By VABayNews STaff

A new gun control proposal introduced in Richmond is setting the stage for one of the most contentious policy debates of the 2026 General Assembly session.

State Sen. Saddam Azlan Salim (D–Fairfax) announced the introduction of Senate Bill 749 (SB749) this week, legislation that would ban the sale of so-called “assault weapons” in the Commonwealth beginning July 1, 2026. Salim framed the bill as a response to public concern over mass shootings and what he described as prolonged government inaction.

The proposal mirrors past Democratic efforts in Virginia that have repeatedly stalled in divided government or failed to survive legal scrutiny in other states. With a new General Assembly and heightened national pressure from gun control advocacy groups, however, supporters believe conditions may be more favorable this year.

What SB749 Would Do

According to Salim’s office, SB749 would prohibit the sale and transfer of certain semi-automatic firearms defined as “assault weapons” under state law, while preserving ownership of existing firearms through grandfathering provisions. Details of the final firearm definitions and exemptions are expected to be clarified during committee hearings.

The bill does not ban all firearms and does not eliminate gun ownership in Virginia, but it would significantly narrow the legal market for modern sporting rifles and similar platforms commonly owned by law-abiding citizens.

Backed by National Gun Control Groups

Salim openly acknowledged the support of national gun control organizations, including Giffords, Everytown for Gun Safety, and Brady Campaign—groups that have pushed similar legislation across multiple states.

Critics argue that these organizations often promote one-size-fits-all policies driven more by national political strategy than by Virginia-specific crime data or rural-urban differences within the Commonwealth.

Supporters Cite Safety, Critics Cite Constitutionality

In a prepared statement, Salim described gun violence as a public health crisis and argued that restricting access to high-capacity firearms would reduce mass-casualty events and improve public safety in schools and other public spaces.

Chief co-patron Sen. Creigh Deeds emphasized that support for the Second Amendment does not, in his view, extend to every category of firearm—language that has become a familiar refrain in gun control debates nationwide.

Opponents, however, counter that the bill raises serious constitutional questions under recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings that strengthened protections for firearms commonly owned for lawful purposes. They also argue that criminals, by definition, do not follow weapons bans—and that enforcement would primarily affect compliant gun owners.

A Familiar Fight Returns to Richmond

Virginia has debated assault-weapon bans multiple times over the past decade, particularly after high-profile shootings. Each time, proposals have struggled to overcome political resistance, legal concerns, and strong opposition from gun rights advocates who point to enforcement failures, unintended consequences, and rural-urban divides.

With SB749 now formally introduced, the bill is expected to be referred to committee in the coming days, where it will face close scrutiny and likely amendments. Its progress will offer an early test of how far lawmakers are willing to go on gun policy in 2026—and whether Virginia is prepared for another high-stakes legal and political battle over the Second Amendment.

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