Bill > HB217

This bill, titled "Assault firearms and certain ammunition feeding devices; importation, sale, etc., prohibited," aims to prohibit the importation, sale, manufacture, purchase, and transfer of "assault firearms" and "large capacity ammunition feeding devices." An "assault firearm" is defined broadly to include various semi-automatic rifles, pistols, and shotguns with specific characteristics, such as detachable magazines over 15 rounds, folding stocks, pistol grips, or threaded barrels, with exceptions for antique firearms, permanently inoperable firearms, and manually operated firearms. A "large capacity ammunition feeding device" is defined as a magazine, belt, drum, or similar device that can hold more than 15 rounds of ammunition. The bill makes the importation, sale, manufacture, purchase, or transfer of an assault firearm a Class 1 misdemeanor, and prohibits individuals convicted of such a violation from possessing firearms for three years. Similarly, importing, selling, bartering, or transferring a large capacity ammunition feeding device is also a Class 1 misdemeanor. The bill includes several exceptions for law enforcement, military personnel, federal firearms licensees, and for certain transfers or possessions of firearms and devices lawfully owned before July 1, 2026, or through inheritance. It also amends existing laws to include violations related to assault firearms and large capacity ammunition feeding devices in disqualifications for concealed handgun permits and in provisions regarding the forfeiture of weapons.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB217