Virginia Citizens Defense league

Defending Your Right to Defend Yourself

va-alert-Legislative Update

Published 4/25/2026

VCDL Legislative Update 4/24/26

We are waiting on the fate of four last bills before we give you a summary of how the new laws will affect you. The four bills that are in limbo are the “Assault Firearm” ban (HB217 and SB749) and the hospital gun ban (HB229 and SB173).

The Governor’s changes to those bills were rejected by the General Assembly. Now the Governor has 30 days to either veto the bills or let them become law without her changes and with or without her signature.

I expect the bills to become law, but there is a very slim outside chance that they could be vetoed.

As soon as we know the fate of those final bills, I’ll let you know.

Universal Background Check update

The General Assembly passed the prohibition on 18 to 20-year-olds being unable to purchase handguns or “assault firearms.” The Governor changed the bill to add an emergency action clause directing the Virginia State Police to begin enforcing Universal Background Checks immediately.

VCDL and GOA’s attorneys sent a letter to the Virginia State Police advising them that it would be considered contempt of court if they did so, as only the judge who issued the injunction, or a higher court, can remove the injunction. Neither the legislature nor the governor can remove injunctions due to the separation of powers in the Constitution.

VCDL will be watching this situation carefully and we will advise if any actions are taken by the Commonwealth.