As of April 14, 2026, several major gun control measures passed by the General Assembly are set to become law because Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger either signed them or did not veto them by the midnight deadline on Monday, April 13.
Measures Signed into Law
In a last-minute push before the deadline, Governor Spanberger signed several high-profile bills. These will generally take effect on July 1, 2026:
- Firearm Industry Accountability (HB 21/SB 27): Establishes standards of “responsible conduct” for gun manufacturers and dealers. It allows the Attorney General or private citizens to sue firearm industry members for damages if negligent practices contribute to gun violence.
- “Ghost Gun” Ban (HB 40/SB 323): Outlaws the manufacture, sale, and possession of untraceable, unserialized, or plastic firearms.
- Unattended Firearms in Vehicles: Creates a Class 4 misdemeanor for leaving a firearm unattended and unsecured in a vehicle.
- Closing the “Intimate Partner Loophole” (HB 19/SB 160): Prohibits individuals convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence against an intimate partner from possessing a firearm.
- Firearm Transfers (HB 93/SB 38): Allows individuals under protective orders or convicted of domestic violence to transfer their firearms to a non-prohibited person over 21 who does not reside with them.
Virginia.gov and here.
Amended Legislation
The Governor proposed amendments to some key bills rather than signing them as written. These will go back to the General Assembly for a reconvened session on April 22, 2026:
- Assault Weapons and High-Capacity Magazine Ban (HB 217/SB 749): Prohibits the import, sale, manufacture, purchase, or transfer of defined “assault firearms.” It also bans the sale of ammunition magazines capable of holding more than 15 rounds. The amendment protects the use of certain semi-automatic shotguns for hunting and to clarify which firearms are covered (It appears the governor wants this definition expanded).
- Legal Age to Purchase and Background Checks (HB 1525): Proposed changes to the bill that would raise the legal age to purchase a firearm to 21. Included an “emergency” clause so that it could go into effect immediately.
- Storage Law (HB871/SB348): Amended to specify that firearms secured with a proposed-built gunlock and rendered inoperable meet safe storage requirements in homes where minors are present.
- Public Universities (SB 272/HB 626): Proposed amendments to legislation limiting who can carry firearms at public institutions of higher learning.
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