RICHMOND, VA – A new bill introduced in the Virginia House of Delegates would outlaw the future sale, manufacture, and transfer of assault firearms and high-capacity magazines statewide beginning in July 2026.
House Bill 217, sponsored by Delegate Dan Helmer and co-patrons Clark and Sullivan, was prefiled on January 7 and formally introduced on January 14. The measure has been referred to the House Committee on Public Safety for consideration.
Under the proposal, it would become a Class 1 misdemeanor for anyone to import, sell, manufacture, purchase, or transfer an assault firearm as defined by the bill. The definition includes semi-automatic center-fire rifles, pistols, and shotguns with features such as folding or collapsible stocks, detachable magazines, threaded barrels, flash suppressors, or grenade launchers. Weapons operated manually by bolt, pump, lever, or slide action, or those manufactured before July 1, 2026, would be exempt.
The bill also prohibits the import, sale, or transfer of large-capacity ammunition feeding devices capable of holding more than 10 rounds if they are manufactured after July 1, 2026. Violations of either ban would be punishable as Class 1 misdemeanors.
People under 21 years old would also be barred from purchasing, possessing, transporting, or transferring assault firearms regardless of the weapon’s manufacture date, with exceptions for law enforcement, members of the Armed Forces, or military college cadets acting in an official capacity.
Anyone convicted of violating the assault firearm or under-21 restrictions would lose their right to purchase or possess any firearm for three years following conviction. The legislation further directs localities to establish voluntary buy-back programs for assault firearms through ordinances approved by local governing bodies.
Dealers would be required to verify a purchaser’s age and complete background checks before transferring an assault firearm manufactured before the effective date. The measure includes exemptions for law enforcement agencies, licensed manufacturers, and military institutions.
The Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission has noted the bill may lead to higher incarceration costs but has assigned a minimum fiscal impact of $50,000 as required by state law.
If enacted, the legislation would take effect on July 1, 2026.
House Bill 217 would prohibit the sale, manufacture, and transfer of assault firearms and magazines exceeding 10 rounds in Virginia beginning July 2026.
