Gun owners warn the legislation criminalizes some of the most common firearms and sets the stage for one of the most aggressive gun control laws in the Commonwealth’s history.
Virginia lawmakers have pushed a sweeping ban on commonly owned semi-automatic firearms and magazines to the desk of Gov. Abigail Spanberger, igniting fierce backlash from Second Amendment advocates across the Commonwealth.
The legislation, SB 749, would prohibit the sale, manufacture, or importation of firearms labeled so-called “assault weapons,” along with magazines capable of holding more than 15 rounds.
Under the legislation, the ban would take effect July 1, 2026, though individuals who already own the affected firearms and magazines would be allowed to keep them.
Gun rights supporters say the legislation targets some of the most popular and commonly-owned firearms in America, including the AR-15, which is owned by millions of law-abiding citizens.
Even many law enforcement leaders argue the vague and expansive definitions used in so-called “Assault Weapons” Bans could sweep up a wide range of standard semi-automatic firearms commonly used for self-defense and recreation.
The legislation passed along largely partisan lines in the Democratic-controlled General Assembly, reflecting a growing push by gun control advocates following years of vetoes from previous administrations.
Hannah Hill, Vice President of the National Foundation for Gun Rights, took to X, after the bill advanced to the Governor’s desk:
“Heartbreaking to watch the state that gave us Thomas Jefferson and James Madison pass gun bans. While this is primarily the fault of the Virginia voters, it’s also directly traceable to the Supreme Court’s negligence in postponing the decision to strike down gun bans.”
Read more at 6News Richmond.
