Why It Matters: Virginia Senate Bill 848 (SB 848) would have increased the minimum age for purchasing a modern sporting rifle (and “assault firearms”) to 21 years old and Senate Bill 1181 (SB 1181) would have made the sale, manufacture, purchase, or transfer of a modern sporting rifle (and “assault firearms”) that were made after July 1, 2025, a Class 1 Misdemeanor. Additionally, if someone was under the age of 21, they could not import, sell, manufacture, purchase, possess, transport, or transfer any modern sporting rifle or “assault firearm”, regardless of when the firearm was manufactured (before or after July 1, 2025). The restrictions in SB 848 and SB 1181 would have negatively impacted individuals who want to become involved in hunting or recreational shooting. Thus, non-traditional participants in hunting or recreational shooting pursuits would be further marginalized and ultimately conservation funding would be impacted.
Highlights:
- SB 848 would have prohibited anyone under 21 years old from purchasing a modern sporting rifle (and “assault firearms”).
- SB 1181 would have made the sale, manufacture, purchase, or transfer of a modern sporting rifle (and “assault firearms”) that were made after July 1, 2025 a Class 1 Misdemeanor. Additionally, if you were under the age of 21, you would not have been able to import, sell, manufacture, purchase, possess, transport, or transfer any modern sporting rifle (and “assault firearms”), regardless of when the firearm was manufactured (before or after July 1, 2025).
- The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) submitted a veto request letter to Governor Youngkin, who is also a member of the Governor’s Sportsmen’s Caucus (GSC) citing the negative impact such legislation would have on conservation funding through the American System of Conservation Funding (ASCF).
- Virginia’s Legislature is scheduled to reconvene on Wednesday, April 2nd for potential veto overrides. However, it requires two-thirds vote of the members present, which is unlikely for these bills.
In the “Old Dominion” legislators sought to change the laws around modern sporting rifles and commonly used firearms, such as shotguns that include pistol grips (popular for turkey hunting). Senate Bill 848 (SB 848) would have changed the minimum age for purchasing a modern sporting rifle (and “assault firearms) from 18 years old to 21 years old and Senate Bill 1181 (SB 1181) would have made the sale, manufacture, purchase, or transfer of a modern sporting rifle (and “assault firearms”) that were made after July 1, 2025, a Class 1 Misdemeanor. Additionally, if you were under the age of 21, you would not have been able to import, sell, manufacture, purchase, possess, transport, or transfer any modern sporting rifle (and “assault firearms”), regardless of when the firearm was manufactured (before or after July 1, 2025). Though the legislation made it out of both chambers, Governor Glenn Youngkin vetoed them when they hit his desk.
SB 848 and SB 1181 would have also reduced funding for conservation through decreased contributions through the “user pays – public benefits” structure of the ASCF via the Pittman-Robertson Act, which directs a manufacturer-level excise taxes on firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment to be used for wildlife conservation purposes. Last year, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service dispersed over $989 million in total funding to the states for wildlife conservation and hunter education programs, which is largely and directly tied to taxes paid by the firearm and ammunition industry, and the rifles that would have been prohibited through these bills are currently the most popular and commonly owned firearms in the nation.
By prohibiting individuals under 21 from purchasing and possessing semi-automatic rifles and shotguns, severely restricting their ability to possess those same items, SB 848 and SB 1181 would reduce the funding contributions from the sporting community for wildlife conservation. This is of crucial importance to Virgina, as approximately 77% of the Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) budget is comprised of funds directly generated by sportsmen and women. Therefore, any barriers or disincentives to participation in hunting and recreational shooting directly impact the funds available for conserving Virginia’s wildlife and their habitats.
CSF applauds GSC Member Governor Glenn Youngkin for protecting the interests of sportsmen and women, and ultimately conservation funding through his vetoes on both SB 848 and SB 1181.
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