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Virginia · 2026 Regular Session
SB797Firearm purchase; requirements, penalties.
Direction
Firearmspurchase background checksAI label
↓Restricts gun accessmodel confidence 90%
Requires all firearm purchasers from dealers to first obtain a state-issued firearm purchaser license (in addition to the existing background check), and adds a post-sale state review of the consent form against criminal records, so more restrictions on who can buy firearms.
Any person purchasing from a dealer a firearm as defined in this section shall present a valid firearm purchaser license issued by the Department of State Police pursuant to § 18.2-308.2:6 and shall consent in writing, on a form to be provided by the Department of State Police, to have the dealer obtain criminal history record information.
✓ Quote verified word for word in the bill text
Firearmsweapon accessory restrictionsAI label
↓Restricts gun accessmodel confidence 80%
Prohibits dealers from selling assault firearms (defined with >20-round magazines or certain features) to non-citizens or non-permanent residents, so more restrictions on access to those firearms.
In addition, no dealer shall sell, rent, trade, or transfer from his inventory any assault firearm to any person who is not a citizen of the United States or who is not a person lawfully admitted for permanent residence.
✓ Quote verified word for word in the bill text
FirearmsotherAI label
↓Restricts gun accessmodel confidence 85%
Imposes a one-handgun-per-30-days limit (with exceptions for enhanced checks), strengthens straw-purchase and trafficking penalties with mandatory minimums, and expands dealer liability for violations, so more restrictions on firearm acquisition and transfers.
it is unlawful for any person who is not a licensed firearms dealer to purchase more than one handgun within any 30-day period.
✓ Quote verified word for word in the bill text
Filed (completed)
Committee
Passed one chamber
Passed both
Governor
Law
Status: Died (session ended)
Last action
2026-01-28: Incorporated by Courts of Justice (SB643-Surovell) (10-Y 0-N)
Why the model tagged it this way: The bill primarily amends Virginia's dealer background-check statute to require a new state-issued firearm purchaser license for all purchases, adds post-sale record review, bans assault-firearm sales to non-permanent residents, imposes a 30-day one-handgun limit with exceptions, and creates or strengthens several straw-purchase and dealer-violation felonies with mandatory minimum sentences. All changes increase restrictions on firearm purchases, transfers, and access; no provisions expand access or reduce existing requirements.
Related bills
HB926Outdoor shooting of firearm on property without reasonable care; prohibition, penalty.↓Restricts gun access=No change to gun access Committee
HB217Assault firearms & certain ammunition feeding devices; purchase, sale, etc., prohibited, penalties.↓Restricts gun access↓Restricts gun access Law
SB749Assault firearms & certain ammunition feeding devices; purchase, sale, etc., prohibited, penalties.↓Restricts gun access↓Restricts gun access Law
HB229Weapons; possession prohibited in hospital that provides mental health or developmental services.↓Restricts gun access↓Restricts gun access Law
Hearings and calendar
2026-01-26 08:00 · Hearing · Senate Courts of Justice Hearing Senate Room A, Room 305, General Assembly Building
2026-01-28 19:00 · Hearing · Senate Courts of Justice Hearing Senate Room A, Room 305, General Assembly Building
Votes
Date
Chamber
Motion
Yea-Nay
2026-01-28
S
Incorporated by Courts of Justice (SB643-Surovell) (10-Y 0-N)