1. A. For the purposes of this section:

   "Assault firearm" means the same as that term is defined in § 18.2-308.2:2.

   "Handgun" means the same as that term is defined in § 18.2-307.1.

2. B. It is unlawful for any person younger than 18 years of age to knowingly and intentionally possess or transport a handgun or assault firearm as defined in § 18.2-308.2:2 anywhere in the Commonwealth.
3. C. It is unlawful for any person younger than 21 years of age to knowingly and intentionally purchase a handgun or assault firearm anywhere in the Commonwealth.
4. D. A violation of this section is a Class 1 misdemeanor.

5. E. The provisions of subsection B shall not apply to:

   1. 1. Any person while present in his home or on the property of his parent, grandparent, or legal guardian and possessing the firearm with the consent of his parent, grandparent, or legal guardian who owns such firearm;
   2. 2. Any person who, while accompanied by an adult, is present at a lawful shooting range or firearms educational class;
   3. 3. Any person who, while accompanied by an adult, is actually engaged in lawful hunting;
   4. 4. Any person while engaged in official training or carrying out his duties as a law-enforcement officer or as a member of the Armed Forces of the United States or the National Guard of the Commonwealth or any other state;
   5. 5. Any cadet who is participating in training, competitive, or ceremonial activities as a member of the Corps of Cadets or the Reserve Officers' Training Corps at a public institution of higher education; and
   6. 6. Any active duty law-enforcement officer in the course of his duties or an active participant in a Trooper Basic Academy Session administered by the Virginia State Police.

1993, cc. 467, 494; 2003, c. 976; 2004, c. 995; 2026, cc. 1102, 1106, 1107.