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Bill

SB 727

Assault firearms, loaded; carrying in public areas prohibited in the Commonwealth, penalty.

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

Virginia bill prohibits loaded assault firearms in public areas with criminal penalties, balancing public safety against Second Amendment concerns.

Governor's recommendation received by Senate
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 727

Legislative bill overview

SB 727 proposes to prohibit the carrying of loaded assault firearms in public areas throughout Virginia and establishes penalties for violations. The bill has advanced through the Public Safety Committee with a substitute version, indicating revisions were made to the original language during deliberation.

Why is this important

This legislation directly addresses public safety concerns related to firearms in shared spaces, affecting millions of Virginians' daily interactions in public settings. The bill represents a significant expansion of weapons restrictions in the Commonwealth and touches on constitutional debates about Second Amendment rights versus public safety regulations.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional questions: Opponents will likely argue the measure infringes on Second Amendment rights, while supporters contend it's a reasonable public safety regulation within state authority
  • Definition of "assault firearm": The bill's scope depends heavily on how assault weapons are defined legally; Virginia's existing definitions may be contested as either too broad or too narrow
  • Enforcement and penalties: The practical application across diverse public spaces and the severity of penalties could face scrutiny from both law enforcement and civil liberties perspectives
  • Rural versus urban divide: Implementation may create friction between urban areas supporting restrictions and rural communities where such firearms have traditional uses

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

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