Key Takeaways
- The Virginia General Assembly moved forward on gun-related bills, including an ‘assault weapons’ ban that returns to Governor Abigail Spanberger unchanged.
- The Senate and House passed the bills ‘by for the day,’ rejecting the governor’s amendments and sending legislation back to her desk.
- Governor Spanberger has three options: sign, veto, or allow the bill to become law without her signature.
- Multiple firearm-related measures advanced, including HB871 and SB348, which focus on firearm storage requirements, accepted with amendments.
- The outcome of these legislative actions will significantly impact lawful gun ownership and rights in Virginia.
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RICHMOND, VA — The Virginia General Assembly moved on a package of gun-related bills this week, with lawmakers taking a decisive procedural step on the state’s proposed “assault weapons” ban that now sends the legislation back to Governor Abigail Spanberger in its original form.
The action follows the governor’s earlier move to return SB749 with amendments that could broaden the reach of Virginia’s proposed semi-automatic firearm ban. I covered that earlier development in a previous report.
VA Gun Rights update:
HB871/SB348 – Governor’s recommendations accepted House: 64-36 Senate: 21-18
These amendments add that rendering a firearm unable to be fired with a gun lock counts as being “safely stored” – and makes penalties higher.
Both bills now move to the other… https://t.co/0dXCbHbDlU
— National Association for Gun Rights (@gunrights) April 22, 2026
On SB749, the Senate passed the bill “by for the day,” a procedural step that rejects the governor’s changes and returns the measure to her desk unchanged. Spanberger now has three options. She can sign the bill into law, veto it, or allow it to become law without her signature.
The Virginia House followed suit on HB217, the companion “assault weapons” ban. Lawmakers there also passed the bill “by for the day,” declining to accept the governor’s proposed amendments and sending the original legislation back for final action.
The General Assembly took up several other firearm-related measures as well.
HB871 and SB348, which address firearm storage requirements, moved forward with the governor’s recommendations accepted. The House voted 64 to 36 and the Senate voted 21 to 18. The amended language specifies that rendering a firearm inoperable with a gun lock qualifies as “safely stored” under the law, while also increasing penalties for violations. Both bills now move to the opposite chamber.
HB1524, which deals with carrying so-called “assault firearms” in public, passed the House 59 to 40 after lawmakers adopted the governor’s recommendation.
HB1525, which addresses the transportation of certain firearms by 18 to 20 year olds, was amended by Spanberger to reintroduce universal background check requirements. The House accepted the amended version 63 to 36. Both HB1524 and HB1525 now head to the Senate.
SB727, which restricts carrying “assault firearms” on public property, cleared the Senate 21 to 18 with the governor’s recommendations adopted.
More from USA Carry:
Why This Matters For Virginia Gun Owners
The legislative activity touches a wide range of lawful firearm ownership and carry rights in the Commonwealth. The “assault weapons” ban remains the most consequential of the pending measures, with Spanberger now holding the pen on a bill that would affect commonly owned semi-automatic firearms used by millions of Americans for self-defense, sport, and hunting.
Virginia gun owners should pay close attention to the governor’s next move on SB749 and HB217. The outcome will shape the legal landscape for lawful gun owners across the state.
The Second Amendment protects the fundamental right of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms. Legislation that restricts access to commonly owned firearms raises serious constitutional concerns, and the General Assembly’s decision to reject the governor’s amendments puts her on the record with a clear choice. Gun rights organizations including the National Association for Gun Rights are tracking the bills closely. Virginia residents who want their voices heard can contact the governor’s office directly as the decision deadline approaches.
