The first really scary anti-gun bill in VA, SB 16, has just been pre-filed. I think it should be of interest to everyone, because I think it may be the most restrictive proposed "assault firearms" bill in any state yet and if it works here, it could have "legs" for other states and the federal government. As you probably know, VA will face a Democratic trifecta in January, with the governor and several of the legislators being rabidly anti-gun. This bill is sponsored by one of the most senior Dem Senators we have. This could pass.
Some general things to know about the bill.
Rifle
A Red Flag bill and a UBC bill should drop any minute now.
Some general things to know about the bill.
- Even the liberal, anti-gun Washington Post says this bill goes too far.
- There is no grandfathering.
- It covers sale, purchase and possession of "assault firearms."
- There is no time delay. As written, it would be effective on passage. So there will be a lot of felons the day it passes.
- There are no instructions on enforcement. I guess they figure that will get worked out later. Who knows what they might come up with?
- It not only includes the guns themselves as described below, it also includes any parts and accessories that could convert a firearm into one of the definitions below.
- A firearm is illegal if it has even one of the characteristics below, as well as some other characteristics I am not listing for brevity.
- Violation is a Class 6 felony.
Rifle
- More than a 10 round mag
- Pistol grip, front or rear
- Thumbhole stock
- Threaded barrel
- Flash suppressor, muzzle brake or compensator
- Folding or telescoping stock
- Magazine that attaches to the pistol outside of the pistol grip (presumably like a Tec 9)
- Shroud or pistol grip that enables the non-trigger hand to grip the front of the weapon without being burned (so no AR pistols)
- More than a 10 round mag
- Weight of more than 50 oz,
- Detachable mag
- Revolving mag
- Folding or telescoping stock
- Thumbhole stock
- Pistol grip, front or rear
- Capacity of more than seven rounds
A Red Flag bill and a UBC bill should drop any minute now.