VA HB217

Prohibits the import, sale, manufacture, purchase, or transfer of assault firearms in Virginia, effective July 1, 2026, with violations classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Defines "assault firearm" broadly to include semi-automatic center-fire rifles, pistols, and shotguns with specific features such as detachable magazines combined with folding stocks, pistol grips, threaded barrels, or fixed magazine capacities exceeding 15 rounds.

Exempts law enforcement, military personnel, federal firearms licensees selling to authorized parties, and individuals who lawfully possessed assault firearms before July 1, 2026, who may keep, inherit, or transfer them to immediate family members.

Imposes a three-year prohibition on purchasing, possessing, or transporting any firearm for persons convicted of violating the assault firearm ban.

Authorizes voluntary gun buy-back programs for assault firearms without requiring local ordinance approval and updates concealed handgun permit disqualifications to include assault firearm convictions.