Assault firearms & certain ammunition feeding devices; purchase, sale, etc., prohibited, penalties.

This legislation prohibits the sale, purchase, possession, and transport of assault firearms and certain high-capacity ammunition feeding devices in Virginia. Under the bill, individuals who currently own these items would be permitted to keep them, provided they register the firearms with the Department of State Police by a specified date. The measure establishes strict felony penalties for any violations, aiming to curb gun violence by limiting the circulation of weapons designed for rapid, high-volume fire. For Arlington residents, this signifies a significant shift in state-level gun control regulations, potentially leading to increased scrutiny of firearm ownership and transfer protocols. Proponents suggest this will enhance public safety by removing military-style weapons from general commerce, while opponents argue it restricts constitutional rights and creates burdensome compliance requirements for legal owners.