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Virginia lawmakers have approved legislation that would prohibit the sale and transfer of assault-style firearms, sending the measure to Governor Abigail Spanberger for consideration.
If the governor signs the bill into law, it would take effect July 1 and make it illegal to sell, buy, manufacture, import or transfer assault weapons in the state. The proposal would also block the sale or transfer of high-capacity magazines capable of holding more than 15 rounds.
The legislation includes provisions allowing individuals who already legally own these firearms or magazines before July 1 to keep them. Law enforcement agencies would still be permitted to purchase them, and federally licensed gun dealers could continue handling certain transactions under the law. The restrictions primarily target sales to individual buyers.
Del. Dan Helmer, a Democrat representing Virginia’s 10th District and one of the bill’s sponsors, said the measure is designed to strengthen gun safety across the state.
Helmer said the legislation would make Virginia the first state in the South to enact a ban on assault weapons. He argued the policy could help reduce the harm caused during mass shootings by limiting access to weapons and magazines often associated with high-casualty attacks.
He also said the proposal reflects concerns shared by many Virginians about public safety and the desire to protect children and communities from gun violence.
Republican Sen. Mark Obenshain of Virginia’s 2nd District criticized the bill, arguing it would not effectively prevent crime. He said individuals who commit violent offenses are unlikely to follow the law and that the measure would mainly affect people who already obey gun regulations.
Obenshain pointed to recent violence in Richmond’s Shockoe Bottom area, saying restrictions on certain firearms would not have prevented incidents like that. He argued lawmakers should instead focus on issues such as gang activity, policing strategies and repeat offenders.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Governor Spanberger said the governor understands the importance of public safety, noting her experience as a former federal law enforcement officer and as a parent of children in Virginia public schools.
The spokesperson said Spanberger appreciates the work of lawmakers and advocates addressing gun violence and plans to review the bill along with other legislation sent to her office.
SOURCE: WHSV3