House committee reports bill to ban open carry of defined ‘assault‑style’ firearms in public spaces

RICHMOND — The House Public Safety Committee on Saturday voted 12–7 to report HB 15‑24, a measure that would prohibit the open carrying of defined “assault‑style” firearms in public streets, sidewalks, parks and other places open to the public across Virginia.

The bill, introduced by Delegate Maguire, would expand an existing local prohibition to the statewide level but retain an explicit exception allowing concealed carry of handguns that accept 10 rounds or fewer and certain shotguns. Maguire said the bill is meant to prevent armed displays intended to intimidate and to make public spaces more accessible.

"This is simply the open carry of certain types of firearms," Maguire said during his presentation, adding the measure is not intended to affect lawful concealed‑carry rights. He described the measure as intended to stop armed people from using the presence of weapons to suppress others’ First Amendment rights or to intimidate the public.

The committee heard sustained public comment for roughly an hour from supporters and opponents. Laurie Haas, who identified herself in committee testimony as a supporter, said seeing groups openly armed near the Capitol was "unnerving" and urged passage. "This is just a bill to keep those from being carried openly in the public," she said.

Opponents included speakers representing the Virginia Citizens Defense League and the NRA and several residents who said the bill would criminalize law‑abiding gun owners and infringe constitutional rights. Michael Huffman, an attorney testifying in opposition, said "law‑abiding citizens may carry, but they don't hurt people" and urged lawmakers not to punish responsible owners. Multiple speakers argued the bill would send many otherwise law‑abiding citizens into criminal violation because of the breadth of the definition.

Committee members pressed the patron on details and exemptions. Counsel pointed the committee to the statutory exemption language located in section 18.2‑308 and confirmed that several exemptions remain in the draft, including certain concealed‑carry situations. Members also questioned how law enforcement would determine compliance in the field and whether licensed security guards and permit holders would be affected; the patron and counsel responded that the bill focuses on professional law enforcement exemptions and preserves limited concealed‑carry exemptions.

After the question period and debate, a motion to report the bill was moved and seconded; the clerk recorded the vote 12 in favor and 7 opposed. The committee reported the bill to the next stage of consideration.

The committee’s action does not finalize the law; reporting a bill advances it to further consideration in the legislative process. The measure will now proceed per the House’s scheduling and committee-of-origin rules.