Key Gun Control Bills Advance in Virginia as Firearm Sales Surge

Proposed restrictions on assault weapons and magazine capacity spark surge in background checks

Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:19pm

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A close-up painting of a handgun resting on a wooden counter, with warm lighting and deep shadows creating a contemplative, cinematic mood that reflects the complex political tensions over gun legislation.As lawmakers debate new gun control measures, the surge in firearm sales reflects the deep political divisions and anxieties surrounding the future of gun rights in Virginia.Newport News Today

Virginia has seen a significant increase in firearm background checks in March as key gun control bills, including proposed restrictions on assault weapons and large-capacity magazines, advance in the state legislature. The bills mark one of the most significant shifts in Virginia's firearm laws in recent years and build on previously adopted regulations.

Why it matters

The proposed gun control legislation has sparked a surge in firearm sales, with background checks reaching some of the highest monthly totals since the COVID-19 pandemic. The bills aim to reduce gun violence and limit access to high-capacity weapons, but face opposition from gun rights advocates who argue the measures are unconstitutional.

The details

Several bills have been introduced that would expand restrictions on certain firearms and how they can be carried. House Bill 217 prohibits the manufacture, sale, transfer and importation of defined 'assault firearms' and certain large-capacity magazines. House Bill 1524 expands restrictions on carrying firearms in public places. House Bill 21 creates standards of responsible conduct for firearm manufacturers and a process for civil liability. The legislation includes some exemptions, such as for manually operated, antique or permanently inoperable weapons.

  • In March 2026, there were 79,846 firearm background checks initiated in Virginia, one of the highest monthly totals since the surges in March and June 2020.
  • Virginia lawmakers have until April 13, 2026 for Gov. Abigail Spanberger to sign, veto or amend the gun control bills.

The players

Del. Dan Helmer

A Democratic state delegate from Fairfax County who introduced several of the gun control bills, including HB 217 and HB 21. Helmer is an Army veteran who has said weapons similar to those he carried in the service 'have no place in our streets.'

Del. Marcia Price

A Democratic state delegate from Newport News who introduced HB 969, which establishes a Virginia Gun Violence Prevention Center to research firearm violence and develop policy measures to reduce it.

Mike Fox

A Virginia-based volunteer with the national organization Moms Demand Action, which supports the gun control measures.

Ben Goldberg

The owner of Knight and Pawn in Henrico County, a firearms dealer who believes the proposed legislation is unconstitutional and expects it to face legal challenges.

Philip Van Cleave

The president of the Virginia Citizens Defense League, a gun rights organization that opposes the gun control legislation and believes it aims to achieve 'civilian disarmament.'

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What they’re saying

“Studies have shown that assault weapons make mass violence more deadly, and that places where these bans have been in place, including the federal one for a period of 10 years, did reduce mass shootings and fatalities that come from that.”

— Mike Fox, Virginia-based volunteer, Moms Demand Action

“Every time the Democratic Party does any sort of gun legislation, gun sales go through the roof. We're talking at least quadruple the volume that I was doing before that.”

— Ben Goldberg, Owner, Knight and Pawn

“What they really want to achieve is civilian disarmament. They want everybody disarmed, just like England or China, and you can see that. They're so obvious about what they're doing.”

— Philip Van Cleave, President, Virginia Citizens Defense League

What’s next

Gov. Abigail Spanberger has until April 13, 2026 to sign, veto or amend the gun control bills that have advanced in the Virginia legislature.

The takeaway

The surge in firearm background checks in Virginia highlights the political tensions and polarization around gun control measures, with supporters arguing the bills are necessary to reduce gun violence and opponents claiming the legislation is unconstitutional and aimed at 'civilian disarmament.' The outcome of these bills will have significant implications for the future of gun laws in the state.