Make no mistake: while these measures are masquerading as "public safety" improvements, they are a direct assault on the law-abiding sportsmen and women of this Commonwealth.

Despite our community's tireless efforts to protect our heritage, these measures have now been enacted, fundamentally altering the rights of hunters, target shooters, and firearm owners across the Commonwealth.

IMPORTANT: While most of these laws take effect this summer, one critical restriction has taken effect IMMEDIATELY due to an emergency clause.

What You Need to Know:

• HB 1525(Age Limits & Immediate Ban): It makes it a criminal offense for anyone under 21 to purchase a handgun or modern sporting rifle and severely restricts possession, effectively stripping young adults of their rights in the field or at the range without warning. This bill contained an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.
• SB 727 & HB 1524 (Public Carry Ban): These bills ban the carry of an "assault firearm" on any public street, road, sidewalk, or public park. While the law technically includes an exemption for those "engaged in lawful hunting," the language is dangerously vague. It fails to protect hunters during transport or while walking on public rights-of-way to reach their hunting grounds, creating a legal minefield for anyone traveling with their gear. Furthermore, the Governor's amendments specifically stripped protections for Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) holders. These bills take effect on July 1, 2026.
• HB 871 & SB 348 (Mandatory Safe Storage): These bills mandate that firearms be stored in locked containers if a minor is present. This "one-size-fits-all" mandate creates legal traps for responsible parents and ignores individual household needs. These bills take effect on July 1, 2026.

The Bottom Line:
Governor Spanberger has chosen to target law-abiding citizens rather than the individuals actually committing crimes. These new laws do nothing to address the root causes of violence; instead, they complicate the lives of Virginians who respect our outdoor traditions.

While these bills have been signed, the fight to protect our way of life continues. We are closely monitoring the situation and considering legal challenges to defend our outdoor heritage and constitutional rights.

Please share this update with your family, friends, and fellow sportsmen. Virginia’s sportsmen must remain united as we navigate these new legal challenges.