Makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor to import, sell, manufacture, purchase or transfer an "assault firearm" as defined in the bill, and bars a person convicted of that offense from buying or possessing firearms for three years. Antique, permanently inoperable and bolt-, pump-, lever- or slide-action firearms are excluded. The bill also prohibits the sale of large-capacity ammunition feeding devices as defined in the bill; it is identical to SB 749.
What it does: Prohibits future sale, purchase and transfer of defined assault firearms and sale of large-capacity magazines.
Assault weaponsMagazines
last action
: Approved by Governor, Chapter 1106 (effective 7/1/2026)
next step
In effect since 2026-07-01. No further legislative step scheduled.
Requires a person who keeps a firearm in a residence where they know a minor or a person prohibited from possessing firearms is present to store it in a locked container inaccessible to that person or to disable it with a gun lock. A violation is a Class 2 misdemeanor, and dealers must post a notice about the penalty. The bill is identical to HB 871.
What it does: Requires locked storage of firearms in homes where minors or prohibited persons are present.
Makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor for a person younger than 21 to purchase a handgun or assault firearm anywhere in Virginia, and adds listed exceptions for people under 18 to possess or transport handguns or assault firearms. It directs the State Police to administer and enforce existing law on required background checks for firearm sales. The bill has an emergency clause and took effect when signed.
What it does: Sets 21 as the minimum age to purchase a handgun or assault firearm.
Prohibits carrying an assault firearm, as defined in existing law, on public streets, sidewalks, rights-of-way, public parks and other places open to the public, with listed exceptions. Previously the carry restriction covered a narrower set of firearms, applied only in certain localities and only when loaded. A violation is a Class 1 misdemeanor; the bill is identical to SB 727.
What it does: Prohibits public carry of defined assault firearms statewide, with exceptions.
Narrows an exemption to the ban on carrying firearms in state-owned or leased buildings that currently covers property of public colleges and universities. Under the bill the exemption applies only to people who possess a weapon as part of the institution's curriculum or activities, or an organization authorized by the institution, as approved by its law-enforcement or public safety unit. Identical to HB 626.
What it does: Restricts carrying firearms in public college and university buildings.
Sensitive placesConcealed / open carry
last action
: Approved by Governor, Chapter 644 (effective 7/1/2026)
next step
In effect since 2026-07-01. No further legislative step scheduled.
Expands who may petition for an emergency substantial risk order (Virginia's extreme risk, or "red flag", order) and lists factors a judge or magistrate must consider. It extends jurisdiction over these orders to juvenile and domestic relations and general district courts, sets procedures for petitions involving minors, and provides a process for returning firearms not owned by the subject of a petition.
What it does: Broadens who can seek a red flag order and which courts can issue one.
Red flag / ERPO
last action
: Approved by Governor, Chapter 698 (effective 7/1/2026)
next step
In effect since 2026-07-01. No further legislative step scheduled.
Makes it a Class 4 misdemeanor to leave a handgun in an unattended vehicle without storing it in a locked hard-sided container, which can include a locked glove compartment or center console. The bill includes exemptions, including for a person who reports the firearm's theft or loss to law enforcement. Identical to SB 496.
What it does: Requires locked storage of handguns left in unattended vehicles.
Safe storage
last action
: Approved by Governor, Chapter 560 (effective 7/1/2026)
next step
In effect since 2026-07-01. No further legislative step scheduled.
Updates the existing Class 5 felony for making, selling or possessing plastic firearms that cannot be detected by security screening devices. It also makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor (a Class 4 felony for repeat offenses) to knowingly possess a firearm or a completed or unfinished frame or receiver that does not carry a valid serial number, and sets related restrictions on unserialized firearms.
What it does: Prohibits possession and transfer of unserialized firearms, frames and receivers.
Ghost guns / 3D printing
last action
: Approved by Governor, Chapter 531 (effective: see bill)
Creates standards of responsible conduct for firearm industry members and requires them to establish reasonable controls over the manufacture, sale, distribution and marketing of firearm-related products, including procedures meant to prevent sales to straw purchasers, traffickers and prohibited persons and to prevent loss or theft. It creates civil liability when a violation of these standards contributes to harm.
What it does: Sets conduct standards for gun makers and sellers and allows civil suits for violations.
Industry liabilityDealers
last action
: Approved by Governor, Chapter 529 (effective 7/1/2026)
next step
In effect since 2026-07-01. No further legislative step scheduled.
Adds intimate partners (a romantic, dating or sexual relationship within the previous 12 months) and current or recent cohabitants to the definition of "family or household member" for the firearm prohibition that follows a misdemeanor assault and battery conviction. It makes it an offense to purchase, possess or transport a firearm after such a conviction for an offense on or after July 1, 2026. Identical to SB 160.
What it does: Extends the domestic-violence firearm prohibition to dating partners and cohabitants.
Domestic violenceProhibited persons
last action
: Approved by Governor, Chapter 527 (effective 7/1/2026)
next step
In effect since 2026-07-01. No further legislative step scheduled.