Virginia Governor Signs New Gun Storage, Child Care Legislation

Spanberger also vetoes bills on towing and mattress recycling in final hours before Monday deadline.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 12:49am

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty government office space, with warm sunlight streaming through the windows and deep shadows across the floor, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and political transition.As Virginia's new governor navigates her first legislative session, her last-minute bill signings and vetoes reflect a careful balance of priorities and principles.Fairfax Today

In the final hours before a Monday night deadline, Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger signed into law several bills, including new regulations on gun storage and the creation of a child care assistance pilot program. Spanberger also vetoed legislation that would have expanded gambling and increased the threshold for auctioning off cars with liens.

Why it matters

Spanberger's actions on these bills in the final hours before the deadline reflect her policy priorities around public safety, affordable child care, and consumer protections. The vetoes also signal her willingness to push back against measures she sees as overreaching or harmful to Virginians.

The details

Spanberger signed bills that make it a misdemeanor to leave firearms unattended in vehicles without securing them, as well as legislation to study mental health screenings for public school students. She also approved a child care assistance pilot program and measures to regulate data center growth and fantasy sports betting. However, Spanberger vetoed bills that would have expanded gambling and increased the threshold for auctioning off cars with liens, saying those changes would harm consumers.

  • The deadline for Spanberger to sign, amend or veto legislation passed by the General Assembly was 11:59 p.m. on Monday, April 14, 2026.
  • The General Assembly will reconvene on April 22, 2026 to vote on whether to sustain Spanberger's vetoes and approve her amendments.

The players

Abigail Spanberger

The Democratic governor of Virginia, serving her first General Assembly session.

Terry Kilgore

The Republican House Minority Leader from Scott County.

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What they’re saying

“These taxes were introduced, debated, and pushed by the Governor's own allies. Their failure is the result of Democratic infighting, not some principled stand.”

— Terry Kilgore, House Minority Leader

What’s next

The General Assembly will reconvene on April 22, 2026 to vote on whether to sustain Spanberger's vetoes and approve her amendments. A two-thirds majority in both houses is required to overturn a veto.

The takeaway

Spanberger's actions in the final hours before the legislative deadline reflect her policy priorities around public safety, affordable child care, and consumer protections. Her vetoes also signal her willingness to push back against measures she sees as overreaching or harmful to Virginians.