Some law enforcement agencies across Virginia say they are being inundated with questions from gun owners who are confused about how the state’s new law banning the sale and purchase of certain semiautomatic firearms and high-capacity magazines will be enforced once it takes effect July 1.
The law prohibits the future sale, purchase and manufacture of certain semiautomatic firearms and magazines capable of holding more than 15 rounds, including some rifles and handguns commonly owned in Virginia. It also restricts firearms with certain features, such as threaded barrels designed to accept suppressors.
It will remain legal for Virginia residents to possess and lawfully use these firearms and magazines, so long as they were acquired before July 1.
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Across multiple jurisdictions, officials say most questions from residents are about how it will apply in everyday scenarios, particularly transportation, traffic stops and whether ordinary possession could lead to enforcement action.
In Hanover County, the sheriff's office says many of the questions center on how the law will affect routine travel with firearms that residents already own legally.
“Many lawful firearm owners understand that the legislation generally allows them to keep firearms and magazines they already legally own. However, they are confused about how the restrictions affect everyday situations involving possession and transportation,” said Sgt. Steve Wills of the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office.
Wills said residents have repeatedly asked whether they could face consequences if stopped for a traffic violation while transporting a firearm to or from a range, gunsmith or other lawful destination.
“The uncertainty surrounding how these provisions will be applied in real-world situations has generated significant concern among responsible Hanover residents who own these types of firearms,” he said.
Hanover County Sheriff Greg Six has said he will not enforce the law because he believes it is unconstitutional.
In Spotsylvania County, where many residents shoot on their own property, officials say the most common questions are more basic: which firearms are affected and whether the law will be enforced.
“The way the statute is written affects such a broad band that it's hard for citizens to understand whether the firearms are included or not included in the law,” said Lt. Col. Delbert Myrick of the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office.
He noted that confusion is particularly strong around definitions tied to magazine capacity and features such as suppressor compatibility.
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Sen. Saddam Salim, D-Fairfax, who sponsored the Senate version of the bill, said the law only becomes relevant if a firearm falling under the state's definition of an assault weapon acquired after July 1 is tied to another criminal act.
“If you happen to get (a firearm) from North Carolina, and then you come to Virginia and you don't commit any crimes, none of us know that you have this,” Salim said. “Law enforcement in Virginia is never going to go knock on your door and ask you, ‘Do you have a gun at your home? When did you get that?’”
He said he does not expect the statute to result in "heavy charges," but rather to limit what gun stores in Virginia can sell to residents.
However, Del. Dan Helmer, D-Fairfax, the House sponsor of the bill, said violations for transporting assault weapons into the state can still be prosecuted even if it is not in conjunction with another crime.
“Anybody who brings an assault weapon into Virginia after July 1 is committing a misdemeanor and could face consequences,” Helmer said. “And if you choose to break the law, you should do so knowing full well that your doing so could get you caught, could land you with hefty fines, and even in jail.”
Several groups have filed lawsuits concerning the constitutionality of the law, which will play out in the courts.
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