The "Virginia Plan to Reduce Gun Violence Act of 2026" introduces comprehensive federal firearms reforms across several key areas. It mandates universal background checks for most private firearm transfers, requiring licensed dealers to facilitate these transactions, though it includes specific exceptions for family gifts and temporary transfers for activities like hunting or target shooting. The bill also prohibits the sale and possession of "ghost guns" by making it unlawful to manufacture, import, or transfer firearms and their components that lack serial numbers or are undetectable by security screening devices. Furthermore, the legislation defines and prohibits the sale of certain "assault weapons," characterized by specific features or magazine capacities, and restricts their possession by individuals under 18 years of age, with limited exceptions. It also establishes a national framework for extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs) , providing grants to states and tribes that implement laws allowing courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others, while ensuring due process. This framework includes provisions for ex parte orders, firearm surrender and storage protocols, and reporting to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). The bill enhances firearm safety requirements by mandating that individuals report lost or stolen firearms to law enforcement within 48 hours of discovery. It also creates an offense for recklessly leaving loaded, unsecured firearms in a manner that endangers minors, unless securely stored. Additionally, the legislation expands federal firearm prohibitions to include individuals convicted of a misdemeanor crime of stalking and clarifies the criteria for court orders that prohibit firearm possession due to domestic violence or threats. A dedicated section addresses domestic violence relinquishment , establishing a grant program to support state and tribal laws requiring individuals prohibited from possessing firearms due to domestic violence orders to surrender or transfer their weapons. Finally, the bill introduces new restrictions on firearm possession in sensitive locations, specifically prohibiting firearms in or on the grounds of institutions of higher education and within 1,000 feet of mental healthcare facilities , with certain exceptions for licensed individuals or secure storage. It also disqualifies individuals convicted of a misdemeanor hate crime involving physical force or credible threats from possessing firearms.