Virginia’s assault weapons ban takes effect in less than four weeks, while two federal NFA registration challenges advance toward a pivotal June 25 oral argument in Missouri. Gun owners and dealers across the country are also watching a pending Supreme Court ruling and a sweeping ATF regulatory overhaul that touches background check forms, FFL licensing, and firearm classification rules.

Today’s Headlines

• Virginia Assault Weapons Ban (Effective July 1): Gov. Spanberger signed HB 217/SB 749, banning the future sale, manufacture, importation, purchase, and transfer of defined assault-style firearms and magazines over 15 rounds; firearms lawfully owned before July 1 are grandfathered. Two legal challenges — one in state court, one federal — were filed immediately after signing. Source: virginiamercury.com
• NFA Registration Challenges — Brown v. ATF & Roberts v. ATF: Two parallel federal lawsuits argue that NFA registration requirements for suppressors and short-barreled rifles are unconstitutional following Congress’s elimination of the $200 tax under the “Big Beautiful Bill.” Oral argument in Brown v. ATF is scheduled June 25 in the Eastern District of Missouri. Source: saf.org
• SCOTUS — Wolford v. Lopez (Decision Imminent): A ruling is expected by late June on whether Hawaii’s “sensitive places” law restricting carry in publicly accessible private locations is constitutional, which will likely affect similar laws nationwide. Source: constitutioncenter.org
• ATF 34-Rule Reform Package: The DOJ and ATF announced 34 final and proposed rules in April 2026, including formal rescission of the pistol brace rule, removal of the bump stock machine gun classification, rollback of the expanded FFL licensing rule, and elimination of the “zero tolerance” dealer policy. Source: justice.gov
• ATF Form 4473 Overhaul Proposed: A proposed rule published May 8 would extend the NICS check window, allow electronic forms, and simplify identity verification. The public comment deadline is August 6, 2026. Source: federalregister.gov
• ATF FFL eZ Check Rule (Effective August 4): A direct final rule allows FFLs to verify a transferee dealer’s license through ATF’s free public eZ Check system, eliminating the need to exchange paper license copies. Source: federalregister.gov
• Colorado — Ammo Age Limit & Safety Card Requirement: Starting July 1, ammunition purchases in Colorado require buyers to be 21 or older. Starting August 1, buyers of covered semi-automatic firearms must first obtain a Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card. Source: gunlawsbystate.com
• Maine ERPO System Now Statewide: Following voter approval of Question 2 in November 2025, Maine’s Extreme Risk Protection Order law is now enforceable statewide, allowing law enforcement and certain family members to petition courts to temporarily prohibit firearm possession by individuals deemed a significant risk. Source: usconcealedcarry.com

What This Means for Gun Owners

Anyone conducting firearm transfers in Virginia should be prepared for new restrictions taking effect July 1 — covered transfers initiated but not completed before that date should be reviewed carefully. FFL dealers nationwide should note the upcoming eZ Check rule (August 4) and review the proposed Form 4473 changes before the August 6 comment deadline. The outcome of the NFA registration cases could significantly affect the legal status of suppressors and SBRs, so owners and dealers of those items should monitor the June 25 oral argument and any subsequent rulings closely.

Key Dates to Watch

• June 25, 2026: Oral argument — Brown v. ATF (NFA suppressor/SBR registration), E.D. Missouri
• Late June 2026: SCOTUS decision expected — Wolford v. Lopez (sensitive places doctrine)
• July 1, 2026: Virginia assault weapons ban and magazine limit take effect; Colorado ammo purchase age rises to 21
• August 1, 2026: Colorado Firearms Safety Card required for covered semi-auto purchases
• August 4, 2026: ATF FFL eZ Check direct final rule takes effect
• August 6, 2026: Public comment deadline on ATF Form 4473 overhaul

Sources

• virginiamercury.com — Spanberger Signs Assault Weapons Ban
• saf.org — Brown v. ATF Case Page
• constitutioncenter.org — Wolford v. Lopez
• justice.gov — ATF 34-Rule Reform Package
• federalregister.gov — Proposed Form 4473 Overhaul
• federalregister.gov — FFL eZ Check Final Rule
• gunlawsbystate.com — New Gun Laws 2026 by State
• usconcealedcarry.com — Gun Laws 2026: Bills to Watch

This brief is updated daily. Read past briefs.