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Bill

HB 40

Plastic firearms or receivers, etc.; transfer, etc., prohibited, penalties.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Elizabeth Bennett-Parker and 9 co-sponsors

Virginia bans manufacturing, selling, and possessing plastic and unserialized firearms, imposing criminal penalties for violations and attempted ghost gun circulation.

Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0531)
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Bill Summary · HB 40

Legislative bill overview

HB 40 prohibits the manufacture, sale, transfer, and possession of plastic firearms and unserialized firearms (often called "ghost guns") in Virginia. The bill imposes criminal penalties for violations and applies to both fully assembled weapons and firearm receivers that lack serial numbers.

Why is this important

Unserialized firearms are difficult for law enforcement to trace and track, raising concerns about their use in crimes while circumventing standard gun registration systems. The bill represents a significant expansion of Virginia's existing gun regulations and reflects ongoing national debate about regulating weapons that avoid traditional manufacturing and identification requirements.

Potential points of contention

  • Second Amendment concerns: Opponents argue the bill may infringe on constitutional rights to manufacture firearms for personal use, particularly given Supreme Court precedent on firearm regulations
  • Enforcement challenges: Critics question how law enforcement will effectively identify and prosecute possession of unmarked weapons, especially those already in circulation
  • Definition ambiguity: The precise legal definitions of "plastic firearms" and "receivers" may be subject to interpretation, potentially affecting what specific items are actually prohibited
  • Grandfather clause absence: The bill's scope regarding previously manufactured unserialized weapons and whether existing owners face compliance deadlines remains a practical implementation concern

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

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