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new laws and latest info
JULY 20, 2026
Posted on July 8, 2026 by John Pierce
A Washington County Circuit Court judge has issued a major clarification in the pending challenge to Virginia’s new “assault firearm” and “large capacity magazine” restrictions, commonly referred to as SB 749.
In a July 7, 2026 letter opinion in Santolla, et al. v. Katz, et al., Judge Jeffrey L. Campbell announced that the preliminary injunction previously entered in the case will not merely protect the named plaintiffs or apply only to the named defendants. Instead, the injunction will be extended to apply statewide.
The injunction is now set to take effect on July 21, 2026
What Changed?
The parties disagreed over the language of the proposed order following the court’s prior ruling. The plaintiffs sought an order with universal, statewide application. The Commonwealth argued that the injunction should be limited only to the named defendants in the case.
Judge Campbell recognized that Virginia courts generally disfavor injunctions against non-parties. However, the court also noted that the facts of this case created a unique problem: a limited injunction could create a dangerous and confusing patchwork of enforcement across Virginia.
The court gave a practical example. A person might be able to lawfully transport an AR-15 through Washington County under the protection of the injunction, but then face potential prosecution the moment he crossed into another county, such as Grayson County, if the injunction did not follow him statewide.
The court described this as a “treacherous patchwork of enforcement” that could create uncertainty for both gun owners and law enforcement.
The Injunction Will Apply Across Virginia
Judge Campbell concluded that partial relief would not be enough to protect the plaintiffs from irreparable harm. As a result, the court found that the injunction should be expanded to statewide application.
According to the letter opinion, the injunction will apply to:
- Law enforcement agencies of the Commonwealth;
- Local law enforcement agencies;
- Law enforcement officers as defined in Virginia Code § 9.1-101; and
- Commonwealth’s Attorneys throughout Virginia.
In plain English, this means that, beginning July 21, the injunction is intended to prevent enforcement of the challenged SB 749 restrictions across the entire Commonwealth, not just in Washington County and not just against the named defendants.
Why July 21?
The court did not make the statewide injunction immediate. Instead, Judge Campbell amended the effective date to July 21, 2026 so that notice can be delivered to law enforcement and Commonwealth’s Attorneys throughout Virginia.
The court directed the Clerk to provide a certified copy of the order granting the injunction to law enforcement officers and Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Offices across the Commonwealth.
In one of the more memorable lines from the letter, the court observed that one would think a person would have to be “living under a rock” not to be aware of these proceedings, but still recognized that reasonable notice should be given before the injunction takes effect statewide.
Why This Matters for Virginia Gun Owners
This is a significant development for Virginia gun owners, firearms dealers, and anyone attempting to understand the rapidly changing legal landscape surrounding SB 749.
The court’s ruling addresses one of the biggest unresolved concerns after the initial injunction: whether a person could still face prosecution outside the limited territory or parties covered by the original order.
The July 7 letter strongly suggests that the court intends to prevent exactly that kind of county-by-county legal minefield.
Once the statewide injunction takes effect, the challenged restrictions should not be enforced anywhere in Virginia while the injunction remains in place, unless an appellate court stays, modifies, or reverses the order.
Important Caution
This does not mean the case is over. The injunction is preliminary, and the litigation will continue. The Commonwealth may seek appellate review, request a stay, or otherwise challenge the scope of the injunction.
Gun owners and dealers should also remember that the injunction applies only to the challenged Virginia restrictions. Federal law still applies, including all NFA, ATF, background check, prohibited person, interstate transfer, and dealer requirements.
Bottom Line
The Washington County Circuit Court has now made clear that the SB 749 injunction is intended to go truly statewide.
Unless changed by a higher court, the injunction will take effect across Virginia on July 21, 2026, barring enforcement of the challenged “assault firearm” and “large capacity magazine” bans by Virginia law enforcement and Commonwealth’s Attorneys statewide.
