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Substitute assault‑weapons ban debated at length; committee refers substitute to Finance

Senate of Virginia, Senate Courts of Justice Committee · February 25, 2026

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Summary

Delegate Helmer presented a substitute assault-weapons ban that narrows exceptions and allows transfers to federally licensed dealers; the proposal drew extensive testimony from gun-rights advocates and firearms dealers and was re‑referred to the Finance Committee after debate.

Delegate Dan Helmer presented a substitute bill that defines a set of semiautomatic rifles and certain pistol configurations as "assault weapons," provides enumerated exemptions (law enforcement, certain federal and defense-related personnel and facilities) and allows owners to transfer such firearms to federally licensed firearms dealers (FFLs) rather than requiring immediate surrender.

Sponsor explained the substitute was crafted to preserve value for lawful owners: an FFL may purchase the firearm at wholesale and transfer it out of state or accept it for safekeeping. The bill also clarifies temporary transfers (e.g., to a gunsmith or to a range owned by an FFL) and provides an exemption for weapons lawfully owned and used outside the Commonwealth.

Public testimony was lengthy and sharply divided. The Virginia Citizens Defense League and some FFLs argued private owners would effectively have no practical market to sell these firearms in‑state and called the measure a taking; other commenters said the firearms are rarely used in violent crime and the proposal would criminalize lawful proprietors. Supporters reiterated public-safety rationales and exemptions for law-enforcement use. The committee voted to report the substitute and re‑refer it to Finance; roll-call details were recorded.