure citizens can travel freely without fear of unintentionally breaking the law. HB 24 introduces subjective reviews and bureaucratic hurdles that could lead to Virginia rejecting agreements with states that have slightly different standards. This undermines trust and creates confusion for travelers and residents alike.

“Reciprocity is about fairness and consistency. When states start imposing arbitrary conditions, it creates a patchwork of laws that punish responsible gun owners.”— John Lott, President of Crime Prevention Research Center

2. Targets Law-Abiding Citizens, Not Criminals

Criminals do not follow permit laws. Adding layers of verification and revocation does nothing to stop illegal gun use. Instead, it punishes responsible gun owners who have complied with the law in their home state.

According to the Virginia State Police Annual Report, concealed carry permit holders are among the most law-abiding citizens. In 2024, revocations for criminal behavior accounted for less than 0.02% of all permits issued.

3. Creates Unnecessary Bureaucracy and Costs

The bill requires the Superintendent of State Police and the Attorney General to review agreements, maintain registries, and issue written explanations. This is government overreach that wastes taxpayer dollars without improving public safety.

4. Slippery Slope Toward More Restrictions

By tightening reciprocity now, HB 24 sets a precedent for future restrictions on concealed carry rights. Virginians should be wary of incremental measures that chip away at constitutional freedoms.

The Constitutional Perspective

The Second Amendment guarantees the right to keep and bear arms. While states can regulate permits, imposing arbitrary reciprocity barriers infringes on this right. HB 24 does not enhance safety—it simply adds red tape.

“The right to self-defense doesn’t stop at the state line. Reciprocity ensures that constitutional rights are respected across jurisdictions.”— Alan Gottlieb, Founder of Second Amendment Foundation

Data That Tells the Story

• 17.4 million Americans hold concealed carry permits nationwide (Crime Prevention Research Center, 2025).

• States with broad reciprocity agreements have not experienced higher crime rates compared to restrictive states.

• Virginia currently recognizes permits from 30+ states, making travel and commerce easier for law-abiding citizens.

  
  

Better Alternatives

If the goal is public safety, Virginia should focus on enforcing existing laws and targeting criminal misuse of firearms, not burdening lawful carriers. Education, training, and cooperation—not bureaucratic restrictions—are the real solutions.

Call to Action

HB 24 is a misguided attempt to restrict reciprocity and complicate lawful concealed carry. Virginians should contact their legislators, voice opposition, and stand for policies that respect constitutional rights, promote clarity, and prioritize real safety measures over political theater.

Your voice matters. Share this article, write to your delegate, and let them know that Virginia values freedom, fairness, and responsible gun ownership.