(The Center Square) – The U.S. Department of Justice is warning Virginia officials that certain firearm-related legislation could trigger legal action.
First-term Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger faces a Monday deadline to act on bills passed during the General Assembly session.
In a letter dated Friday, the Civil Rights Division notified the governor’s office it will pursue litigation if Virginia enacts laws that “unconstitutionally limit law-abiding Americans’ individual right to bear arms.”
The letter, signed by Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon, specifically cites Senate Bill 749, which would restrict the sale, manufacture, transfer and purchase of certain semi-automatic firearms if signed into law.
“Unfortunately, Virginia appears poised to infringe on the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens to enjoy and use AR-15 rifles for lawful purposes by making it a crime to purchase and sell them,” he wrote.
Dhillon wrote that the proposal could unlawfully limit access to firearms “in common use,” including AR-15-style rifles, and said the department is prepared to challenge such restrictions in court.
The letter also states that more than 20 firearm-related bills have been sent to the governor and urges reconsideration of any measure that could infringe on Second Amendment protections.
The warning comes as Spanberger has already taken action on several public safety bills.
The governor has already signed legislation that includes restrictions on untraceable firearms, often called “ghost guns,” changes to firearm possession rules tied to domestic violence convictions, and provisions allowing certain lawsuits against firearm manufacturers and dealers.
Her office said the measures are intended to reduce gun violence and support law enforcement.
“We are taking concrete steps to make sure Virginia’s law enforcement has the support they need to keep our communities safe,” Spanberger said in a statement.
The Justice Department’s warning has drawn responses from state leaders.
A statement from the National Rifle Association’s Institute for Legislative Action criticized the legislation signed by Spanberger, arguing the measures impose new restrictions on firearm manufacturers and could affect lawful gun ownership in the state.
Spanberger has not publicly addressed the letter.
The Center Square was unsuccessful prior to publication getting comment from the governor.
Under Virginia law, the governor can sign a bill, veto it, recommend amendments or take no action, in which case the bill becomes law after the deadline.
