RICHMOND, VA — Virginia lawmakers have advanced House Bill 217 (HB 217), a sweeping firearms proposal that would prohibit the importation, sale, manufacture, purchase, and transfer of so-called “assault firearms” and certain ammunition feeding devices. The bill passed the House on February 5, 2026, and is now under consideration in the Senate.
HB 217 is sponsored by Dan Helmer, who serves as the bill’s chief patron. Supporters describe the legislation as a public safety measure, while opponents argue it conflicts with recent U.S. Supreme Court precedent and would criminalize firearms and magazines commonly owned by law-abiding citizens.
What HB 217 Would Do
As introduced and amended, HB 217 would make it a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person to:
- Import, sell, manufacture, purchase, or transfer an “assault firearm,” as defined in the bill
- Import, sell, barter, or transfer a “large capacity ammunition feeding device”
The legislation also includes a three-year firearms prohibition for individuals convicted under the bill, during which they would be barred from purchasing, possessing, or transporting any firearm.
Age-Based Restrictions
HB 217 would further prohibit anyone under the age of 21 from importing, selling, manufacturing, purchasing, possessing, transporting, or transferring an assault firearm—regardless of when the firearm was manufactured—with limited exceptions for military and law enforcement activity.
Firearms and Devices Covered by the Bill
The bill defines “assault firearm” broadly, capturing a wide range of semi-automatic rifles, pistols, and shotguns based on features such as:
- Detachable magazines combined with common ergonomic features
- Magazine capacity thresholds
- Threaded barrels, folding or collapsible stocks, and muzzle devices
Firearms excluded from the definition include:
- Antique firearms
- Firearms rendered permanently inoperable
- Manually operated firearms (bolt-action, pump, lever, or slide action)
- Firearms manufactured before July 1, 2026 (with notable exceptions for under-21 possession)
HB 217 also targets large capacity ammunition feeding devices, generally defined as magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds and manufactured on or after July 1, 2026.
Legislative History and Current Status
HB 217 moved quickly through the House during the 2026 Regular Session:
- January 30, 2026: Reported from House Public Safety Committee with a substitute (13–6)
- February 4, 2026: Engrossed and approved on second reading
- February 5, 2026: Passed the House on third reading by a vote of 58–34
- February 6, 2026: Referred to the Senate Committee for Courts of Justice
The bill is currently in committee in the Virginia Senate, where it will face further debate and potential amendment before any final vote.
Floor Debate Highlights
During House debate, Terry Kilgore, the House Republican Leader, warned that the bill could create legal vulnerabilities for the Commonwealth. Kilgore argued that commonly owned rifles and standard-capacity magazines fall within the scope of constitutional protection recognized by recent Supreme Court rulings, cautioning that HB 217 could invite costly litigation if enacted.
What Happens Next
HB 217 must pass the Senate and receive the governor’s signature before becoming law. If approved without changes, most provisions would take effect beginning July 1, 2026. Amendments in the Senate could alter key elements of the bill, including definitions, penalties, or effective dates.
USA Carry will continue tracking HB 217 as it moves through the Senate and provide updates as hearings, votes, and potential amendments occur.
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