The Supreme Court agreed to hear its first major “assault weapons” case since Heller, granting cert in the consolidated Viramontes v. Cook County and Grant v. Higgins disputes. Meanwhile, the DOJ opened a two-front legal offensive against state transfer restrictions, suing both Virginia over its new semiautomatic rifle ban and California over its “Glock ban” and Handgun Roster.

Today’s Headlines

• SCOTUS to hear AR-15 ban case: The Court granted cert on consolidated cases from the Seventh and Second Circuits, agreeing to decide whether the Second Amendment protects semi-automatic rifles “in common use.” Argument is expected this fall, with a ruling likely by mid-2027. Source: guns.com
• SCOTUS declines age-restriction cases; PA carry win final: The Court denied cert in five cases challenging 18-20 age limits on gun purchases, leaving a circuit split intact. Separately, it let stand a Third Circuit ruling striking down Pennsylvania’s ban on 18-20 year-olds carrying during declared emergencies. Source: washingtontimes.com
• DOJ sues Virginia over SB749: The Justice Department filed suit to block Virginia’s new ban on semiautomatic rifles/pistols holding over 20 rounds and magazines over 15 rounds, even as state court injunctions have already delayed enforcement to July 2027. Source: wdbj7.com
• DOJ sues California over Glock ban and Handgun Roster: A new federal lawsuit challenges AB 1127 and the state’s Handgun Roster as unconstitutional, marking DOJ’s first Second Amendment Section suit targeting easily-convertible pistols. Source: ammoland.com
• Rhode Island’s assault weapons ban takes effect: The state’s Assault Weapons Ban Act of 2025 became enforceable July 1, restricting sale and manufacture of covered firearms but grandfathering pre-existing lawful owners. Source: usconcealedcarry.com
• ATF Form 4473 comment period closes today: The public comment window on ATF’s proposed revisions to the Firearms Transaction Record closes July 7, part of a broader 34-rule reform package that includes an “eZ Check” FFL verification system and repeal of the 2023 stabilizing brace rule. Source: atf.gov

What This Means for Gun Owners

The SCOTUS cert grant sets up the most consequential Second Amendment ruling in over a decade, with direct implications for AR-15-style rifle ownership nationwide. In the meantime, Virginia and California residents face a confusing patchwork: state bans are on the books but partially blocked by injunctions or under federal legal challenge, so transfer eligibility for certain rifles, pistols, and magazines may shift quickly and without much notice. FFLs should watch the ATF’s Form 4473 and eZ Check proposals closely, as they could change paperwork and verification requirements for transfers later this year.

Key Dates to Watch

• August 6, 2026: Comment deadline for several ATF reform proposals, including interstate NFA transport rules.
• July 1, 2027: Delayed effective date for Virginia’s SB749 assault weapons ban, pending injunction outcomes.
• Fall 2026: Oral argument expected in Viramontes v. Cook County / Grant v. Higgins at the Supreme Court.

Sources

• guns.com — SCOTUS grants cert on assault weapons bans
• washingtontimes.com — SCOTUS denies age-restriction cert petitions
• wdbj7.com — DOJ sues Virginia over SB749
• ammoland.com — DOJ sues California over Glock ban
• atf.gov — 34-rule regulatory reform package

This brief is updated daily. Read past briefs.