Overview
- SB 749 cleared the General Assembly on largely party-line votes (House 59–35, Senate 21–19) and has been transmitted to Gov. Abigail Spanberger.
- The bill would prohibit future sale, manufacture, and import of defined semiautomatic rifles, pistols, and shotguns, and would ban magazines holding more than 15 rounds.
- A grandfather clause allows Virginians who already own covered firearms or magazines to keep them, with limited transfer options to licensed dealers, out-of-state buyers, or by inheritance to immediate family; certain law enforcement and federal security uses are exempt.
- Violations would be a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine up to $2,500, and the measure would take effect July 1, 2026, if enacted.
- Second Amendment organizations including the NRA, VCDL, FPC, and GOA are urging a veto and publicly preparing lawsuits, while related measures on public carry, industry liability, and unserialized or plastic firearms are also moving to the governor’s desk.