Virginia: Legislature Acts on Gun Bills; Ball Back in Spanberger's Court

Today, April 22nd, during the General Assembly's reconvened session, the legislature considered gun bills sent back with Governor's amendments.

The legislature passed by Governor Spanberger's amendments on SB749/HB217 and SB173/HB229. This means, the Governor now must make a decision on the language of the bills originally sent to her desk at the conclusion of the session. The Governor now must either sign, veto, or allow the bills to go into law without her signature. 

NRA members and 2^nd Amendment Supporters are strongly urged to continue to call the governor's office at 804-786-2211 and insist she VETO these bills. 

SB749/HB217 ban certain semi-automatic firearms, including many semi-automatic rifles, pistols and shotguns, and prohibits the sale of magazines exceeding 15 rounds. This bill is an attempt to redefine and ban firearms that are in common use by law-abiding citizens. The legislation would prohibit the future sale, transfer, and manufacture of some of America’s most popular firearms.

SB173/HB229 prohibits the possession of any weapons in a hospital that provides mental health services or developmental services, and provides that any weapons seized in violation are forfeited to the Commonwealth.

Additionally, Governor Spanberger's amendments on HB1525 and SB727/HB1524 were accepted and will be returned for her signature. 

HB1525 prohibits the purchase and possession of certain firearms by legal adults under the age of 21. If passed as written, the new prohibition on possession would apply broadly to anyone under 21, including those who already own such firearms. This bill now includes an emergency clause making it law upon her signing rather than on July 1^st 2026.

SB727/HB1524 outlaw carrying and transporting many types of common firearms on public property. This includes any semiautomatic centerfire rifle or pistol with a fixed magazine capacity over 15 rounds.

The NRA is ready to challenge these unconstitutional bills in court the moment Spanberger signs them and is closely monitoring action on the legislation sent back for her evaluation.