The Virginia House of Delegates passed two pieces of legislation targeting the sale and storage of firearms in the state.
On Feb. 5, 2026, House Bill 217 targeting assault firearms, passed in the Democrat-controlled House. Supporters argued the package would reduce gun violence, while House Republicans warned of legal challenges under Bruen, citing Second Amendment concerns.
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House Bill 217 would ban specified sales and transfers of “assault firearms” as defined in the bill, including magazines holding more than 10 rounds manufactured after July 1, 2026, while allowing possession of pre-July 1, 2026, firearms but prohibiting most future transfers.
House Bill 871, which expands criminal penalties tied to improper firearm storage, also passed in the House.
Some proposals include expanded civil liability and stricter storage requirements that could turn accidental lapses into misdemeanors, with a fiscal impact estimate of at least $50,000 in additional correctional costs, according to the Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission.
