(SB749) GOVERNOR'S RECOMMENDATION I approve the general purpose of this bill, but I am returning it without my signature with the request that the attached Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute (26110148D) be accepted.
SB749
Ban on Assault Firearms and Large Capacity Ammunition Feeding Devices
In one sentence
This act makes it illegal to buy, sell, manufacture, import, or transfer assault firearms and large capacity ammunition feeding devices in Virginia, with certain exceptions.
What it does
- Makes it a crime for anyone to import, sell, manufacture, purchase, or transfer an assault firearm.
- Defines what an 'assault firearm' is, excluding some types like antique guns that can't be used anymore.
- Bans the sale of large capacity ammunition feeding devices.
- Says people who break these rules will get a Class 1 misdemeanor and lose their right to buy or own firearms for three years after being found guilty.
Who it affects
- People who make, sell, import, or transfer guns
- Individuals convicted of violating the ban on assault firearms
Limits and unknowns
- The act does not specify what happens to assault firearms already owned by individuals before July 1, 2026.
- It is unclear how localities will handle programs involving the exchange of guns for things of value after this ban takes effect.
Plain language
Terms to know
- Assault firearm
- A type of gun that is banned under this act unless it falls into certain exceptions.
- Large capacity ammunition feeding device
- A part for a gun that holds more than the standard amount of bullets, which cannot be sold according to this law.
Official record
Sources
Official summary
Purchase, sale, transfer, etc., of assault firearms and certain ammunition feeding devices prohibited; penalties. Creates a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person who imports, sells, manufactures, purchases, or transfers an assault firearm, as that term is defined in the bill with some exceptions, and prohibits a person who has been convicted of such violation from purchasing, possessing, or transporting a firearm for a period of three years from the date of conviction. The bill provides that an assault firearm does not include any firearm that is an antique firearm, has been rendered permanently inoperable, or is manually operated by bolt, pump, lever, or slide action. The bill also prohibits the sale of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, as that term is defined in the bill. The bill provides that any person who willfully and intentionally (i) sells an assault firearm to another person or (ii) purchases an assault firearm from another person is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor and that any person who imports, sells, barters, transfers, or purchases a large capacity ammunition feeding device is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. This bill is identical to HB 217.
Official activity
Bill history
- Approved by Governor-Chapter 1107 (effective 7/1/2026)Governor
- Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP1107)Governor
- Communicated to GovernorSenate
- Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., May 23, 2026Governor
- Passed by for the day (Voice Vote)Senate
- Passed by for the day (21-Y 18-N 0-A)Senate
- Fiscal Impact statement From VCSC (4/14/2026 4:35 pm)Senate
- Governor's recommendation received by SenateGovernor
- Fiscal Impact statement From VCSC (4/3/2026 1:29 pm)Senate
- Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 14, 2026Senate
- Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026Governor
- Signed by SpeakerHouse
- Signed by PresidentSenate
- EnrolledHouse
- EnrolledHouse
- Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB749ER)Senate
- Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB749)Senate
- Fiscal Impact statement From VCSC (3/9/2026 10:46 am)Senate
- House substitute agreed to by SenateSenate
- Passed by for the daySenate
Changes
Amendments
2 stored
2026 SESSION SENATE SUBSTITUTE 26110148D SENATE BILL NO.