The Supreme Court agreed to hear consolidated challenges to assault weapons bans in Connecticut and Cook County, Illinois, setting up a major Second Amendment ruling that could affect similar laws in about a dozen states. Meanwhile, the DOJ sued Virginia and California over their newest gun restrictions, and two Virginia circuit judges have already blocked the state’s assault weapons ban from taking effect.

Today’s Headlines

• SCOTUS Grants Cert on Assault Weapons Bans: The Court will hear Viramontes v. Cook County (7th Cir.) and Grant v. Higgins (2nd Cir.) together this fall, reviewing bans on the AR-15 and similar semiautomatics; a ruling for petitioners could impact laws in California, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Washington. Source: insurancejournal.com
• SCOTUS Declines Under-21 Gun Rights Cases: The Court rebuffed a series of appeals over gun restrictions for adults under 21, leaving a circuit split unresolved as its term recapped. Source: insurancejournal.com
• DOJ Sues Virginia and California: The Justice Department filed suit against Virginia’s new “assault weapons” sales ban and California’s Glock-style pistol ban and handgun roster, arguing both violate the Second Amendment. Source: washingtontimes.com
• Virginia Assault Weapons Ban Blocked Twice: Circuit judges in Lancaster and Washington counties issued injunctions halting enforcement of Virginia’s ban before its July 1 effective date; Attorney General Jay Jones has vowed to appeal. Source: washingtonpost.com
• ATF Proposes Repeal of Pistol-Brace Rule: ATF is moving to formally rescind its 2023 stabilizing-brace rule after courts found it violated the APA. Source: federalregister.gov
• ATF Eases NFA Travel Rules: A new proposal would drop advance-approval requirements for short-term interstate travel with NFA firearms. Source: pewpewtactical.com
• BolaWrap 150 Ruled Not a Firearm: ATF Ruling 2026-2 classifies the remote restraint device as outside GCA and NFA firearm definitions. Source: atf.gov

What This Means for Gun Owners

The SCOTUS cert grant is the most significant development for transfer services and dealers, as a ruling could reshape assault weapons law nationwide within the next year. Virginia residents can currently buy and sell previously banned semiautomatics under the county injunctions, though this remains subject to appeal and could change quickly. California and Virginia gun owners should watch the DOJ lawsuits closely, as outcomes may affect purchasing options in both states well before the SCOTUS cases are decided.

Key Dates to Watch

• July 6, 2026: Comment deadline for ATF’s proposal to remove former Soviet countries from the import-denial list and related training-round reclassification.
• August 4, 2026: Comment period closes on ATF’s proposed pistol-brace rule repeal.
• Fall 2026: Oral arguments scheduled in consolidated SCOTUS assault weapons cases.
• December 31, 2026: Lancaster County injunction on Virginia’s assault weapons ban expires absent a final order.

Sources

• insurancejournal.com — SCOTUS to Hear Assault Weapons Ban Cases
• washingtontimes.com — DOJ Sues to Stop Virginia’s Assault Weapons Ban
• washingtonpost.com — Virginia Judge Blocks Assault Weapons Ban
• federalregister.gov — Removing Factoring Criteria for Stabilizing Braces
• pewpewtactical.com — ATF Rule Changes Roundup

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