Gun Law Brief: SCOTUS Rulings, ATF Rules & State Bans
With two Supreme Court Second Amendment decisions expected before the end of June and major new state laws taking effect July 1, the next three weeks represent one of the most consequential periods for U.S. firearm law in recent memory. Gun owners and dealers should pay close attention to rulings in Wolford v. Lopez and United States v. Hemani, as well as sweeping new restrictions in Virginia and Rhode Island.
Today’s Headlines
- SCOTUS — Carry Rights & Drug Users: The Supreme Court is expected to rule before late June on Wolford v. Lopez (Hawaii’s default-no-guns-on-private-property rule) and United States v. Hemani (the federal ban on firearm possession by habitual drug users). Legal observers, including gun-control-leaning analysts, expect Hawaii to lose in Wolford. Source: thegunmag.com
- Virginia — Private-Sale Background Checks Still Halted: A Lynchburg Circuit Court judge on June 3 denied a motion to dissolve his October 2025 injunction blocking background checks on private firearm sales, rejecting a legislative attempt to restore them via HB 1525. Virginia State Police have again suspended those checks while the case continues. Source: wsls.com
- Virginia — Assault Weapons Ban & More Take Effect July 1: Virginia’s ban on assault firearms and magazines over 15 rounds, along with new ghost gun felony provisions and other measures signed by Gov. Spanberger, take effect July 1, 2026. Source: nraila.org
- Rhode Island — Assault Weapons Ban Takes Effect July 1: Rhode Island’s Assault Weapons Ban Act of 2025 (S 359), signed by Gov. McKee, takes effect July 1 and restricts manufacture, sale, purchase, and possession of assault weapons, with an exemption for firearms lawfully owned before that date. Source: usconcealedcarry.com
- ATF Reform Package — NFA Travel & NICS Permit Rules Proposed: Among ATF’s 34-rule reform package, a proposal would eliminate the requirement for advance ATF approval when transporting NFA firearms across state lines for trips of 365 days or fewer. A separate proposal would tighten standards for when a state permit qualifies as a NICS alternative under the Brady Act. Source: pewpewtactical.com
What This Means for Gun Owners
Buyers and sellers in Virginia and Rhode Island should review which firearms and magazines will be affected by the July 1 bans before completing any transfers. Virginia private-party sellers currently have no background-check requirement in effect, but that status remains subject to ongoing litigation and could change quickly. Gun owners who travel with NFA items should continue following current approval procedures until ATF’s proposed interstate travel rule is finalized. Those in states where a carry permit substitutes for a NICS check should confirm their permit remains valid and unexpired under any updated ATF guidance.
Key Dates to Watch
- Late June 2026: SCOTUS decisions expected in Wolford v. Lopez and United States v. Hemani
- Late June 2026: Virginia Lynchburg Circuit Court scheduled for further arguments on private-sale background checks
- July 1, 2026: Virginia assault weapons/magazine/ghost gun bans and Rhode Island assault weapons ban take effect
- August 4, 2026: ATF public comment period closes on proposed pistol brace repeal rule
Sources
- thegunmag.com — SCOTUS 2A Decisions on the Horizon
- wsls.com — Lynchburg Loophole: Injunction Upheld
- nraila.org — Virginia Circuit Court Injunction
- usconcealedcarry.com — Gun Laws 2026: Bills to Watch
- pewpewtactical.com — ATF Rule Changes Overview
This brief is updated daily. Read past briefs.
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