Virginia House Bill 217 is not a routine gun control proposal—it is a sweeping rewrite of firearm law that would fundamentally criminalize lawful gun ownership across the Commonwealth. Introduced after Democrats regained control, HB 217 represents one of the most aggressive state-level gun control efforts in the country.

The bill dramatically expands Virginia’s definition of so-called “assault firearms,” capturing most common semi-automatic rifles, pistols, and shotguns based on standard features such as detachable magazines, threaded barrels, adjustable stocks, pistol grips, and muzzle devices. These are not rare or unusual weapons—they are among the most commonly owned firearms in America.

HB 217 would make it a criminal offense to manufacture, sell, import, purchase, or transfer any firearm that falls under this expanded definition. Law-abiding citizens, dealers, and manufacturers alike would face misdemeanor charges simply for engaging in ordinary, previously lawful activity.

The bill also bans standard-capacity magazines over ten rounds, effectively outlawing common AR-15 magazines and many handgun magazines used for home defense. In addition, adults aged 18 to 20—who can vote, serve in the military, and sign contracts—would be prohibited from possessing firearms arbitrarily redefined by lawmakers.

Perhaps most troubling, HB 217 strips firearm rights after misdemeanor convictions, imposing a three-year prohibition on gun ownership and authorizing seizure and forfeiture of firearms, magazines, and accessories. This is not based on violent conduct, but on paperwork offenses and minor crimes.

HB 217 is not about public safety—it is about control. It punishes possession rather than behavior, turns ordinary citizens into criminals, and lays the groundwork for confiscation. While the bill would almost certainly face constitutional challenges under the Supreme Court’s Bruen standard, the damage to gun owners would occur long before any court ruling.

What happens in Virginia rarely stays in Virginia. Bills like HB 217 set a dangerous precedent, and gun owners nationwide should be paying close attention.