The Virginia Senate on Feb. 14 voted to pass House Bill 17 97, restoring broader reciprocity for concealed-handgun permits from other states and adding a carve-out to protect active-duty military who are relocated to Virginia.

Senator Sarravel moved the committee amendment and explained the bill would restore the preexisting reciprocity framework that had been narrowed by an earlier Attorney General opinion. She described the change as intended to ensure other states’ permitting standards are aligned before reciprocity applies and to avoid disadvantaging active-duty service members who cannot choose where they live.

During floor debate, senators recounted the history of earlier legislative compromises on firearm-related matters. One senator recalled that the original reciprocity arrangement was adopted during the McAuliffe administration and was part of a larger compromise tied to protective-order and domestic-violence changes. Speakers on both sides emphasized the trade-offs made to secure earlier policy gains.

The Senate recorded the roll-call vote as "Eyes 21, nose 14." The clerk announced the bill passes.

Why it matters: The bill affects whether Virginia recognizes concealed-carry permits issued by other states, which has direct consequences for residents and nonresidents carrying in Virginia and for cross-border law enforcement. The active-duty exception preserves permit validity for relocating service members under the amended language.

What happens next: The measure will be enrolled and sent to the governor for consideration; implementation questions involve the Virginia State Police and guidance to local law-enforcement authorities.