Virginia Gov. Spanberger Signs Assault Weapons Ban, Triggering Immediate Lawsuits

RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed legislation Thursday banning the future sale, manufacture, import, purchase and transfer of certain semi-automatic “assault firearms” and magazines capable of holding more than 15 rounds, prompting immediate federal and state lawsuits from gun-rights groups.

The new law, Senate Bill 749, takes effect July 1, 2026. It defines “assault firearms” to include semi-automatic centerfire rifles, pistols and shotguns that accept a detachable magazine and have features such as a pistol grip, collapsible or folding stock, threaded barrel, or second handgrip. It also prohibits magazines holding more than 15 rounds. Current owners may keep firearms and magazines they already possess; mere possession is not criminalized for most individuals. Violations involving sale, transfer or manufacture are Class 1 misdemeanors punishable by up to one year in jail and a $2,500 fine.

Spanberger, a former CIA officer and U.S. representative who campaigned with Moms Demand Action, called the measure a step to protect families. “Firearms designed to inflict maximum casualties do not belong on our streets,” she said. “We are taking this step to protect families and support the law enforcement officers who work every day to keep our communities safe.”

The ban reverses years of vetoes by former Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin and makes Virginia one of roughly a dozen states with similar restrictions.

Within hours of the signing, the National Rifle Association, Second Amendment Foundation, Firearms Policy Coalition and individual Virginia gun owners filed lawsuits in both state and federal court. The federal suit, filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, argues the ban violates the Second Amendment by targeting commonly owned firearms used for self-defense and other lawful purposes. The state suit was filed in Washington Circuit Court.

Adam Kraut, executive director of the Second Amendment Foundation, said the banned items “aren’t bizarre and unusual outliers — they’re among the most commonly owned guns and magazines in the country” and are “owned in the tens of millions by peaceable Americans who use them overwhelmingly lawfully.”

The U.S. Department of Justice has also signaled it will file suit to block enforcement, citing Second Amendment concerns. Several county prosecutors have indicated they will not enforce the new restrictions.

Gun-rights advocates note that while some similar bans have been upheld in other circuits, recent Supreme Court precedent under Bruen and skepticism expressed by conservative justices in related cases could strengthen their challenge. The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which covers Virginia, has previously upheld Maryland’s assault weapons ban.

Democrats and gun-control groups praised the law as a long-overdue public safety measure. Republicans and Second Amendment organizations called it an unconstitutional infringement on law-abiding citizens’ rights.

The legislation is part of a broader package of gun restrictions signed by Spanberger this session, including raising the handgun purchase age to 21 in some cases. Legal challenges are expected to move quickly toward hearings before the July 1 effective date.