RICHMOND, VA – A proposed bill before the Virginia General Assembly would impose sweeping new restrictions on the sale, purchase, and manufacture of many semi-automatic rifles, pistols, and shotguns. The legislation, introduced in the House and referred to the Committee on Public Safety, would make it a Class 1 misdemeanor to import, sell, manufacture, or transfer an “assault firearm” or a large-capacity magazine after July 1, 2026.
The measure defines an “assault firearm” by technical features rather than specific models. It would apply to any semi-automatic center-fire rifle or pistol capable of accepting a detachable magazine and equipped with one or more listed characteristics. These include a folding, telescoping, or collapsible stock; a pistol grip that protrudes beneath the action of the weapon; a second handgrip; a grenade or flare launcher; a flash suppressor; or a threaded barrel capable of accepting a silencer, muzzle brake, or compensator. Any semi-automatic firearm designed or modified to include similar tactical features would also be covered under the ban.
The bill further classifies certain pistols and shotguns as assault firearms. Semi-automatic pistols with detachable magazines would be included if they feature a folding or collapsible stock, a secondary handgrip, a magazine that attaches outside the pistol grip, or a barrel shroud allowing the non-trigger hand to hold the firearm. Semi-automatic shotguns would fall under the restriction if they have a folding or telescoping stock, a pistol grip, a detachable magazine, or a fixed magazine holding more than seven rounds.
Under the legislation, firearms manufactured before July 1, 2026, would remain legal to possess, but not to sell or transfer within Virginia. The bill includes exemptions for members of law enforcement, the Armed Forces, and recognized military training programs. For the general public, however, new purchases or transfers of these weapons would be prohibited after the effective date.
The proposal also targets large-capacity ammunition feeding devices, banning the import, sale, or transfer of any magazine or similar device manufactured on or after July 1, 2026, that can hold more than 10 rounds. Tubular magazines for .22-caliber rimfire ammunition would be exempt. Violations of these provisions would constitute a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
An additional section restricts firearm access for young adults, making it illegal for anyone under 21 to import, sell, manufacture, purchase, possess, or transport an assault firearm, regardless of when it was made. Individuals convicted under these new laws would also face a three-year prohibition on purchasing or possessing any firearm following conviction.
Opponents of the bill argue that the language is overly broad, potentially covering a large percentage of commonly owned firearms used for self-defense and sport shooting. They warn that by prohibiting future sales and transfers, the measure effectively freezes legal ownership of certain firearms in the state.
Supporters counter that the legislation is aimed at reducing access to high-capacity, rapid-fire weapons frequently used in mass shootings. They say the measure focuses on future sales rather than confiscation, allowing current owners to retain their firearms while limiting further circulation of those models.
The legislation is currently under review by the House Committee on Public Safety. It faces a contentious hearing process, with advocates on both sides preparing testimony as lawmakers weigh its potential impact on gun rights, public safety, and enforcement feasibility.
Key points:
- The bill bans sale, import, and manufacture of semi-automatic rifles, pistols, and shotguns with tactical features after July 1, 2026.
- Large-capacity magazines holding more than 10 rounds would also be illegal to sell or transfer.
- Existing firearms made before July 1, 2026, could be kept but not resold or transferred within Virginia.
