The Justice Department launched a coordinated legal offensive against blue-state gun laws this week, suing both Virginia and California over new “assault weapon” and handgun restrictions. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court agreed to hear a major Second Amendment case on AR-15 bans next term, and new state laws took effect in Virginia and Rhode Island on July 1.

Today’s Headlines

• SCOTUS grants cert on assault weapon bans: The Supreme Court will hear challenges to Connecticut and Chicago-area “assault weapon” bans next term, in a case with implications for roughly 10 states with similar laws. Source: thehill.com
• DOJ sues Virginia over assault firearms ban: The Justice Department filed suit in the Eastern District of Virginia, arguing state police enforcement of the new ban constitutes a “pattern or practice” civil-rights violation rather than a direct constitutional challenge, given unfavorable Fourth Circuit precedent. Source: washingtontimes.com
• DOJ sues California over Glock ban and Handgun Roster: DOJ filed United States v. California and Bonta in the Central District, challenging Penal Code 27595 and the state’s Unsafe Handgun Act as unconstitutional; Gov. Newsom’s office says it will defend the law. Source: justice.gov
• Virginia and Rhode Island bans take effect, diverging outcomes: Virginia’s new assault firearms ban is partially blocked by a state-court injunction (background checks continuing in affected counties), while Rhode Island’s sales ban took effect with no injunction, prompting a rush of pre-ban purchases. Source: bearingarms.com
• Virginia AG vows defense; new grandfather-clause laws take effect: AG Jay Jones pledged to fight the DOJ suit, while separate Virginia laws taking effect July 1 grandfather prior lawful ownership but restrict public carry of certain firearms. Source: wset.com
• Related litigation wave against D.C. and Maryland: Reporting indicates parallel federal and private actions targeting D.C.’s AR-15/suppressor bans and Maryland’s Glock-style handgun ban, part of a broader coordinated push against blue-state firearm restrictions. Source: thegunmag.com

What This Means for Gun Owners

Buyers and sellers in Virginia should confirm current injunction status by county before attempting any assault-firearm transfer, as enforcement remains inconsistent statewide. Rhode Island residents can still legally possess previously owned firearms but can no longer buy, sell, or transfer covered semi-automatics. California and Virginia gun owners should watch for preliminary injunction rulings in the new DOJ suits, which could pause or reshape enforcement in coming weeks. The SCOTUS cert grant signals a potential nationwide resolution on assault-weapon bans, but no ruling is expected before next term.

Key Dates to Watch

• Aug. 4-6, 2026: Comment period closes on ATF’s 34-rule regulatory reform package.
• Next Term (starting Oct. 2026): SCOTUS to hear arguments in the Connecticut/Chicago assault weapon ban cases.

Sources

• thehill.com — Supreme Court to hear assault rifle ban cases
• washingtontimes.com — DOJ sues to stop Virginia’s assault weapons ban
• justice.gov — DOJ sues California to halt Glock ban
• bearingarms.com — Rhode Island assault weapon ban takes effect
• wset.com — New Virginia laws taking effect July 1

This brief is updated daily. Read past briefs.