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SB 749

Assault firearms & certain ammunition feeding devices; purchase, sale, etc., prohibited, penalties.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lashrecse Aird and 15 co-sponsors

SB 749 bans purchase and possession of semi-automatic rifles/shotguns with certain features and high-capacity magazines in Virginia, establishing criminal penalties for violations.

Fiscal Impact statement From VCSC (4/14/2026 4:35 pm)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 749

Legislative bill overview

SB 749 prohibits the purchase, sale, transfer, and possession of assault firearms and certain ammunition feeding devices in Virginia, establishing criminal penalties for violations. The bill defines "assault firearm" to include semi-automatic rifles and shotguns with specific features (such as detachable magazines, pistol grips, or thumbhole stocks) and restricts magazines holding more than 10 rounds.

Why this is important

This legislation represents one of the most restrictive firearm regulations proposed in Virginia in recent years, directly affecting hundreds of thousands of existing gun owners and the firearms industry. The bill has already passed the Virginia Senate and now moves to the House, where its fate depends on the chamber's composition and priorities regarding gun rights versus public safety.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional concerns: Second Amendment advocates argue the restrictions violate recent Supreme Court precedent (New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, 2022), which emphasized individual rights to common firearms for lawful purposes
  • Enforcement and compliance: Questions about how Virginia would enforce restrictions on millions of currently-legal firearms already in circulation, and whether grandfather clauses apply to existing owners
  • Definition ambiguity: The specific technical criteria for what constitutes an "assault firearm" may be subject to legal challenges as overly broad or imprecise
  • Rural vs. urban divide: Firearm ownership patterns differ significantly between Virginia's urban centers (supporting the bill) and rural areas (likely opposing it), reflecting deeper regional political splits

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

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