Virginia Attorney Refuses to Enforce New Assault Weapons Ban

Governor Abigail Spanberger signed into law an assault‑weapons ban (SB 749/HB 217) and a public‑carry ban (SB 727/HB 1524) that will take effect on July 1, 2026. The measures make it a misdemeanor to sell, transfer, import or manufacture certain semiautomatic rifles—such as the AR‑15—and to possess magazines holding more than 15 rounds.

Commonwealth Attorney G. Ryan Mehaffey of Spotsylvania County sent a letter to the county sheriff stating the statutes conflict with U.S. Supreme Court precedent (Miller, Heller, Bruen) and Virginia’s constitution, and that he will not enforce them. The county has declared itself a “Second Amendment sanctuary.”

Pro‑Second‑Amendment groups, including the Second Amendment Foundation, the NRA, the Firearms Policy Coalition and others, have filed lawsuits in state and federal courts challenging the ban. The Trump administration’s Justice Department has also signaled intent to join legal challenges. The controversy highlights a growing clash between state gun‑control efforts and local officials asserting constitutional protections.