This is one of the most important developments yet in the SB 749 litigation, and it should prevent the kind of confusing, county-by-county enforcement nightmare that many Virginia gun owners feared.
new laws
JUNE 1, 2026
Please read the information below regarding the new laws and how they may affect both you and our business.
We want you to know that these changes are not ideal for us, and we are not happy about the impact they may have. We are actively doing everything we can to address the situation and advocate for the best possible outcome.
If you have any questions or concerns after reviewing the information, please don't hesitate to reach out. We appreciate your understanding and continued support.
In the 2026 Virginia General Assembly session, a wave of proposed firearms legislation threatens to reshape the landscape of gun ownership and purchasing in the Commonwealth.
From a proposed statewide firearms purchase licensing system and a five-day waiting period to an expanded assault firearms ban, a $500 suppressor tax, and a merged Senate-House bill that takes the assault weapons prohibition even further, these proposals represent some of the most sweeping gun control measures Virginia has ever seen.
Assault Firearms and Magazine Capacity Bills Signed Into Law
On the evening of May 14, 2026, Virginia's new governor signed the assault firearms and magazine capacity legislation into law. The provisions take effect July 1, 2026.
The owners of Dominion sat down with the team to break down what the law actually says, what's affected, what's grandfathered, and what Virginia gun owners need to think about before July 1.
June 1st: for SBR Form 4 submissions (no more transferring). Anything in stock needs to be done individually, asap
June 15th: for all incoming transfers affected by the bill. If you have questions about a specific firearm, transfer, or NFA submission, stop by the store, call 540-337-9218, or reach out online.
June 27th: for layaway and consignment pickups
July 1: Effective date if pending Virginia firearm legislation passes
These dates are not legal requirements (except July 1st). They exist to allow enough time for paperwork, transfer processing, background checks, and customer pickup before additional restrictions may potentially take effect.
Already in Effect: Under-21 Restrictions
Separate from the pending legislation above, Virginia law now restricts the purchase and possession of handguns and certain semi-automatic firearms for individuals under 21. This change is already in effect statewide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still buy AR-style rifles and standard-capacity magazines?
Yes. For individuals 21 and older, current Virginia law does not prohibit the sale of these items at this time
Is the proposed assault firearm and magazine legislation final?
No. Final action has not yet occurred, and we are continuing to monitor updates closely.
Why is Dominion Outdoors setting cutoff dates now?
These deadlines help allow time for paperwork, transfer processing, background checks, and customer pickup before additional restrictions may potentially take effect.
What if I already have an impacted item on layaway?
Applicable layaways involving potentially impacted items must be completed by June 27th. If you have questions about your order, our team is happy to help.
Can I still transfer firearms into Virginia?
Yes, but Dominion Outdoors cannot guarantee processing for potentially impacted incoming transfer firearms received after June 15.
What changed under the new under-21 restrictions?
Virginia law now restricts the purchase and possession of handguns and certain semi-automatic firearms for individuals under 21. This change is already in effect statewide.
If you have questions about an order, transfer, layaway, or NFA item, please contact our team before the applicable cutoff date.
NFA Form 4 Submission Cutoff
Due to legislative changes, Dominion Outdoors will stop submitting Form 4s on June 1, 2026, for short-barreled rifles potentially impacted by the "assault firearm" designation.
Transfer Cutoff Notice
Due to legislative changes, Dominion Outdoors will not guarantee processing of transfer firearms affected by the "assault firearms" or "high-capacity magazine" definitions if they are received after June 15, 2026. Affected firearm transfers received after June 15, 2026, may be shipped back to the originating dealer at the purchaser's expense.
What This Means for You
If you are considering an SBR Form 4 submission or an incoming transfer of a firearm or magazine that could fall under the proposed "assault firearm" or "high-capacity magazine" definitions, plan to have your paperwork in our hands well before the dates above. Stop by the store, call us at 540-337-9218, or reach out online if you have questions about whether a specific firearm or transfer is affected.