Lets Owners Get Back Forfeited Weapons
Virginia · HB623 · Introduced Jan 13, 2026
Why it matters
Owners who were not involved in a crime could get their guns and other weapons back. They must file a sworn statement that they have taken the weapon back.
What it does
- Weapons used in a crime are forfeited to the state by court order
- Courts may destroy seized weapons or sell firearms to licensed dealers
- Police may use a seized weapon for a period the court sets
- Owners who did not know of the crime can ask for their weapon back after the case ends
Status
Latest action (2026-07-21): Continued from last session
About this bill
Would let courts return forfeited weapons to owners who did not know about the crime, if they are not otherwise banned from having them.
Forfeiture of certain weapons; petition for return by Commonwealth.
Perspectives
💬 The case for
Gun owners' groups would likely say innocent owners should not lose property they did not know was misused. Property rights advocates would likely say the return process protects fair treatment.
💬 The case against
Some prosecutors would likely say weapons used in crimes should stay forfeited. Public safety groups may worry that returned weapons could end up back with people barred from having them.
Sponsored by
Sponsor details for this state bill are at the source link.
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