VA SB727

Prohibits carrying assault firearms in all public areas throughout Virginia, including streets, sidewalks, parks, and other places open to the public, expanding from the previous law that only applied to specific cities and counties

Expands the definition of prohibited firearms to include semi-automatic center-fire rifles and pistols with detachable magazines and features such as folding stocks, pistol grips, threaded barrels, or fixed magazines exceeding 10 rounds

Adds semi-automatic shotguns with folding stocks, pistol grips, detachable magazines, or fixed capacity over seven rounds to the list of prohibited weapons in public spaces

Removes exemptions for licensed security guards and concealed handgun permit holders; exemptions now apply only to law enforcement on duty, military personnel, college cadet corps members, and persons engaged in lawful hunting or shooting at established ranges

Violation remains a Class 1 misdemeanor, with an estimated minimum fiscal impact of $50,000 for increased incarceration costs