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Virginia Judge Blocks Assault-Weapons Law From Taking Effect

The preliminary injunction stops statewide enforcement by the Virginia State Police and forces an urgent appeal that will determine whether the law stays blocked.

Overview

  • A Lancaster County judge granted a preliminary injunction on Thursday that bars Virginia State Police from enforcing SB749 and pauses the law’s planned July 1 start date.
  • The suit Crump v. Katz was brought by gun-rights groups and an individual plaintiff and those parties said the injunction also temporarily blocks the 15‑round magazine limit and some public carry restrictions while the case proceeds.
  • Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones said the commonwealth will urgently seek a stay and appeal the ruling, calling the decision disappointing and saying officials will continue to defend the statute.
  • A separate Spotsylvania County judge denied a preliminary injunction on June 18, creating split lower‑court outcomes that make appellate review likely and could send the dispute to higher state or federal courts.
  • Several local commonwealth’s attorneys have said they will not enforce the law, producing a patchwork of enforcement that leaves gun sellers, owners and police unclear about legal duties and prosecutions in the near term.