Governor Spanberger Signs Sweeping Gun Control Laws Banning Assault Weapons In Virginia

Governor Spanberger signed and amended a sweeping package of gun control legislation.

House Bill 217 and Senate Bill 749 ban the future sale of certain semi-automatic firearms classified as assault weapons.

Fox News

Spanberger removed the word fixed from the definition of an assault firearm, a change Republicans say could sharply expand the range of firearms swept into the ban.

The legislation does not apply to firearms lawfully owned before July 1, 2026.

The governor also restored universal background checks by directing Virginia State Police to resume checks on private firearm sales.

The governor's moves drew immediate backlash from Republicans and the U.S. Department of Justice.

House Minority Leader Kilgore called the amendments a desperate ploy.

Rappahannock News

Assistant Attorney General Dhillon warned that the Civil Rights Division will commence litigation.

Spanberger framed the law as a public-safety push.

Polling suggests broad public support for several gun control measures in Virginia.

Spanberger signed several other gun-related bills without changes.

“13:52 News Story Criminal Justice + Policing General Assembly 2026 Government + Politics Guns Spanberger amends, signs sweeping gun legislation reshaping Virginia’s firearm laws Governor’s actions clarify assault weapons ban, restore background checks on private sales, set new storage standards and expand restrictions on where firearms can be carried”

Virginiamercury

House Bill 21 requires firearm manufacturers to adopt reasonable controls to prevent illegal sales.

The law allows civil actions against companies whose practices contribute to a public nuisance.

House Bill 110 outlaws leaving a firearm in plain view inside an unattended vehicle.

House Bill 40 bans the manufacture, sale, transfer and possession of ghost guns.