Virginia’s General Assembly just passed SB643 — making it a criminal offense for legal adults aged 18–20 to purchase a handgun or “assault firearm.” The Governor has days left to sign it into law.
SB643 amends §§ 18.2-308.2:2 and 18.2-308.2:5 and adds new § 18.2-308.2:6 to the Code of Virginia, creating new prohibitions on who can possess, transport, and purchase certain firearms.
No one under 18 may knowingly possess or transport a handgun or “assault firearm” in Virginia. Exceptions exist for hunting, sport shooting, and home use with parental consent.
No one under 21 may purchase a handgun or “assault firearm” anywhere in the Commonwealth. This closes the private-sale gap that federal law leaves open for 18–20 year-olds.
If you’re 18–20 and already legally own a handgun or qualifying firearm, the broad possession language could retroactively criminalize what you already have.
Home use with parental consent, lawful hunting under adult supervision, organized shooting competitions, law enforcement, and military personnel on duty.
Both the under-18 and under-21 prohibitions carry the same penalty classification — the highest misdemeanor class in Virginia.
The highest misdemeanor class in Virginia — same category as DUI, assault & battery, and petit larceny.
A judge can sentence up to one year in jail. Even a conviction without jail time creates a permanent criminal record that follows you.
The maximum fine can be imposed in addition to jail time, not just as an alternative. The court has full discretion.
A misdemeanor conviction shows up on background checks and can impact employment, professional licensing, college admissions, and future firearm purchases as an adult.
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The bill’s definition of “assault firearm” is where this gets complicated. It’s not limited to AR-15s. It covers any semi-automatic centerfire rifle or handgun that accepts a magazine holding more than 20 rounds, is designed to accept a silencer, or has a folding stock.
That definition is broad enough to sweep in common sporting rifles based on magazine capacity or cosmetic features. Gun rights groups have called it “expansive and arbitrary” — and the NRA-ILA has stated their litigation team is “actively working in the event of her signature,” signaling a legal challenge the moment the Governor signs.
Then there’s the retroactive possession problem. If you’re 19 and you legally purchased a handgun through a private sale last year, the possession language in this bill could make you a criminal for keeping what you already own.
Any semi-automatic centerfire rifle or handgun that expels single or multiple projectiles by action of an explosion of a combustible material and is equipped at the time of the offense with: (1) a magazine holding more than 20 rounds, (2) manufacturer design to accommodate a silencer, or (3) a folding stock.
Sponsored by Senator Scott Surovell (D-34), the bill moved through both chambers on party-line votes and now sits on the Governor’s desk.
Referred to Courts of Justice Committee
Reported with substitute, incorporating SB797 by Sen. Carroll Foy
Reported with second substitute from committee
Senate rejected House substitute; conferees appointed: Surovell, Srinivasan, Stuart
Gov. Spanberger must sign, veto, amend, or let it become law without signature
Where does SB643 fall on the national spectrum of age-based firearm restrictions?
| State | Min. Purchase Age | Private Sales 18–20 | “Assault Firearm” Age Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Law | 21 (dealers only) | ✓ Legal | None |
| Virginia (SB643) | 21 (all sales) | ✗ Banned | 21 |
| California | 21 (all sales) | ✗ Banned | 21 |
| Florida | 21 (dealers) / 18 (private) | ✓ Legal (private) | 21 (dealers only) |
| Texas | 21 (dealers) / 18 (private) | ✓ Legal | None |
| Ohio | 21 (dealers) / 18 (private) | ✓ Legal | None |
Virginia is about to tell 18, 19, and 20 year-olds that they’re old enough to fight for their country — but not old enough to defend themselves in it.
Breaking down every Virginia gun bill so you don’t have to read the legalese yourself.