An act amending title 14 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 113 to define and prohibit assault rifles, ban suppressors and silencers, and requiring safety training
Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable
Enacted
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
10 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 5 costs, 3 mixed.
Buying guns and ammo: in-person rules
A dealer may deliver a gun only after you show a valid firearms license and the gun's registration certificate. The gun must be delivered unloaded. You must buy ammunition in person, and it must match the caliber or gauge on your registration. It is illegal to possess, carry, sell, or do gunsmithing or gun sales unless you follow all licensing and registration rules.
Gun owners' storage and reporting duties
You must store guns locked and secure. A gun left in a vehicle must be in a lockbox. If unsafe storage directly leads to injury or death, you face up to a $2,500 fine, up to two years in jail, and loss of your license and gun. Tell VIPD within 48 hours if your name, address, contact, or eligibility changes. Report any lost or stolen gun or ammo within 48 hours, or risk license suspension or revocation and up to a $1,000 fine.
Bans on silencers and illegal weapons
The law bans most people from owning or trading explosive devices, automatic weapons, short-barreled rifles or shotguns, ghost guns, and rifles that fire .50 BMG rounds. It also bans silencers, bump stocks, and conversion kits. ATF paperwork is not accepted. Limited exceptions apply for law enforcement, the military, and licensed ranges on site. Violations can bring felonies with up to 10 years in prison, fines up to $25,000, and seizure.
Large-capacity magazine ban and penalties
Large-capacity magazines that hold more than 15 rounds are illegal to possess or trade. Exemptions cover certain active-duty military, authorized federal and local officers, qualified retired officers, and licensed dealers transferring to exempt buyers. Licensed holders face civil fines starting at $500; unlicensed possession can be a felony with up to 10 years and $10,000. Possession within 1,000 feet of certain schools can bring up to 20 years and $20,000, and magazines are forfeited.
Getting a Virgin Islands gun license
You must have a firearms license and a registration certificate to possess a gun. You qualify only if you are 21 or older, a U.S. citizen or lawful resident, pass criminal and mental-health checks, and finish approved safety training within 10 years. To apply, submit fingerprints, a VIPD criminal history, photo ID, and a safety-course certificate, and pay a nonrefundable $150 fee. The Police tell you of missing items within 10 business days and decide within 30 days of a complete filing. Each gun registration costs a nonrefundable $50. Licenses last five years; renew at least 60 days early, pay $50, and present all registered guns for inspection.
Grandfather rule for pre-ban firearms
You may keep and register a licensed gun made to hold more than 15 rounds if it was made before this law took effect. You cannot sell or transfer it in the Virgin Islands, except to a federal firearms dealer or outside the territory.
License suspensions, appeals, and penalties
The Police Commissioner may suspend or revoke a license if evidence shows you no longer qualify or are a danger, after written notice and review. You can ask the Superior Court to review a denial, suspension, revocation, or failure to process by filing a Petition for Writ of Review within 15 days. Filing does not pause the decision unless the court orders it. Knowingly giving false information in any required application or report is a felony, punishable by up to two years in prison, up to a $5,000 fine, or both.
90-day amnesty to surrender guns
If you possessed an unlicensed or unregistered gun before this law, you get immunity from prosecution by contacting VIPD and surrendering it within 90 days, before any arrest or charge. Follow VIPD instructions to complete the surrender on time.
How police roll out the new rules
The law defines terms like large-capacity magazine (more than 15 rounds), ghost gun, lockbox, and .50 BMG rifle. The Police Commissioner must issue rules within 60 days and keep a register of licensees, dealers, gunsmiths, and registered guns for law enforcement use. The government runs a public education campaign about these rules and gun safety for at least six months. Conflicting older rules are repealed.
No guns while intoxicated
It is illegal to carry or use a gun while under the influence of alcohol or any controlled drug. Penalties include a misdemeanor, up to one year in jail, up to a $5,000 fine, or both.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
There is no primary sponsor on record.
Cosponsors
Clifford A. Joseph, Sr.
legislature
Kurt A. Vialet
legislature
Marise C. James
legislature
Novelle E. Francis, Jr.
legislature
Ray Fonseca
legislature
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Enacted
6/24/2026legislatureTo Governor
6/15/2026legislatureFloor
6/12/2026legislatureRules
10/9/2025legislatureCommittee
8/26/2025legislatureIntroduced
8/26/2025legislature
Bill Text
Enacted Act
6/24/2026
Amendment
6/12/2026
Bill Text
8/26/2025
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