what does the anti-rights party propose?
We know that gun control is in the plan for 2026. We also know that they are deliberately NOT PRE-FILING bills like they've done in the past. And we know that there are some dangerous pieces of legislation they are proposing this year.
Follow along on our legislative tracker to see where current bills are. Check out our "How to Lobby" page to see how you can attend committee meetings. And subscribe to the VA-ALERT for important updates on the assault on your rights!
Below is a list of the anti-freedom wishlist.
what's been filed
and what we expect
Below is a list of bills that have either been filed, or have been proposed in previous years. For bills that have been filed in 2026 we list the bill number. You can follow them using the Legislative Tracking Tool button above. Others may be from previous years, or in the works and being held back so people don't show up for Lobby Day.
When you click on the READ THE BILL link you will be taken directly to the bill. Click the "Highlight" toggle in the top left to see the changes easily. New sections will be in italics, removals will be in red.
We will update this page as necessary, but for real-time information make sure you are subscribed to the free email service, the VA-ALERT. You can view prior issues on our home page.
severe restrictions or ELIMINATION of reciprocity with other states for concealed carry
HB24 & SB115 - Currently, Virginia honors permits from all other states, which, in turn, allows Virginians to be able to carry in most of those states. Permit holders from other states have been peacefully carrying in Virginia for years. This bill would require the Attorney General and the Superintendent of the State Police to review other states' requirements, and cancel recognition of any other state's permit that doesn't meet whatever our current standards are.
In addition, a Virginia resident who does not have a current VA CHP will no longer be able to use an out of state carry permit to carry concealed in Virginia, even if Virginia continues to recognize that state's permits. lt is an unjust and demeaning slap in the face to law-abiding Virginia gun owners, as it will reduce the number of states where a Virginia permit holder can carry a handgun for self-defense. This bill makes Virginians who are traveling less safe! It will also discourage gun owners outside of Virginia from visiting the Commonwealth, effecting the state's economy. This bill is a solution in search of a problem.
Permit to purchase any firearm, including mandatory training with live fire, 5-day waiting period, fingerprinting
While this bill has not been introduced yet, we know it is coming (video here). They have admitted that the bill is being held, and won't be introduced until the last minute. The new law, if passed would require a permit to purchase ANY firearm. In order to qualify for the permit, one would need to complete a training class with live fire instruction within two years of the application, and submit fingerprints. The permit would need to be renewed, probably every 5 years. Then, anyone who purchases a firearm would still need to submit to the standard background check, but there would be a 5-day waiting period before you could take your purchase home.
Prohibition on carry of most semi-automatic firearms in many public places
We've seen these bills before. Most of them ban carry of the most common firearms on public roads, in parks and/or in places open to the public. We will be watching for similar bills this year and in the future.
"assault" firearm bans
HB217 - We usually see multiple versions each session. This one was introduced by Del. Helmer and affects most popular semi-automatic centerfire rifles and shotguns, and many pistols manufactured after 7/1/26.
- Would ban importation, sale or manufacture of "assault firearms" as a Class 1 misdemeanor, and disqualify those found guilty from having a VA CHP for 5 years
- Would ban the possession by anyone under 21 years old, and would also ban them selling any that they already own
- Anyone found guilty of violation would be banned from purchasing, possessing, or transporting firearms for 3 years from the date of conviction
- Purchases of "assault firearms" from a dealer are restricted to those manufactured before 7/1/26 and to people over 21 years old
- Bans the sale, or transfer of magazines holding more than 10 rounds manufactured after 7/1/26
- Exempts governments from restrictions
5-day waiting period for firearm purchases
If this passes, it will effectively put an end to gun shows in Virginia. The supposed justification is that it will reduce crime by forcing a "cooling off" period. In reality, while they MAY reduce suicides by around 2%, they also put many people at risk. For instance, a person leaving an abusive relationship is most at risk when decide to leave. Some statistics show that they are up to 500 times greater risk of domestic violence when they leave the relationship. Waiting periods have killed many in this situation by denying them the ability to defend themselves.
repeal of exception for need of chp to store a firearm in a secure compartment of a vehicle
In 2010 Virginia law changed to allow people to conceal their loaded handgun in a secure compartment within their vehicle. In the last couple of years bills were passed (and vetoed) to repeal this. We are expecting repeat legislation this year, along with legislation to punish people who's guns are visible in unattended vehicles. You can't make this stuff up!
punishing gun owners who are forced to leave their firearm in their vehicle
HB110 - This bill punishes people who are forced to leave their firearm in an unattended vehicle if the firearm is visible from outside the vehicle. The "offender" would be subject to a $500 fine, and towing of the vehicle, putting the car and the firearm in an impound lot and more subject to theft. While we don't advocate leaving guns or any other valuables visible in unattended vehicles, theft is against the law, and that is the crime that should be punished.
Magazine Ban
Various capacity limits are being proposed, from 10-rounds for most firearms and 20-rounds for some. One is already covered in Helmer's HB217 Assault Firearm Bill above.
"ghost gun" ban
HB40 - Would require all Privately Made Firearms (PMFs) to be serialized, and would also require all kits to be serialized and sold through an FFL. All previously made PMFs would be required to be serialized, or it will become unlawful to possess them. Such a bill has no historical precedence, and is grossly unconstitutional.
fingerprint requirement to get a concealed permit
This bill has not been introduced yet, but we hear rumblings. Fingerprints were dropped because they didn't enhance the background checks done for our concealed permits to any great extent. They are a waste of time for the applicant and the local law enforcement agency performing the check.
HB21 & SB27 - These bills propose that ANY BUSINESS selling ANY ITEM that relates to firearms can be held liable if that item is used criminally or in a way that causes a "public nuisance." In addition, if an item is stolen from said business and used inappropriately, the business can be held liable.
