Assault firearm bans, ICE restrictions and recreational marijuana: These General Assembly bills could soon become Virginia law

The Virginia General Assembly adjourned earlier this month without a budget agreement, but the legislative body still sent over 1,000 bills to Gov. Abigail Spanberger for review.

Here’s a rundown of some of the key pieces of legislation that were agreed upon by both chambers and pushed forward to the governor’s desk.

Gun laws

Ban on assault weapons: Lawmakers approved legislation designed to end the sale of assault firearms and high-capacity magazines, though individuals who already own them would be allowed to keep them. 

Under SB749, the sale, manufacture and importing of guns classified as assault weapons would no longer be allowed in Virginia. Magazines that hold more than 15 rounds would also be prohibited. The legislation would go into effect on July 1, 2026, but would not impact those who purchased these items prior to that date. 

Red flag law expansion: HB901 expands red flag laws in Virginia. School administrators, medical practitioners, mental health professionals and intimate partners would be able to petition a judge for an emergency order to prohibit a person from buying a firearm if they are deemed to pose a “substantial risk” of injury to themself or others. 

Labor laws

Paid sick leave: Virginia employees would receive one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked under HB5. 

The legislation also establishes a framework that would impose civil fines on employers who knowingly violate the law. If approved, the bill would have a delayed effective date of July 1, 2027. 

Higher minimum wage: Under SB1, minimum wage in Virginia would increase to $13.75 per hour as of Jan. 1, 2027, and $15 per hour as of Jan. 1, 2028.

The bill further requires the minimum wage to be adjusted annually “to reflect increases in the consumer price index,” starting Jan. 1, 2029. 

Expanded collective bargaining rights: SB378 repeals an existing law that prohibits state and local employees from engaging in collective bargaining. The measure establishes a new Public Employee Relations Board that would oversee union elections and establish bargaining units. 

Education

Jan. 6 instruction: HB333 would allow schools to provide instruction on the Jan. 6 protests and frame those events as a “violent attack on U.S. democratic institutions… for the purpose of overturning the results of the 2020 presidential election.”

Environment

Reintroduction of carbon caps: HB397 rejoins the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a program Virginia opted out of in 2023 during Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s administration.

The initiative – which is designed to cap and reduce carbon emissions from the power sector – includes the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Vermont. 

Housing

Enhanced eviction protections: Under HB15, tenants must be given at least 14 days to pay off late rent, rather than the five days in the current law, before a landlord can attempt an eviction.

Healthcare

Protected contraception access: HB6 establishes a right to obtain contraception. It clarifies that its provisions cannot be used to permit the performance of “any sterilization procedure” without the voluntary, informed consent of a patient.

Immigration

Restrictions on ICE in certain zones: Under HB650, federal immigration enforcement activities cannot be conducted within 40 feet of polling places, state-owned hospitals, schools, universities or offices of Commonwealth attorneys.

Additionally, the bill allows local schools to establish an emergency procedure for notifying parents and school board employees of the presence of immigration enforcement officials. 

Ban on law enforcement ICE assistance: Officers and state and local law enforcement officials would be banned from assisting or cooperating with ICE efforts if SB783 goes into effect. Exceptions would be granted in cases where an officer is required to assist per state or federal law through a warrant, subpoena or judicial detainer. 

Ban on face coverings for law enforcement: State and federal law enforcement officers would be prohibited from wearing facial coverings while carrying out official duties in Virginia under SB352. Masks used for health purposes to protect against disease, infection or toxic substance exposure would not be subject to the restriction. 

Economy

Establishment of a recreational marijuana market: SB542 develops a framework for “the creation of a retail marijuana market” while stipulating that such sales will not be allowed until Jan. 1, 2028.  Under the bill, the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (CCA) would become a division of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority. 

The controversial proposal was passed by the House on a mostly party-line vote and approved by the Senate 21-18 in a late-night session on the last day of the 2026 legislative session. Gov. Spanberger is expected to approve the legislation.

Insurance

Car insurance companies would no longer be able to factor in a driver’s credit score when determining whether or not to initiate or continue coverage if SB693 is passed.

What’s next

Spanberger has until April 13 to sign, veto or amend all legislation submitted to her desk for review.