Full Breakdown
Virginia Governor Signs Campus Firearm Restriction Bills
5/13/2026, 6:37:39 AM
Legislative Signing at UVA
On May 12, 2024, Governor Abigail Spanberger (D) signed Senate Bill 272 and House Bill 626 at the University of Virginia. The measures restrict firearm carriage on Virginia public colleges to law-enforcement officers, ROTC cadets, and U.S. military personnel. The ceremony featured UVA President Scott Beardsley, campus police, students, parents, and local officials.
2022 UVA Shooting
In November 2022, three UVA students—Devin Chandler, Lavel Davis Jr., and D’Sean Perry—were shot and killed on campus, prompting calls for stronger security and legislative action.
Stakeholders and Legislative Path
Governor Abigail Spanberger (signatory), UVA President Scott Beardsley (host), Senator Creigh Deeds and Delegate Katrina Callsen (bill patrons), and President Emeritus Jim Ryan (advocate) were central. After the 2022 tragedy, the UVA community lobbied for change. In April 2024, Spanberger signed bipartisan school-safety legislation covering teacher training and red-flag law education. The firearm restriction bills were enacted on May 12, 2024.
Bill Provisions
The statutes permit only law-enforcement officers, ROTC cadets, and U.S. military personnel to carry firearms on public college campuses. Previously, firearm carriage was merely regulated, limiting police enforcement.
Safety Impact
By granting campus police clearer authority, the bills aim to close a security gap identified after the 2022 shooting. Supporters argue the change reduces future risk and standardizes safety protocols across Virginia’s public higher-education institutions.
Official Statements
Governor Spanberger said the tragedy “devastated this community and our Commonwealth” and framed the bills as essential action for victims’ families. Senator Deeds called the legislation a personal responsibility to protect students, noting that while the past cannot be undone, the future can be secured. Delegate Callsen stressed the need to equip colleges and police chiefs with tools to enforce the new restriction.
Implementation Outlook
The new statutes take effect immediately, requiring all Virginia public colleges to revise firearm policies. Campus police will develop enforcement guidelines, and the state will monitor compliance as part of its broader school-safety program.
Verbatim Quotes
- “In November 2022, three students here at the University of Virginia were shot and killed on Grounds — Devin Chandler.” — Governor Abigail Spanberger
- “As a legislator, I take it as a personal responsibility, when parents send kids to our schools, to keep them safe,” — Senator Creigh Deeds
- “We can’t undo the past, but we can ensure the future. That’s what this legislation is about.” — Senator Creigh Deeds
- “Until today, we have not given our colleges and our police chiefs the tools they need to effectively enforce this restriction,” — Delegate Katrina Callsen
