VA SB160

Prohibits individuals convicted of misdemeanor assault and battery against an intimate partner from purchasing, possessing, or transporting firearms, effective for offenses occurring on or after July 1, 2026.

Expands the existing firearm prohibition for family or household member assault convictions to include individuals who cohabit or cohabitated within the previous 12 months.

Defines "intimate partner" as someone in a romantic, dating, or sexual relationship within the previous 12 months, based on length, nature, frequency, and type of interaction.

Firearm prohibition lasts three years from the date of conviction, after which rights are automatically restored unless other disqualifying conditions apply.

Violation of the firearm prohibition is a Class 1 misdemeanor.