CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW)- Virginia Democrats passed SB749, a comprehensive gun-control package that prohibits the purchase, sale, and transfer of assault weapons and certain kind of magazines. 

Under this legislation, importing, selling, manufacturing, purchasing, or transferring an assault weapon would now be classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor. 

The bill, which passed the Senate by a 21-19 vote, is opposed by the NRA and most Republicans, who argue that the law burdens law-abiding citizens without impacting criminals.

The bill has moved to the desk of Gov. Abigail Spanberger, who is expected to sign it into law. The new regulations, if signed into law, would go into effect on July 1st of 2026. 

“As the mother of three daughters in Virginia public schools and a former federal law enforcement officer who carried a gun every day, Governor Spanberger knows how important it is to make sure kids and families are safe,” a statement from the Governor’s office said. “The Governor is grateful for the efforts of legislators and advocates to address gun violence in Virginia communities, and she looks forward to reviewing all legislation that comes to her desk.”

The statute does not apply to firearms that are bolt action, pump action, or those that operate similarly, nor does it apply to any antique or permanently inoperable weapons. 

Anyone convicted of the misdemeanor will then be prohibited from purchasing, possessing, or transporting any firearm for three years. 

The bill includes a grandfather clause exempting firearms and magazines lawfully owned before the July 1, 2026 effective date, as well as exclusions for antiques and permanently inoperable guns.