Virginia’s assault weapons sales ban remains blocked after two separate judges issued preliminary injunctions, keeping semi-automatic sales and 15+ round magazines legal while appeals proceed. Meanwhile, a pair of major Supreme Court decisions from the past two weeks continue to ripple through FFL compliance and state carry laws nationwide.

Today’s Headlines

• Virginia — Assault Weapons Ban Enjoined (x2): A Washington County judge issued a second preliminary injunction on June 30, blocking Virginia’s HB 217/SB 749 assault firearms and magazine ban one day before its July 1 effective date; a Lancaster County judge had issued the first injunction on June 25 in Crump v. Katz. AG Jay Jones is appealing both orders; the sales ban remains unenforceable through at least December 31, 2026. Source: washingtonpost.com
• SCOTUS — Wolford v. Lopez, Private Property Carry: The Supreme Court struck down Hawaii’s law requiring property-owner consent before licensed carriers could bring firearms onto public-facing private property, 6-3. Similar laws in California, Maryland, New Jersey, and New York are now constitutionally suspect. Source: scotusblog.com
• SCOTUS — United States v. Hemani, §922(g)(3) Drug-User Ban Narrowed: In a unanimous decision, the Court held that the federal prohibition on gun possession by unlawful drug users requires proof of active intoxication or dangerousness; casual or occasional marijuana users may no longer be categorically disqualified. FFLs should monitor DOJ/FBI guidance on ATF Form 4473, Question 11.e. Source: scotusblog.com
• Colorado & Rhode Island — New Restrictions Live July 1: Rhode Island’s assault weapons ban is now in effect (pre-July 1 owners grandfathered). Colorado’s minimum ammunition purchase age rose to 21, with new behind-counter storage rules. Colorado’s permit-to-purchase requirement for certain semi-automatics takes effect August 1, 2026. Source: usconcealedcarry.com
• ATF — Interstate Transport NPRM: ATF’s proposed rule clarifying that routine travel stops (lodging, fuel, food, medical care) qualify as protected “transport” under the Firearm Owners Protection Act is open for public comment through August 4, 2026. Source: federalregister.gov

What This Means for Gun Owners

Virginia FFLs may continue selling covered semi-automatics and standard-capacity magazines while both injunctions remain in force, but the legal status could change as appeals move through the Virginia Court of Appeals. Concealed carriers in California, Maryland, New Jersey, and New York should consult legal counsel regarding how Wolford affects local enforcement of consent-based carry restrictions. FFLs running NICS checks should not yet modify their Form 4473 process in response to Hemani until updated DOJ/FBI instructions are issued. Buyers and sellers in Colorado and Rhode Island are subject to the new state restrictions effective now.

Key Dates to Watch

• August 1, 2026: Colorado permit-to-purchase (Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card) requirement takes effect for covered semi-automatic purchases.
• August 4, 2026: Comment period closes on ATF’s interstate firearms transport proposed rule (27 CFR 478.38).
• December 31, 2026: Virginia Crump v. Katz injunction expires unless extended; appeals may resolve sooner.

Sources

• washingtonpost.com — Virginia Judge Blocks Assault Weapons Ban
• wtvr.com — Second Judge Blocks Virginia Assault Weapons Ban
• scotusblog.com — Wolford v. Lopez
• scotusblog.com — United States v. Hemani
• federalregister.gov — ATF Interstate Transport NPRM
• usconcealedcarry.com — 2026 State Gun Laws Roundup

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