As the 2025 Virginia General Assembly session progresses, several key gun safety bills have passed both the House and Senate and are now awaiting Governor Youngkin’s decision. These bills have the potential to significantly impact public safety, gun ownership regulations, and legal accountability. Virginia House Delegate David Owens (HD57- R), voted against all of these bills while Virginia Senator for the 16th, Schuyler VanValkenburg (SD16- D), voted for all of the bills.
Key Gun Safety Bills Headed to Governor Younkin’s Desk
SB891 – Mandatory Five-Day Waiting Period
Description: This bill requires a five-day waiting period before a firearm purchase can be finalized. It aims to prevent impulsive acts of violence, such as suicides or domestic violence incidents, by providing a cooling-off period.
How It Affects You: Ensures individuals cannot immediately access a gun during moments of crisis, reducing the risk of gun-related deaths.
SB848 – Age Restrictions on Semi-Automatic Firearms
Description: This bill raises the minimum age to purchase certain semi-automatic rifles, pistols, and shotguns from 18 to 21. The intent is to prevent young individuals from accessing high-powered weapons, often used in mass shootings.
How It Affects You: Reduces the likelihood of young perpetrators obtaining dangerous weapons legally.
SB880 – Public Carry Restrictions on Rifles & Shotguns
Description: Expands gun-free zones by banning the open carry of rifles and shotguns in public spaces such as sidewalks, parks, and city streets. The goal is to prevent intimidation at protests and public gatherings.
How It Affects You: Helps prevent armed demonstrations and public intimidation while still allowing concealed carry for those with permits.
SB881 – Ghost Gun Ban & Firearm Serialization Requirements
Description: This bill bans the sale and possession of untraceable firearms (aka “ghost guns”) that can be assembled at home using unregulated kits. It mandates serial numbers on all firearms for tracking.
How It Affects You: Reduces the likelihood of criminals obtaining untraceable weapons, making communities safer.
SB1134 – Mandatory Firearm Storage for Households with Children
Description: Requires gun owners to lock up firearms if there are children in the home. This law aims to prevent accidental shootings and minors accessing firearms.
How It Affects You: Ensures safer gun storage and prevents child-related firearm accidents.
Take Action
Urge Governor Youngkin to Sign these Gun Safety Bills! Gun control measures have overwhelming public support, but they need vocal advocacy to become law. Together, we can ensure that Virginia moves toward stronger, safer gun laws!
Please thank Senator Schuyler VanValkenburg (D) for supporting ALL of these gun safety bills.
Let Delegate David Owen (R) know that you are unhappy that he voted AGAINST them.
Support SB891 – Mandatory Five-Day Waiting Period
A cooling-off period can save lives by preventing impulsive violence and suicide. Tell the Governor to sign SB891 to help reduce gun-related deaths!
Support SB848 – Raise the Age for Semi-Automatic Firearm Purchases
Young individuals shouldn’t have easy access to high-powered firearms. Ask the Governor to protect communities by signing SB848!
Support SB880 – Public Carry Restrictions on Rifles & Shotguns
No one should feel intimidated by armed individuals in public spaces. Encourage the Governor to sign SB880 for safer streets and public gatherings!
Support SB881 – Ban Ghost Guns & Require Serial Numbers
Untraceable firearms are a danger to our communities. Tell the Governor to crack down on ghost guns by signing SB881!
Support SB1134 – Secure Firearms in Homes with Children
Keeping kids safe starts at home. Call on the Governor to sign SB1134 and prevent tragic firearm accidents!
Learn More
For more details on these bills and their current status, visit the Virginia Legislative Information System at LIS or check updates from advocacy groups like Everytown for Gun Safety
