Supreme Court to Review State Bans on Semiautomatic Rifles

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Supreme Court to Review State Bans on Semiautomatic Rifles

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The U.S. Supreme Court has announced it will review the constitutionality of state and local bans on semiautomatic rifles, including AR-15 style firearms. The decision, made on June 30, 2026, sets the stage for a significant Second Amendment ruling that could impact laws in numerous states. Currently, at least 10 states and Washington D.C. have restrictions on these types of weapons.

The high court consolidated two cases, *Viramontes v. Cook County* and *Grant v. Higgins*, which challenge an ordinance in Cook County, Illinois, and a Connecticut state law, respectively. The Second Amendment Foundation, a Bellevue, Washington-based gun rights advocacy group, is involved in pushing these challenges. Arguments are anticipated to be heard in the Supreme Court’s next term, which begins in October 2026, with a ruling potentially coming by mid-2027.

Washington state enacted its own ban on the manufacture, import, distribution, and sale of “assault weapons” on April 25, 2023. This law, signed by Governor Jay Inslee, does not prohibit the possession of these firearms but restricts their sale and transfer. Legal challenges to Washington’s ban have been ongoing, with a judge upholding the law in late 2025, though an appeal is expected. The outcome of the Supreme Court’s review could directly affect the legality of Washington’s ban and similar laws across the country. Gun rights advocates argue that these bans infringe upon Second Amendment rights, while proponents of the bans maintain they are crucial public safety measures.

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