VA SB749

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" to include semi-automatic center-fire rifles or pistols with fixed magazines over 15 rounds, semi-automatic rifles with detachable magazines and features like folding stocks or pistol grips, and semi-automatic shotguns with certain characteristics.

Exempts from the ban law enforcement, military personnel, federal firearms licensees conducting business with authorized entities, firearms lawfully owned before July 1, 2026, inherited firearms, and transfers to immediate family members.

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

Allows localities to conduct voluntary gun buy-back programs for assault firearms without requiring a governing body ordinance, and permits owners of pre-ban assault firearms to sell them to dealers or out-of-state residents.