We now have what may be the final language for SB749, the ban on modern sporting rifles (or so-called ‘Assault Weapons‘ using the made-up term from the bill).
If signed in its current form, after July 1, 2026 it will impact the ability of law-abiding Virginians to acquire the most commonly owned firearms in America in direct violation of the 2nd Amendment as laid out in Bruen.
Without a specific exemption for NFA items, it also impacts the ability of Virginians to acquire certain NFA items such as machineguns and Short-Barreled Rifles and Shotguns.
For a detailed analysis of whether a given firearm is considered an ‘assault weapon’ under SB749, I have prepared a detailed flowchart.
As for what will and will not be allowed, I have an infographic below that lays out the broad strokes.
I will keep this post updated if there are changes or when the bill is signed.
In the meantime, it appears that documentation of pre-ban ownership will become much more important when this goes into effect. I can help with this.
You should consider acquiring any NFA items such as SBRs that will be impacted now as well as moving your non-NFA items into a trust to accomplish this. My trusts are a flat fee of $100 and come with lifetime free changes and updates.
