VA SB495

Expands the list of eligible petitioners for emergency substantial risk orders (red flag orders) beyond law enforcement and attorneys to include licensed mental health professionals, physicians, immediate family members, intimate partners, school administrators, and threat assessment team representatives

Requires juvenile and domestic relations district courts to have jurisdiction over substantial risk order petitions involving minors, in addition to existing circuit and general district court jurisdiction

Adds specific factors courts must consider when determining probable cause, including recent violence toward animals, protective order violations, involuntary mental health commitments, substance abuse, and recent firearm acquisition attempts

Clarifies that the prohibition on firearm possession under a substantial risk order applies to constructive possession, meaning a person cannot maintain control over firearms even if not in their immediate physical custody

Mandates that when an emergency substantial risk order is issued against a minor, a copy must be served on the parent, guardian, or local social services board responsible for the minor's care