Where Virginia's assault weapons ban stands on July 1
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Virginia's new assault weapons ban is set to take effect Wednesday, but two court injunctions have thrown enforcement into question — just as the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to weigh in on similar bans.
Why it matters: The legislation has been embroiled in controversy for months, resulting in multiple lawsuits, confusion among gun owners, gun sales spiking, and several commonwealth's attorneys vowing not to enforce it.
- It's still unclear how, or even if, the law will be enforced. As of Tuesday afternoon, state and local officials hadn't publicly explained whether the injunctions affect enforcement statewide.
Virginia State Police, the governor and the attorney general didn't immediately respond to Axios' request for comment.
- But Frank LaRuffa, Chesterfield's chief deputy Commonwealth's attorney, told Axios the latest court order — which specifically names the county — bars his office from prosecuting violations of the ban.
- When asked if the ruling applies statewide, as the NRA has claimed it does, he said: "Not sure."
Catch up quick: The law bans the future sale and transfer of many semiautomatic firearms and magazines holding more than 15 rounds, while allowing people to keep the ones they already own and exempting certain hunting shotguns.
- Almost immediately after Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed the bill in May, gun rights groups challenged the law in state and federal court, saying it violates the Second Amendment and Virginia's constitution.
The latest: Judges in Lancaster and Washington counties in the last week separately issued injunctions blocking enforcement until next year while the legal challenges proceed.
- The Washington County ruling Monday applies to several localities, including Chesterfield and Virginia State Police, per Courthouse News.
- Attorney General Jay Jones has said the state will appeal.
What's next: The U.S. Supreme Court takes up the challenges to assault weapons bans in Illinois and Connecticut in the fall.