The Virginia General Assembly reached its important crossover deadline on February 4, signifying the date by which legislation must pass out of its chamber of origin or be deemed dead for the session.
Unfortunately for gun owners in Virginia, more than 20 anti-gun measures have survived the deadline and are still in play as the General Assembly continues its ongoing debate over various legislative proposals. It’s clear that Virginia Democrats are determined to see some anti-gun bills signed into law in 2025, and it’s up to Virginia gun owners to fight tooth and nail to ensure that these gun-ban advocates do not succeed.
Senate bills now under consideration in the House that deal with gun owners’ age include Senate Bill 744 and Senate Bill 848. SB 744 increases the age to 21 a person who is subject to a protective order or has been convicted of an assault and battery of a family or household member to transfer a gun to. SB 848 would restrict young adults between 18 and 21 years of age from being able to purchase certain semi-automatic rifles, pistols and shotguns.
Another Senate measure, Senate Bill 880, would greatly expand gun-free zones in the state. If approved, it would prohibit carrying a rifle or shotgun on any public street, road, alley, sidewalk, public right-of-way, public park or any other place of whatever nature that is open to the public.
Yet another measure, Senate Bill 881, takes aim at those wishing to make their own firearms. As the National Rifle Association’s Institute for Legislative Action pointed out in a state alert, the bill would “end the centuries-old practice of individuals building lawful firearms for personal use without government interference by prohibiting the manufacture of firearms without serial numbers.”
Additionally, Senate Bill 891 would implement a five-day waiting period for a lawful gun purchaser to take possession of a legally purchased firearm after passing the background check. As we’ve pointed out before, there is no evidence that waiting periods reduce suicides, homicides or mass shootings.
Turning to some of the more egregious House bills now in the Senate, House Bill 1607 is this year’s version of an “assault weapons” ban. The measure would outlaw certain semi-automatic firearms manufactured after July 1, 2025, including many semi-automatic rifles, pistols and shotguns.
Another measure, House Bill 1622, would endanger firearm industry members with frivolous lawsuits by eroding the protections afforded to them via the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA). This legislation would be costly to the industry, resulting in a higher price for Virginians to exercise their Second Amendment rights.
Yet another bill, House Bill 1660, would redefine the meaning of “trigger activator.” Under the new law, the phrase would mean a “conversion kit, tool, accessory, or device designed to alter the rate of fire.” According to NRA-ILA, this vague and ambiguous definition could be broadly interpreted to implicate many common firearm accessories, including any trigger upgrades and modifications.
Lastly, HB 1797 would endanger Virginians’ right to carry a firearm for self-defense. As NRA-ILA put it, “This could impact the ability of Virginia’s Concealed Handgun Permit holders to carry their firearms in other states as they travel.”
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