VA HB1015

Prohibits individuals convicted of a misdemeanor hate crime (assault or battery motivated by race, religion, gender, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, color, or national origin) from possessing or transporting firearms, ammunition, stun weapons, or explosives, or carrying concealed weapons

Applies to hate crime convictions occurring on or after July 1, 2026, under Virginia law or substantially similar laws of other states, the District of Columbia, or U.S. territories

Establishes violation of the firearm prohibition for hate crime offenders as a Class 1 misdemeanor, while existing felony-based firearm prohibitions remain Class 6 felonies

Requires firearm dealers to ask purchasers whether they have been convicted of a misdemeanor hate crime as part of the criminal history record information check process

Allows individuals subject to this prohibition to petition a circuit court for a restoration order to regain firearm rights, with the court having discretion to grant such petitions for good cause shown