On May 14, 2026, Governor Abigail Spanberger signed legislation banning the future sale, manufacture, transfer, and import of semiautomatic rifles and shotguns defined as “assault weapons,” along with magazines over 15 rounds. Current owners are not required to surrender their firearms, and the law takes effect July 1, 2026. Violators face up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. The NRA filed suit in federal court in Alexandria the same day, arguing the law violates the Second Amendment. The legal challenge could eventually reach SCOTUS as the Court weighs multiple hardware ban petitions it has been holding.
Source: Virginia Mercury — Spanberger signs assault weapons ban
Discussion question: Virginia grandfathered existing owners but banned future sales. Is a “grandfather” provision enough to make an assault weapons ban constitutional under Bruen and Heller? What do you think happens when this reaches the courts?