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Bill

SB 160

Firearms; purchase, etc., after assault & battery of family or household member or intimate partner.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Russet Perry

Virginia bill prohibits firearm purchases and possession for individuals convicted of assault and battery against family members or intimate partners, expanding domestic violence-related gun restrictions.

Passed by for the day (Voice Vote)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 160

Legislative bill overview

SB 160 prohibits individuals convicted of assault and battery against a family member or intimate partner from purchasing or possessing firearms. The bill creates a state-level firearm restriction tied to domestic violence convictions, supplementing existing federal prohibitions that apply only to certain qualifying offenses.

Why is this important

Domestic violence is a significant risk factor for firearm homicides, particularly intimate partner homicides. This bill expands Virginia's restrictions beyond federal minimums, potentially reducing access to weapons by individuals with demonstrated patterns of violence in intimate relationships—a population with elevated risk of lethal escalation.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional Second Amendment concerns: Opponents may argue the restriction infringes on Second Amendment rights for individuals convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence offenses, particularly if conviction didn't result in imprisonment
  • Scope and severity questions: The bill applies to all assault and battery convictions without apparent distinction between minor incidents and serious violence, raising fairness debates about proportionality
  • Implementation and enforcement: Determining effective mechanisms to remove firearms already in possession and prevent prohibited purchases across dealers requires significant administrative infrastructure and funding

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

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