Virginia: Excise Tax on Firearms Continues to Advance, Other Gun Control Stalls

February 11, 2026
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As Virginia's legislative session hurtles toward the crossover deadline, anti-gun forces are doubling down on an insidious excise tax on firearms that's inching closer to reality, while broader gun control dreams—like universal background checks and red flag laws—appear to be stalling in their tracks. This isn't just another tax hike; it's a stealthy assault on the Second Amendment, disguised as revenue generation for the state. Proponents claim it'll fund vague safety programs, but let's call it what it is: a punitive fee that jacks up the cost of exercising a constitutional right, much like the poll taxes of old that suppressed voting. In a state already grappling with Richmond's urban crime waves, where law-abiding Virginians are buying guns for self-defense at record rates, this tax could price entry-level firearms out of reach for working families, effectively rationing protection by income level. The clever part? By framing it as an excise tax rather than an outright ban or registry, Democrats avoid the political blowback that doomed their more overt schemes last session. Remember 2020's seismic shift when Governor Northam’s grab-bag of restrictions sparked a suburban revolt, flipping the House of Delegates to GOP control? That red wave saved Virginia from becoming a coastal gun control dystopia, but now, with slim Democratic majorities, they're playing the long game—nibbling at the edges to erode ownership without firing the big guns. Data from neighboring states like Maryland, where similar smart gun fees and pistol taxes have inflated prices by 10-15%, shows this tactic suppresses sales without touching criminals, who ignore taxes anyway. For the 2A community, it's a wake-up call: complacency kills. With crossover looming, grassroots mobilization—think packed committee hearings and targeted calls to wavering Dems—could stall this beast, just as it did for assault weapon bans. The implications ripple far beyond the Old Dominion. If Virginia falls, expect copycat excise taxes in purple states like Pennsylvania and Michigan, normalizing the idea that gun ownership is a taxable privilege. But here's the silver lining: 2A victories breed momentum. Last year's defeat of ranked-choice voting and election reforms proves Virginians reject radical overreach. Gun owners, hunters, and sport shooters must flood the Capitol now—organize through GOA, VCDL, or your local range. This tax isn't about safety; it's about control. Fight it like your rights depend on it, because they do. Stay vigilant, Virginia—the Commonwealth's freedom hangs in the balance.

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As Virginia’s legislative session hurtles toward the crossover deadline, anti-gun forces are doubling down on an insidious excise tax on firearms that’s inching closer to reality, while broader gun control dreams—like universal background checks and red flag laws—appear to be stalling in their tracks. This isn’t just another tax hike; it’s a stealthy assault on the Second Amendment, disguised as revenue generation for the state. Proponents claim it’ll fund vague safety programs, but let’s call it what it is: a punitive fee that jacks up the cost of exercising a constitutional right, much like the poll taxes of old that suppressed voting. In a state already grappling with Richmond’s urban crime waves, where law-abiding Virginians are buying guns for self-defense at record rates, this tax could price entry-level firearms out of reach for working families, effectively rationing protection by income level.

The clever part? By framing it as an excise tax rather than an outright ban or registry, Democrats avoid the political blowback that doomed their more overt schemes last session. Remember 2020’s seismic shift when Governor Northam’s grab-bag of restrictions sparked a suburban revolt, flipping the House of Delegates to GOP control? That red wave saved Virginia from becoming a coastal gun control dystopia, but now, with slim Democratic majorities, they’re playing the long game—nibbling at the edges to erode ownership without firing the big guns. Data from neighboring states like Maryland, where similar smart gun fees and pistol taxes have inflated prices by 10-15%, shows this tactic suppresses sales without touching criminals, who ignore taxes anyway. For the 2A community, it’s a wake-up call: complacency kills. With crossover looming, grassroots mobilization—think packed committee hearings and targeted calls to wavering Dems—could stall this beast, just as it did for assault weapon bans.

The implications ripple far beyond the Old Dominion. If Virginia falls, expect copycat excise taxes in purple states like Pennsylvania and Michigan, normalizing the idea that gun ownership is a taxable privilege. But here’s the silver lining: 2A victories breed momentum. Last year’s defeat of ranked-choice voting and election reforms proves Virginians reject radical overreach. Gun owners, hunters, and sport shooters must flood the Capitol now—organize through GOA, VCDL, or your local range. This tax isn’t about safety; it’s about control. Fight it like your rights depend on it, because they do. Stay vigilant, Virginia—the Commonwealth’s freedom hangs in the balance.

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