Minnesota Firearm News

Virginia lawmakers are advancing a semi-automatic firearm and magazine ban despite RAND’s decade-long research review finding the evidence that such bans reduce violent crime is “inconclusive.” With federal studies reaching similar conclusions and rifles accounting for a small fraction of homicides, the debate raises broader questions about whether policy is being driven by data—or politics.

South Dakota has removed suppressors from its “controlled weapon” definition, positioning itself ahead of potential federal NFA deregulation—while Virginia lawmakers recently attempted, and failed, to impose a $500 state tax on suppressors. The sharp contrast highlights the growing divide between states expanding Second Amendment freedoms and those seeking new ways to tax and regulate lawful firearm accessories.

With days remaining before Virginia’s legislative crossover deadline, Democrats in the House of Delegates advanced a sweeping package of gun control bills that would ban commonly owned firearms, impose magazine limits, and expand civil liability against the firearms industry. Chief among them, HB 217 would outlaw a wide range of semi-automatic rifles, pistols, and shotguns while criminalizing possession by adults under 21—despite Supreme Court precedent protecting arms in com

A Democrat-controlled committee in the Virginia State Senate has advanced nearly a dozen gun control bills that would significantly restrict Second Amendment rights across the Commonwealth. The measures include bans on so-called “assault firearms” and standard-capacity magazines.

Virginia lawmakers are moving quickly to advance one of the most aggressive slates of gun control legislation the Commonwealth has seen in decades. Even before the 2026 legislative session officially begins, Democrats controlling the General Assembly have pre-filed nearly a dozen firearm-related bills, including proposals to ban so-called “assault firearms,” restrict standard-capacity magazines, impose a new state tax on suppressors, and expand civil liability for the firearm