The Attorney General or local city or county attorney may file for an injunction against the business, an order for abatement at the business's expense, restitution, punitive damages, attorney fees and court costs, and "any other appropriate relief" awarded by the court.
This is designed to choke of the supply of firearms, ammunition and accessories by discouraging retail, wholesale and manufacturing businesses.
Prohibit concealed carry in restaurants that serve alcohol
This was repealed in 2010 and there have been NO incidents involving permit holders during the last 15 years. This will force people to either open carry or leave their EveryDay Carry (EDC) pistol in an unattended vehicle while they enjoy dinner at a restaurant.
$500 Tax on suppressors
HB207 - Directs all FFLs to collect a $500 tax on the sale of any suppressor in the state of Virginia. The tax will go into the general fund. No discount on the tax is allowed, except that government agencies will not be required to pay it.
What other safety devices are taxed, especially to this degree?
5% tax on firearms and ammunition
In the past, these bills have been proposed, and the proceeds designated to fund a "Gun Violence Intervention and Prevention Grant Program." This is a form of "sin tax" on something that is not only not a sin, but a constitutionally guaranteed right.
NRA and USCCA instructors no longer named as qualified safety instructors
While the proposals we have seen in the past do not specifically say that NRA or USCCA certification is NOT approved, the removal of them from the code section is likely enough for many judges to disqualify courses by instructors with this certification. This would leave ONLY DCJS certified instructors, severely limiting the availability of training courses and drastically increasing costs for training.
Prohibition of home-based dealers within 1.5 miles of any elementary or middle school
This bill was introduced last year, and would effectively put 90% of the home-based FFL's out of business. Many of these dealers only sell at gun shows and don't even have customers come to their homes.
The intent is clear. They want to choke off the supply and put the firearms industry out of business in Virginia!
ban on modifications that increase the rate of fire
These bills have historically been so vague that they would have outlawed a standard action job or replacing a mil-spec trigger with an aftermarket one. Laws should never be ambiguous, and should always be clear to anyone who reads them.
mandate guns be locked or in a safe when minors or prohibited persons are present
These bills have required that if a minor or prohibited person is in your home, you must have all your firearms locked away in a safe or with trigger locks, or on your person. While we advocate for safety, and keeping firearms out of reach of unauthorized people, there are times when a minor SHOULD have access to a firearm. In fact, there have been numerous instances where lives have been saved because a minor used a gun to protect someone being attacked.
Prohibit firearms in Hospitals and Universities
HB229 - This makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor to possess a firearm or a knife with a blade over 3.5", or other dangerous weapon, including stun weapons, in a hospital that provides mental health services or development services. The weapon is subject to seizure if found. Notice must be conspicuously posted at all entrances. Again, defense free zones are proven dangerous, and criminals will not follow these laws.
The bill banning carry in universities has not been published yet.
A person convicted of battery in a "dating relationship" loses the rkba for 3 years
Every year the incremental creep of "prohibited people" expands. This bill adds anyone who has lived with the accused in the past 12 months to the long list of "family or household members." Battery is a misdemeanor crime, which means not serious. This can include intentional physical contact, however minor, throwing something, poking or even spitting. NO INJURY IS REQUIRED. There does not even need to be an intent to cause harm! MISDEMEANOR CRIMES SHOULD NOT REMOVE RIGHTS.
SB38 & HB93 - These bills require a person with a protective order against them or a person with a domestic violence conviction to surrender, sell, or turn their guns over to someone 21-years-old or older who doesn't live with them within 24 hours. It allows for searching the home if there is suspicion that not all guns were relinquished.
This effectively disarms the spouse, adult children or roommates of the person who is subject to the order. It also mandates that the name, address, and signature of the transferee be reported to the court within 48 hours.
EXPANSION OF THINGS A JUDGE SHALL CONSIDER WHEN ISSUING A RED FLAG ORDER
While ALL Red Flag laws are unconstitutional in many ways, Virginia's version does offer minor protections. It is very specific in what can be considered, who can make the allegations, and what the process is. But we fully expect those parameters to be expanded, affording less safeguards and creating more opportunities to disarm people.
Make no mistake, a law that disarms a supposedly dangerous person but does not get them help, and leaves them unsupervised is NOT about public safety, it is about public disarmament.
CREATION OF A RED FLAG TRAINING PROGRAM TO ENCOURAGE MORE USE
Apparently the state average of 400 Red Flag petitions per year is not enough for some people. There is an outcry that we need to train our local governments on how, why and when they should be violating the rights of their residents.
REQUIRE A LOCKING DEVICE WITH ALL FIREARMS PURCHASED FROM A DEALER
Federal law already requires that all handguns include a locking device of some sort. Virginia wants to expand that to all firearms, at the expense of the dealer. And that expense would ultimately be passed to the consumer.
We are not opposed to safety devices. We are opposed to mandates. The effort would be much more effective it it were turned to education on firearm safety, making training readily available and a part of school curriculums.
CREATION OF A STATE AGENCY NAMED VIRGINIA CENTER FOR FIREARM VIOLENCE AND PREVENTION
What exactly is "firearm violence" and why do we not care about ALL violence? Such terms change the focus from the problem to the tool. People who are fixated on such things suffer from Gun Derangement Syndrome (GDS). Sadly, they will never be able to solve the violence issue because they are looking in the wrong direction.
school board notification requirement
SB109 - This is a requirement that schools notify parents via text and on the school's website within 30-days of the start of school that parents are responsible for making sure they have secured their firearms from their children, as required under 18.2-56.2.
The bill leaves the wording up to the school board. That opens the door to subjective, anti-gun language such as discouraging gun ownership and possible misrepresentation or misinterpretation of the law.