Because the Virginia Basic Meeting prepares for its 2026 session starting January 14th, gun rights and gun management advocates are gearing up for what guarantees to be a contentious debate over firearms rules. Following the 2025 elections, Democrats secured a governing trifecta: management of the Home of Delegates (with a strengthened majority), a slim 21-19 edge within the Senate, and the governorship with Abigail Spanberger set to take workplace. This shift ends 4 years of Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin vetoing dozens of gun-related payments, creating area for measures that had beforehand stalled.
Gun management teams like Everytown for Gun Security and Mothers Demand Motion, which closely again Democratic candidates, view this as a chance to advance “commonsense” reforms. In the meantime, organizations such because the Virginia Residents Protection League (VCDL), Nationwide Rifle Affiliation Institute for Legislative Motion (NRA-ILA), and Gun Homeowners of America (GOA) warn of an aggressive assault on Second Modification rights, urging gun house owners to mobilize for Foyer Day on January 19, 2026. Prefiled payments and statements from lawmakers point out a number of key proposals are on the horizon, a lot of which echo vetoed laws from prior periods.
Assault Weapons and Normal Capability Magazines Bans
Probably the most anticipated and controversial proposals is a ban on the sale, manufacture, import, buy, and switch of sure semi-automatic firearms categorised as “assault weapons,” together with restrictions on “massive capability” magazines. Delegate Dan Helmer has reintroduced such a invoice (HB 217), focusing on fashionable sporting rifles like AR-15s and magazines holding greater than 10-20 rounds (precise thresholds range in drafts). Comparable measures have handed the legislature a number of occasions lately, solely to be vetoed by Youngkin.
Proponents argue these firearms are disproportionately utilized in mass shootings and that bans may scale back casualties, citing controversial research estimating a 70% drop in mass taking pictures deaths below a renewed federal assault weapons ban. This stat is at odds with statistics from the precise Clinton assault weapon ban, which confirmed no measurable impact. Governor-elect Spanberger has pledged to signal such laws, emphasizing “public security.” Critics, together with the GOA and VCDL, contend these bans goal generally owned firearms protected below Supreme Courtroom rulings akin to District of Columbia v. Heller and New York State Rifle & Pistol Affiliation v. Bruen, which affirms the suitable to maintain and bear arms in widespread use for lawful functions. In addition they observe that current house owners would possible be grandfathered, however future acquisitions could be prohibited, probably affecting self-defense and sporting makes use of.
New $500 Excise Tax on Suppressors
With the explosion of suppressor gross sales because the discount of the federal tax stamp payment to $0, Democrats look so as to add a $500 tax to all suppressor gross sales inside the Commonwealth. The invoice (HB207) was prefiled by Delegate Karen Keys-Gamarra. The $500 payment is 150% increased than the now-defunct federal tax payment. The cost could be utilized on the level of buy. The cash shall be deposited into the final fund. Teams just like the American Suppressor Affiliation (ASA) have vowed to oppose any state laws that may impose an excise tax on suppressors. Gross sales to regulation enforcement and federal businesses could be exempt from the tax.
150,000 NFA Purposes Submitted On the First Day of the New 12 months
Privately Manufactured Firearms Restrictions
This new invoice goals to ban unserialized “ghost weapons,” firearms assembled from kits or 3D-printed elements with out serial numbers, and so-called “undetectable plastic firearms.” Delayed efficient dates from the 2025 laws will already section in bans on unfinished frames/receivers by mid-2026, with penalties as much as a Class 5 felony. Extra proposals might tighten possession and switch guidelines. Anti-gun advocates spotlight the untraceable nature of those weapons, linking them to rising crime recoveries, which is debatable since firearms with obliterated serial numbers are included in these numbers. Opponents argue that the measures burden hobbyists and infringe on dwelling manufacturing rights, notably in mild of the Supreme Courtroom’s Bruen choice.
Ready Durations for Firearm Purchases
A compulsory five-day (or longer) ready interval earlier than taking possession of a firearm bought is anticipated to be reintroduced. Previous payments have tried to impose delays even after background checks clear, aiming to supply a “cooling-off” interval to forestall impulsive acts. These payments have failed within the Commonwealth.
The invoice’s supporters declare that these ready intervals scale back suicides and homicides. Gun rights teams counter that delays endanger these dealing with rapid threats, like home violence victims, and violate the Second Modification by impeding well timed entry.
Age Restrictions on Purchases
Payments elevating the minimal age to 21 for buying semi-automatic rifles, sure pistols, and shotguns are more likely to move. Federal regulation already requires a purchaser’s age to be 21 to purchase handguns from sellers, however state proposals would prolong this to lengthy weapons.
Proponents body it as defending youth, citing increased dangers of impulsivity. Critics observe that 18-20-year-olds are adults below the Structure and might have firearms for self-defense, looking, or navy service.
Firearm Trade Legal responsibility.
Prefiled payments like SB 27/HB 21 create “requirements of accountable conduct” for producers, sellers, and sellers, permitting civil lawsuits for “public nuisances” or failure to forestall gross sales to prohibited individuals/straw purchasers. These payments mirror legal guidelines being challenged in different states and will expose the business to litigation.
Gun management advocates say it holds dangerous actors accountable. The business and rights teams name it an finish run round federal protections (PLCAA), designed to bankrupt producers by frivolous lawsuits.
Protected Storage Necessities
Proposals mandate locked storage of firearms and ammunition when minors or prohibited individuals are current, with penalties escalating if an unsecured gun results in damage or crime. Some embrace public consciousness campaigns.
Backers argue it prevents youngster entry and theft. Opponents say it hinders prepared entry for dwelling protection and penalizes accountable house owners.
Public Carry Restrictions for Rifles and Shotguns
Expanded bans on overtly carrying loaded rifles or shotguns in public streets, sidewalks, parks, or rights-of-way are below dialogue, constructing on current limits in sure localities.
Anti-gun advocates declare to hunt to cut back intimidation. Rights teams view it as infringing on Virginia’s open carry traditions.
Growth of Gun-Free Zones
Payments are being launched so as to add hospitals (particularly psychological well being amenities) and public educational buildings to the listing of prohibited carry areas, past present faculties and authorities websites. Supporters declare these areas are “delicate places.” Critics argue it disarms law-abiding residents in susceptible spots with out enhancing safety.
Different rumored measures embrace permit-to-purchase schemes, expansions of purple flag legal guidelines, and limits on hid carry reciprocity. With Spanberger’s help and Democratic management, many payments have a transparent path—in contrast to below Youngkin, who vetoed assault weapon bans, storage mandates, and extra.
The slim Senate majority means reasonable Democrats may negotiate compromises, and post-Bruen litigation looms for restrictive legal guidelines. Gun rights advocates plan robust opposition, recalling the 2020 Second Modification sanctuary motion that mobilized 1000’s. Because the session unfolds, outcomes will hinge on legislative bargaining, public enter, and potential courtroom challenges.
About John Crump
Mr. Crump is an NRA teacher and a constitutional activist. John has written about firearms, interviewed individuals from all walks of life, and on the Structure. John lives in Northern Virginia along with his spouse and sons, observe him on X at @crumpyss, or at www.crumpy.com.
