>> Continued From the Previous Page <<
Democrats applauded from the gallery as Republicans warned the legislation could spark a constitutional showdown.
At the center of the controversy is legislation sponsored by Democrat Delegate Dan Helmer. His bill would make it illegal to sell, import, or transfer AR-15 style rifles manufactured after July 1, 2026.
The proposal also bans magazines capable of holding more than ten rounds.
Critics say that restriction effectively criminalizes magazines commonly used in most modern handguns and rifles.
Republican lawmakers were blunt in their assessment.
“To call these rifles common is an understatement,” Delegate Terry Kilgore said.
The numbers back him up. Roughly five million Americans own AR-15 style rifles, making them the most popular rifle platform in the country.
Lawsuits Designed to Cripple the Gun Industry
But opponents argue the ban itself is not the most dangerous part of the package.
A separate bill championed by Helmer establishes new “standards of responsible conduct” for gun manufacturers and dealers. The language is vague but powerful.
Under the bill, firearm companies can be sued if plaintiffs claim those standards were violated.
The lawsuit does not require proof the manufacturer intended to cause harm.
Republican Delegate Jay Leftwich warned the legislation collides directly with federal law.
The Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act was created specifically to shield gun makers from liability when crimes are committed by third parties.
“The real goal was to choke off gun sales through a tsunami of litigation that would drive firearm businesses out of Virginia,” Leftwich said.
Republicans argue that outcome is not accidental.
They point to the Remington settlement following lawsuits tied to the Sandy Hook shooting. The company agreed to pay $73 million and later collapsed financially.
Democrats now appear eager to replicate that model statewide.
Gun Control Advocates Reveal Their Intentions
Gun control activists supporting the legislation did little to ease concerns.
Andrew Goddard of the Virginia Center for Public Safety made a revealing comparison during the debate.
“Why would you put more restrictions and more inspections on a toy manufacturer who manufactures toy guns than you put on the industry that manufactures and sells real guns?” Goddard asked.
Critics say the comment exposed the true objective.
This is not about safety standards, they argue. It is about regulating the firearms industry until it can no longer operate.
Campaign Promises Collide With Reality
Republicans also accuse Democrats of a political bait and switch.
During the campaign, Democrats emphasized affordability, inflation relief, and everyday economic concerns.
Gun control barely registered.
Senator Mark Obenshain summed up the frustration.
“They talk about affordability, but they are focused on social issues and their legislative excesses, not success,” Obenshain said.
Governor Abigail Spanberger won the November election promising kitchen table economics.
She did not campaign on the most aggressive gun control push Virginia has seen in decades.
Yet with Youngkin no longer able to veto legislation, Democrats are rapidly advancing every bill previously blocked.
National Context Raises Stakes
The Senate has already moved companion versions of the House bills, with final votes expected soon.
If passed, Spanberger is expected to sign them.
Gun owners fear Virginia could soon resemble California, New York, or Maryland.
The Supreme Court declined to hear Maryland’s assault weapons ban challenge in June 2025, allowing the Fourth Circuit ruling to stand.
Virginia Democrats appear to view that decision as permission to proceed.
However, three justices disagreed.
Justices Thomas, Alito, and Gorsuch said they would have taken the case.
Justice Kavanaugh wrote separately that the Court is likely to address assault weapons bans “in the next term or two.”
A High Stakes Gamble
Critics argue Democrats are betting the Supreme Court will not intervene before their policies take effect.
For gun owners, that gamble carries serious consequences.
Virginians still have a narrow window to pressure state senators to reject the legislation.
Whether that effort succeeds may determine if Virginia remains a state that respects the Second Amendment or becomes the next battleground in the national gun control fight.
