Virginia Gun Laws

As you may be aware, new gun bills have been introduced in Virginia.  The following is brief information on the laws and how it affects VA residents.

The following bills have seen significant movement this week. If passed by both chambers and signed, most would likely take effect on July 1, 2026.

• Status: Passed House (Feb 5); Senate version advancing.
• Impact: Prohibits the sale, manufacture, and transfer of defined "assault firearms" (based on features like pistol grips and threaded barrels) and "large-capacity" magazines (over 10 rounds).
• Key Detail: Currently includes a "grandfather" clause for firearms owned before July 1, 2026, but the Senate version (SB749) has seen amendments targeting the possession of standard-capacity magazines.

• Status: Active in Committee.
• Impact: Proposes an additional 11% tax on all sales of firearms and ammunition. This would be in addition to existing sales tax, significantly increasing costs.

• Status: Active in Committee.
• Impact: Requires a 5-day waiting period between the purchase and delivery of any firearm. 

• Status: Reported from Senate Committee.
• Impact: Requires firearms to be stored in locked containers if a minor or a "prohibited person" is present in the home. 

• Status: Passed House (Feb 5).
• Impact: Further restricts unfinished frames/receivers and creates a civil cause of action allowing the state to sue firearm industry members for "standards of conduct" violations.

These bills failed to move forward in the current session:

• CHP Fee Reduction (HB101): A bill to lower the maximum Concealed Handgun Permit fee from $50 to $25 was killed in subcommittee.
• Rest Area Exemption (SB79): A bill to allow firearms in highway rest areas was "Passed by Indefinitely" (defeated).
• Protective Order Carry (HB540): A bill to allow victims of abuse with a protective order to carry without a permit for a limited time was killed in subcommittee.