These New Gun Laws Are Now in Effect: What Changed in Your State? [Q3 2026 Update]
Here's a state-by-state breakdown of what new gun laws went into effect so far up to Q3 2026.
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If it feels like gun laws changed more in the last six months than in the last six years, you're not imagining it.
We've had national shake-ups of the NFA and a lot of shifting state laws. It can be tough to keep up.
That's why we're breaking down the most important gun law changes and rulings so you know what's changed, what's stuck in court, and what applies to you.
Table of Contents
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TL;DR: What To Know
Suppressors, SBRs, SBSs, and AOWs now feature a $0 federal tax, effective January 1, 2026. Though you can still register these items, the ATF announced in October that it stopped enforcing NFA registration on those products. Your state may still ban them or have laws in place mandating registration, so make sure you know what's allowed where you live.
Glock-style convertible pistol laws in California, Connecticut, and Maryland restrict new sales while existing owners keep their guns. California's ban on new sales is in effect while Connecticut's has been blocked by a federal judge. Maryland's will go into effect Jan. 1, 2027.
ATF rolled back rules through a 34-item package announced in April. Some items are final while others are just proposals.
Virginia's assault weapons and magazine bans are currently blocked in court, but other laws are now in effect.
Speaking of assault weapons and magazine bans, the Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments on two cases tackling those topics -- Viramontes and Grant -- in early December. A decision will not come until 2027, though.
What's Trending
Suppressors and SBRs
In a stunning announcement, the ATF declared that it would no longer enforce NFA approval, registration, or tax-stamp requirements on suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and any other weapons. The policy change came after the Bureau fought gun groups in court over the legality of the NFA post-$0 tax stamp fee. A federal judge ruled in favor of gun orgs, and DOJ opted not to appeal.
Before you dive in and buy all the things, keep in mind:
This is an enforcement policy, not a repeal. The NFA is still legally on the books. That means DOJ or ATF could change course, or Congress could act.
State laws still apply. Suppressors and SBRs/SBSs remain illegal in several states, and some states require federal registration of these items -- that doesn't change with this ATF policy.
ATF is still processing voluntary Form 4s, so check with your state before skipping the paperwork.
For more on this topic, check out our full write-up!
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Glock-Style Bans
Three states have now passed laws aimed at "convertible pistols."
The designs in the crosshairs of this legislation are ones that use a cruciform trigger bar that makes it easier to add an illegal auto-sear (known as a "Glock switch") that turns a handgun into a machine gun. This includes many Glocks and Glock-style clones.
These laws restrict new sales and transfers only, not currently owned firearms.
| State | Law | Status |
|---|---|---|
| California | AB 1127 | In Effect:DOJ's request for a restraining order was denied. |
| Connecticut | HB 5043/PA 26-41 | Blocked:A judge granted preliminary injunctions on Sept. 30, a day before the Oct. 1 start date. |
| Maryland | SB 334 | Partly in Effect:A judge denied a preliminary injunction in Bathras v. Moore. Some provisions began Oct. 1, but the sales ban doesn't start until Jan. 1, 20274. |
Federal Rule Rollback
In April, the ATF announced its so-called "New Era of Reform." This proclamation was accompanied by a package of 34 rules and regulatory notices -- a mix of proposed, final, direct-final, and interim-final actions.
Highlights from the package included:
- ATF's proposal to rescind the pistol brace rule.
- A proposal to roll back who is considered to be "engaged in the business."
- Removing outdated language regarding bump stocks after the Supreme Court ruled in Garland v. Cargill.
State Laws in 2026
To make this easy, each state is marked as either in effect, blocked, or delayed so you know what applies to you today.
California
Status: In Effect
AB 1127 prohibits FFLs from selling "convertible pistols" -- meaning Glocks and Glock-style clones are on the chopping block. Owners can keep what they have, and some pre-2026 dealer inventory is exempt. The law went into effect July 1, 2026, and has been challenged by gun rights groups.
Check out our full article on the California Glock Ban.
AB 725 expands the legal definition of "firearm" to include frames and receivers and extends lost-or-stolen reporting to frames and receivers.
