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Bill

SB 312

Assault firearms; carrying in public areas prohibited, penalty.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Adam Ebbin and 1 co-sponsor

Virginia bill prohibits carrying assault firearms in public, establishing penalties and generating enforcement costs through state courts system review.

Incorporated by Courts of Justice (SB727-Jones) (13-Y 0-N)
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Bill Summary · SB 312

Legislative bill overview

SB 312 prohibits the carrying of assault firearms in public areas in Virginia and establishes penalties for violations. The bill was incorporated into another measure (SB 727) during the 2026 legislative session. The specific definition of "assault firearms" and penalty structure would be detailed in the bill's full text.

Why is this important

This legislation directly addresses public safety concerns related to firearms in shared spaces, affecting millions of Virginians' daily lives in public venues. The bill's passage or failure will significantly impact Virginia's gun policy landscape, as the state has debated assault weapon restrictions for years, and this represents a concrete policy proposal with fiscal implications that have been formally evaluated.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition and scope: "Assault firearms" lacks a universally accepted definition; different legislative interpretations could capture varying categories of semi-automatic weapons, creating compliance confusion
  • Second Amendment conflict: Gun rights advocates will argue the prohibition violates constitutional protections, likely triggering legal challenges regardless of passage
  • Enforcement burden: Police departments must enforce the ban, raising questions about identification training, resources, and disparate enforcement risks across communities
  • Existing weapon status: Whether currently-owned assault firearms would be subject to confiscation, grandfathering, or registration remains a critical unresolved issue

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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