A BILL to amend and reenact § 18.2-308.7 of the Code of Virginia, relating to possession or transportation of certain firearms by certain persons; penalty.
Summary
SB643 amends Virginia Code § 18.2-308.7, which governs possession, transportation, and purchase of certain firearms by minors and young adults. As substituted, the bill makes it unlawful for anyone younger than 18 to knowingly and intentionally possess or transport a handgun or assault firearm anywhere in the Commonwealth, and makes it unlawful for anyone younger than 21 to knowingly and intentionally purchase a handgun or assault firearm. Violations are classified as Class 1 misdemeanors.
The bill also defines “assault firearm” and “handgun” for purposes of the section and preserves several exceptions. Those exceptions cover possession at home or on a parent’s, grandparent’s, guardian’s, or permitted property; participation in lawful shooting ranges, firearms education, or hunting when accompanied by an adult at least 21 and with firearms unloaded during transport; official law-enforcement, military, National Guard, cadet, ROTC, and certain police academy activities. The bill includes a fiscal-impact clause stating it may increase incarceration or juvenile commitment costs and assigns a minimum fiscal impact for budgeting purposes.
Impact
SB643 would broaden and clarify Virginia’s restrictions on firearm possession, transportation, and purchase by minors and young adults by setting separate age thresholds for possession/transportation under 18 and purchase under 21. It would amend § 18.2-308.7 of the Code of Virginia and maintain the offense as a Class 1 misdemeanor, affecting enforcement by law enforcement, prosecutors, courts, and juvenile justice agencies. The bill also carries a fiscal impact statement anticipating possible increases in adult and juvenile correctional commitments.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have been politically divisive but ultimately successful. It advanced through committee and floor votes with several close margins, especially in the Senate where the substitute and final passage were 21-19 and 21-18, indicating strong but not unanimous support. The House also passed the conference report, suggesting the final compromise was acceptable to enough members in both chambers despite significant opposition.
Contention
The main point of contention is the scope of age-based firearm restrictions, particularly whether the Commonwealth should prohibit possession/transportation by those under 18 and purchase by those under 21, and how broadly “assault firearm” should be defined. Opponents likely objected to the burden on lawful youth firearm use, while supporters emphasized public safety and youth access limitations. The close votes and repeated substitute negotiations indicate disagreement over the balance between firearm regulation and exceptions for homes, hunting, ranges, and supervised training.