A constitutional showdown is underway as the Justice Department challenges Virginia's assault weapons ban in federal court.

Several new Virginia laws take effect July 1, touching nearly every corner of daily life — from gun sales and criminal records to job applications, speeding and even takeout containers.

Lynchburg Commonwealth’s Attorney Bethany Harrison in a letter to Chief Kenneth Edwards of the Lynchburg Police Department, said that her office would not enforce SB 749/HB 217, the “Assault Weapons Ban,” and SB 727/HB 1524, the “Public Carry Ban”.

A ban on certain semi-automatic weapons is moving forward in the House.