Colorado
Status: In Effect
HB25-1133, effective July 1, raised the minimum age to purchase ammunition to 21 years of age. It also added retail storage rules.
SB25-003 went into effect August 1 and requires a permit and safety course before buying certain semi-auto guns with detachable magazines.
We cover all the new Colorado laws in our full rundown.
Connecticut
Status: Convertible pistol provision = blocked
HB 5043/PA 26-41 was signed into law in May 2026 and bars the sale of convertible pistols manufactured on or after Oct. 1. It has been blocked by a federal judge, meaning it cannot be enforced right now.
You can read more in our article!
This law also expanded the definition of unfinished frames or receivers.
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Kentucky
Status: In Effect
HB 312 lets 18-to-20-year-olds apply for provisional concealed carry licenses. The provisional license requires training and a background check and expires when the holder turns 21.
The license is only valid in Kentucky.
Maryland
Status: Partly in Effect
SB 334, known as the "machine gun convertible pistol" law, tackles Glocks and clones, with the sales ban starting January 1, 2027. A judge denied a preliminary injunction in Bathras v. Moore. (More info in our article!)
Effective October 1, dealers in Maryland must report certain thefts and burglaries to State Police within 24 hours.
Rhode Island
Status: In Effect
Rhode Island's Assault Weapons Ban took effect July 1 and bans the sale, manufacture, and transfer of firearms classified as "assault weapons." It does grandfather existing owners with a voluntary certificate and possession restrictions.
You can read more in our article on the ban ->
Virginia
Status: Mixed
HB1525 is in effect and raises the minimum age to buy a firearm to 21. It also requires background checks on private sales.
The assault weapons and magazine bans proposed by the state were signed into law but are currently blocked from taking effect by a judge.
Read more on that in our article ->
HB 40 targets ghost guns with the legislation outlawing making, assembling, importing, buying, selling, or transferring firearms without valid serial numbers on Jan. 1, 2027. Selling or transferring unfinished frames or receivers also gets the same treatment under HB 40.
In July 2027, the law will move into its next phase, which makes it illegal to knowingly possess an unserialized firearm or frame/receiver. Most owners of unserialized or homebuilt guns will have to get their guns/parts serialized through a licensed dealer.
HB1524 makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor to carry an "assault firearm" on a public street or road, alley, sidewalk, public park, or any other place open to the public. The law is set to take effect Jul. 1, 2027.
On the Horizon
2026
- Nov 3: Massachusetts will ask voters to decide whether to keep or repeal a 2024 gun law on election day. A yes vote keeps the law while a no vote repeals it.
- Dec 2: The Supreme Court will hear arguments in Viramontes and Grant, which target assault weapons and magazine bans.
2027
- Jan 1: Maryland's convertible pistol sales ban begins under SB 334.
- May 1: Washington's permit-to-purchase requirement begins under HB 1163.
- July 1: Virginia's assault firearm public carry restrictions and a portion of the "ghost gun" provisions begin.
Stay tuned to Pew Pew Tactical as we keep you updated on gun laws across the U.S.
What's your take on all these new provisions? Let us know in the comments below!
Additional Resources
- ATF New Era of Reform
- 1140-AA98: Removing Factoring Criteria for Firearms with Attached “Stabilizing Braces” - NPRM
- 1140-AB01: Revising Regulations Defining “Engaged in the Business” as a Dealer in Firearms - NPRM
- 1140-AA60: Revising Machine Gun Definition in Response to Supreme Court Decision - FINAL RULE
- ATF issues guidance on National Firearms Act
- Viramontes v. Cook County (25-238)
- Grant v. Higgins (25-566)
- AB 1127
- AB 725
- HB25-1133
- SB25-003
- HB 5043
- PA 26-41
- HB 312
- SB 334
- Bathras v. Moore
- RI H5436
- HB1525
- HB 40
- HB1524
- Mass: Information for Voters 2026 Ballot Questions
- HB 1163
Latest Updates
- October 2026: Full rewrite with all new laws and state updates.