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VA SB1181

VA SB1181
Assault firearms and certain ammunition feeding devices; prohibits sale, transfer, etc.


summary

Introduced
01/08/2025
In Committee
02/07/2025
Crossed Over
02/14/2025
Passed
02/18/2025
Dead
Vetoed
04/02/2025

Introduced Session

2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Importation, sale, manufacture, etc., of assault firearms and certain ammunition feeding devices prohibited; penalties. Creates a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person who imports, sells, manufactures, purchases, or transfers an assault firearm, as that term is defined in the bill with some exceptions, and prohibits a person who has been convicted of such violation from purchasing, possessing, or transporting a firearm for a period of three years from the date of conviction. The bill provides that an assault firearm does not include any firearm that is an antique firearm, has been rendered permanently inoperable, is manually operated by bolt, pump, lever, or slide action, or was manufactured before July 1, 2025. The bill also prohibits the sale of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, as that term is defined in the bill. The bill provides that any person who willfully and intentionally (i) sells an assault firearm to another person or (ii) purchases an assault firearm from another person is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor and that any person who imports, sells, barters, or transfers a large capacity ammunition feeding device is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. The bill also makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person younger than 21 years of age to import, sell, manufacture, purchase, possess, transport, or transfer an assault firearm regardless of the date of manufacture of such assault firearm with some exceptions. This bill is identical to HB 1607.

AI Summary

This bill introduces comprehensive restrictions on assault firearms and large-capacity ammunition magazines in Virginia. The legislation defines an "assault firearm" as specific types of semi-automatic rifles, pistols, and shotguns with certain characteristics like folding stocks, high-capacity magazines, or additional grips. The bill prohibits the sale, transfer, manufacture, purchase, or importation of these firearms, making such actions a Class 1 misdemeanor. Notably, the law excludes antique firearms, manually operated firearms, and firearms manufactured before July 1, 2025. Additionally, the bill restricts individuals under 21 years old from importing, selling, possessing, or transferring assault firearms, regardless of the weapon's manufacture date. The legislation also bans the sale, transfer, or possession of large-capacity ammunition feeding devices (defined as magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds) manufactured on or after July 1, 2025. Exceptions are made for law enforcement, military personnel, and certain official duties. Violations can result in criminal penalties, and individuals convicted of these offenses are prohibited from purchasing, possessing, or transporting firearms for three years following their conviction. The bill aims to reduce gun violence by limiting access to certain types of firearms and high-capacity magazines.

Committee Categories

Budget and Finance, Justice

Sponsors (8)

Last Action

Senate sustained Governor's veto (on 04/02/2025)

bill text


bill summary

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bill summary

Document Type Source Location
State Bill Page https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/SB1181
Governor's Veto Explanation SB1181 https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/SB1181/text/SB1181VG
Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB1181) https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1063428.PDF
BillText https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/SB1181/text/SB1181ER
Fiscal Note/Analysis - Impact statement from VCSC (SB1181) https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1048677.PDF
BillText https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/SB1181/text/SB1181H1
Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB1181) https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1029606.PDF
Fiscal Note/Analysis - Impact statement from VCSC (SB1181) https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1024917.PDF
BillText https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/SB1181/text/SB1181S1
BillText https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/SB1181/text/SB1181SC1
Fiscal Note/Analysis - Impact statement from VCSC (SB1181) https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1018578.PDF
BillText https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/SB1181/text/SB1181
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