Virginia Citizens Defense league

Defending Your Right to Defend Yourself

va-alert-Legislative Update

Published 2/24/2026

VCDL URGENT Legislative Action Alert! 2/24/2026

First some good news: the bills that would create an 11% tax on firearms and ammunition are not going to be considered further until 2027! The last one, SB 763, Senator Williams Graves, was continued to next year this afternoon. Williams Graves actually admitted that the tax was “a tool” to hold firearm and ammunition manufacturers “accountable.” Accountable for what?!? Selling a legal product? So, she just admitted that this tax is meant to be punitive! She also said it would help figure out how many guns were being brought into Virginia! Why exactly does the government need to know that?

ACTION ITEM

HB 217, Delegate Helmer’s “Assault Firearm” ban bill is being heard in the Senate Courts of Justice tomorrow afternoon, February 25. This bill grandfathers existing “assault firearms,” but doesn’t allow them to be bought or sold after July 1. It also grandfathers magazines that hold more than 10 rounds, but they cannot be bought or sold after July 1.

To speak at the meeting tomorrow, click here to sign up virtually ½ hour after the Senate Floor session adjourns. There is a good chance the committee won’t be taking public input on that bill, as it is similar to a Senate bill that they already reported (SB 749). We won’t know for sure until the committee gets to that bill tomorrow. My guess is that the committee will conform HB 217 to match SB 749, which will have the effect of increasing the maximum magazine capacity from 10 to 15 rounds.

If you wish to attend in person, the Senate Courts of Justice meets in Senate Room A (Room 305) in the General Assembly Building.