Virginia House Democrats have passed a comprehensive package of firearm control measures, including a ban on the sale of assault-style firearms and large-capacity magazines. The legislation also introduces new civil liability for the firearm industry and stricter storage requirements for homes with minors.
RICHMOND, VA (4-minute read) — In a significant policy shift, the Virginia House of Delegates has approved more than half a dozen bills aimed at tightening the state’s firearm regulations. Buoyed by a larger majority following recent elections, Democrats moved forward with a revived agenda that includes a high-profile ban on the sale of “assault-style” firearms and “large-capacity” ammunition feeding devices. The package also addresses “ghost guns,” safe storage, and expands the ability to sue members of the firearm industry.
The Impact of House Bill 217 and Industry Liability
The most contentious measure, House Bill 217, prohibits the importation, sale, and transfer of certain semi-automatic firearms and magazines manufactured after July 1, 2026. While the bill exempts manually operated firearms and those produced before the cutoff date, it bars individuals under 21 from possessing these firearms entirely. Republicans, led by House Minority Leader Terry Kilgore, argue that the measure blatantly defies Supreme Court precedent established in the Bruen decision, predicting that the ban will face immediate and costly legal challenges.
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In addition to the ban, lawmakers passed HB 21, which creates new standards of conduct for the firearm industry. This bill allows for civil actions against manufacturers and sellers who fail to implement “reasonable safeguards” against straw purchases and theft. Critics argue this measure is designed to choke off the industry through a “tsunami of litigation,” potentially conflicting with federal protections provided by the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act. Other measures in the package include requirements for firearms to be locked in homes with minors and penalties for leaving visible handguns in unattended vehicles.
Technical Analysis of Virginia House Bill 217
Based on the legislative language and the current push in Richmond, House Bill 217 utilizes a “feature-based” definition to classify semi-automatic firearms as prohibited “assault firearms.” While the bill exempts firearms manufactured before July 1, 2026, any newly produced or imported firearms meeting these criteria will be banned from sale or transfer in the Commonwealth.
Prohibited Features for Rifles
The bill generally targets semi-automatic centerfire rifles that have the capacity to accept a detachable magazine and possess at least one of the following characteristics:
- Folding or Telescoping Stock: Designed to make the firearm more compact for transport or storage.
- Pistol Grip: Defined as a grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon.
- Thumbhole Stock: A stock with a hole that allows the thumb of the trigger hand to pass through.
- Second Handgrip: A forward grip or vertical stabilizer intended to be held by the non-trigger hand.
- Muzzle Brake or Flash Suppressor: Any device designed to reduce muzzle flip or hide the flash of a shot.
- Threaded Barrel: Designed to accommodate the attachment of a suppressor or muzzle device.
- Grenade Launcher: Specifically listed as a prohibited military-style attachment.
Prohibited Features for Handguns
Semi-automatic pistols with a detachable magazine are classified as “assault firearms” if they feature:
- Threaded Barrel: Capable of accepting a silencer or flash hider.
- Second Handgrip: Including any shroud attached to the barrel that allows the shooter to hold the firearm with the non-trigger hand without being burned.
- Magazine Attachment: The capacity to accept a detachable magazine at some location outside of the pistol grip.
Large-Capacity Magazines
The bill also targets “large-capacity ammunition feeding devices,” which are defined as any magazine, belt, drum, or similar device that has a capacity of, or can be readily restored or converted to accept, more than 10 rounds of ammunition.
Safety Tip: Education remains the best deterrent; teaching children about firearm safety: specifically to stop, don’t touch, and tell an adult, is a critical layer of protection that goes beyond physical locks. As laws evolve, staying informed on carry restrictions in state buildings and hospitals is also vital to maintaining your status as a law-abiding citizen.
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