Virginia enacts assault weapons ban and high-capacity magazine restrictions

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger signed into law an assault weapons ban and high-capacity magazine restrictions, making Virginia the 11th state to enact such bans. The law makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor to import, sell, manufacture, purchase or transfer an assault firearm and bars someone convicted under the ban from purchasing, possessing or transporting a firearm for three years. Exemptions include antique firearms, those rendered permanently inoperable, and firearms that are bolt, pump, lever or slide-action. The ban takes effect July 1, 2026.