We, the undersigned law-abiding citizens of Virginia and supporters of the Constitution nationwide,

demand that the Virginia General Assembly and Governor immediately REJECT and KILL House Bill 217, Senate Bill 749, and the entire coordinated package of anti-Second Amendment legislation introduced in the 2026 session.

Virginia Democrats, having regained control, have launched an aggressive assault on our unalienable right to keep and bear arms. This is not "common-sense gun safety"—it is a deliberate effort to disarm law-abiding citizens, criminalize lawful ownership, and erode constitutional protections while violent criminals continue to ignore the law.

The most severe measures include: HB 217 / SB 749 (Assault Firearms & Magazine Ban – The Primary Threat): These companion bills prohibit the importation, sale, manufacture, purchase, or transfer of many common semi-automatic rifles, pistols, and shotguns (labeled "assault firearms" based on features like pistol grips, threaded barrels, or detachable magazines). They also ban large-capacity magazines (over 10 rounds in some versions, over 15 in others) made or transferred after July 1, 2026. Violations are Class 1 misdemeanors (up to 12 months in jail and fines), with a 3-year firearm possession ban upon conviction. Possession by those under 21 is restricted—even for pre-ban items. Limited grandfathering exists for pre-July 1, 2026 ownership, but it creates a de facto ban on America's most popular defensive firearms (e.g., AR-15 platforms) for future generations and lawful transfers. 

Other advancing bills compound the restrictions: HB 700 / related waiting period proposals: Impose arbitrary delays on firearm purchases, putting victims at risk when immediate self-defense is needed. 

HB 901 / expanded ERPO (Red Flag) laws: Broaden who can petition for gun seizures (including therapists and school officials), enabling confiscations without due process, charges, or conviction—often based on hearsay or malice.

HB 871 / SB 348 (Mandatory Storage): Criminalize parents for not storing firearms in locked containers under vague "perfect" standards, even when responsibly secured—doing nothing to deter criminals.

SB 115: Severely restricts recognition of out-of-state concealed handgun permits.

SB 173 / HB 229: Ban firearms in mental health and developmental facilities.

SB 272: Limit carry on college campuses.

SB 323 / HB 40: Require serialization of homemade firearms and unfinished frames/receivers, ending personal builds without government interference.

SB 496 / HB 110: Penalize unattended firearms in vehicles with fines or misdemeanors.

SB 727 / HB 1524: Prohibit carrying "assault firearms" in public areas.

These bills violate:

The Second Amendment (U.S. Constitution) and Article I, Section 13 (Virginia Constitution): The right to keep and bear arms "shall not be infringed." Semi-automatic firearms and standard-capacity magazines are in common use for lawful purposes, protected under Heller (2008) and Bruen (2022). They fail the text, history, and tradition test. 

Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments: Due process violations through delays, warrantless seizures, and property deprivations without compensation.

Fourth Amendment: Enabling invasive searches and confiscations.

Equal Protection: Exempting government officials and law enforcement while disarming citizens.

Enforcement would demand surveillance, raids, and seizures of law-abiding owners. Officials enforcing these risk personal liability under federal law (18 U.S.C. § 241 & § 242) for deprivation of rights under color of law.

Criminals do not comply with laws—they steal or buy illegally. These measures disarm victims, restrict legal supply, and pave the way for broader confiscation.

Virginia's Constitution declares the people, trained to arms, as the "proper, natural, and safe defense of a free state"—yet these bills defy it.

Our Demands:

Immediately kill HB 217, SB 749, and all similar anti-Second Amendment bills in committee—no hearings, no votes, no compromises. 

Publicly repudiate this disarmament agenda and reaffirm Virginia as a Second Amendment sanctuary state.

Contact members of relevant committees (e.g., Senate Finance and Appropriations) to demand NO votes on advancing bills.

Hold sponsors and supporters accountable—we will remember in future elections and back candidates who defend our rights.

The Founders armed us against tyranny.

We will not surrender...

Sign this petition, share it widely, contact your delegate and senator TODAY, and support VCDL Lobby Day efforts in Richmond.

Stop this gun grab completely—no retreat, no compromise.

The right to self-defense is non-negotiable.

Defend it now—or lose it forever.

Thank you for standing with Virginia's 2A community.

Supporters include:

Chris Brooks - Suppressed Nation - @suppressed_nation 

Lydia Shaffer - Conservative Barbie - @conservativebarbie2.0