Key Takeaways
- Virginia Senate Bill 749 bans the purchase, sale, and transfer of certain firearms defined as ‘assault firearms.’
- The law imposes penalties including Class 1 misdemeanors for violations involving assault firearms and “large capacity magazines.”
- It includes exceptions for government agencies, law enforcement, and individuals who owned affected firearms prior to July 1, 2026.
- SB749 prohibits possession of firearms for three years after a conviction under the new provisions.
- This legislation represents a significant expansion of firearm restrictions in Virginia, sparking debate over Second Amendment rights.
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RICHMOND, VA – The Virginia General Assembly has passed Senate Bill 749, legislation that prohibits the purchase, sale, manufacture, importation, or transfer of certain firearms defined in the bill as “assault firearms,” along with restrictions on large capacity ammunition feeding devices.
The bill passed the Senate on February 9, 2026, by a vote of 21-19. The House later approved a substitute version on March 4, 2026, by a vote of 59-35. On March 9, 2026, the Senate agreed to the House substitute, sending the legislation forward in the process.
Ban on Purchase, Sale, and Transfer of Certain Firearms
Under SB749, any person who imports, sells, manufactures, purchases, or transfers an “assault firearm” commits a Class 1 misdemeanor.
The law defines an “assault firearm” as several categories of semi-automatic rifles, pistols, and shotguns based on certain features or configurations. These include firearms equipped with certain stocks, grips, threaded barrels, or other features listed in the legislation.
The definition also includes certain semi-automatic firearms capable of accepting detachable magazines when combined with specific design characteristics.
The bill specifically excludes certain firearms from the definition. Antique firearms, firearms that have been permanently rendered inoperable, and firearms that are manually operated by bolt, pump, lever, or slide action are not included in the ban.
Restrictions on “Large Capacity Magazines”
SB749 also prohibits the importation, sale, barter, transfer, or purchase of “large capacity ammunition feeding devices.”
The legislation defines these devices as magazines, drums, belts, or similar feeding devices capable of holding more than 15 rounds of ammunition.
A violation of this provision is also classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Exceptions and Grandfather Provisions
The legislation includes several exceptions.
Government agencies, law enforcement officers, and members of the armed forces acting within the scope of their duties are exempt under certain circumstances.
Individuals who lawfully owned affected firearms or magazines prior to July 1, 2026, are also addressed in the bill. The law allows certain transfers involving those firearms, including transfers to licensed dealers or recipients outside of the Commonwealth where lawful.
The legislation also allows inherited firearms to remain in possession of heirs if the firearm was lawfully possessed by the decedent and the heir is not otherwise prohibited from possessing firearms.
Temporary transfers to licensed dealers or gunsmiths for service or repair are also permitted.
Firearm Possession Restrictions Following Conviction
SB749 also establishes a penalty for individuals convicted under the new provisions.
Anyone convicted of violating the assault firearm restrictions will be prohibited from purchasing, possessing, or transporting any firearm for three years following the date of conviction.
Violating that prohibition would also be classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor.
What Happens Next
With both chambers of the Virginia General Assembly approving the same version of SB749, the bill now moves to the governor’s desk.
The governor can sign the bill into law, veto it, or return it to lawmakers with recommended amendments. If it is signed, the provisions referenced in the legislation are set to take effect on July 1, 2026.
That date is important for Virginia gun owners because the bill specifically allows individuals who lawfully purchased and possessed affected firearms or magazines before July 1, 2026 to retain them under certain conditions.
However, once the law takes effect, the purchase, sale, importation, or transfer of firearms defined in the bill as “assault firearms,” as well as magazines capable of holding more than 15 rounds, would be prohibited within the Commonwealth.
For many Virginians who follow firearm legislation closely, the window between now and July 1 could be the last opportunity to legally purchase items that may soon be restricted under state law.
The proposal reflects a growing push in some states to regulate commonly owned semi-automatic firearms and standard capacity magazines. These restrictions target firearms and accessories that millions of Americans lawfully own for defensive use, training, and sporting purposes.
Measures like SB749 as part of a broader effort to restrict access to firearms that fall squarely within the types of arms protected by the Constitution. Legal challenges to similar laws in other states continue to move through the courts.
