Buchanan Sheriff Boyd won’t pursue parts of VA’s new gun laws—Grundy safe-storage steps

Virginia’s new firearms laws took effect July 1, 2026. On July 8, Buchanan County Sheriff Allen W. Boyd said his office has directed deputies not to pursue enforcement actions tied to several of the new measures while constitutional challenges are still pending in court—an approach residents in and around Grundy have been asking about.

What Sheriff Boyd said deputies will (and won’t) do

In a statement reported by the Virginia Mountaineer, Boyd said his office is aware of residents’ questions about the new laws—particularly House Bill 217, Senate Bill 749, and Senate Bill 727. Boyd also said it is not the job of law enforcement to decide whether a law is constitutional.

Because of that uncertainty, Boyd said he has directed the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office to exercise lawful discretion and not pursue enforcement actions under the new gun laws while the litigation continues. He also said the office will monitor court developments and adjust as guidance becomes available.

The July 1 safe-storage requirement residents should follow now

One concrete part of the July 1 legislation that affects households is Virginia’s expanded safe-storage rule in Virginia Code § 18.2-308.7:1. The statute says:

If the person knows a minor (under 18) or a prohibited person is present in the residence, the firearm must be stored in a locked container, compartment, or cabinet that is inaccessible to that minor/prohibited person; or
The firearm must be made incapable of being fired using a gun locking device appropriate to that firearm and made for that purpose.

The statute allows a firearm to be stored loaded only if it’s in a storage device with a combination, coded, or biometric lock and no minor or prohibited person is an authorized user for that lock. Violations are Class 2 misdemeanor under the statute.

The law also includes limited exceptions, including for a person lawfully carrying the firearm on their person and for the storage of certain antique firearms.

Practical safe-storage checklist for Grundy households

Even while courts consider challenges to parts of Virginia’s new firearms laws, Grundy-area residents can reduce risk by implementing the safe-storage baseline the statute describes:

Pick a locked, inaccessible spot for firearms (locked container/compartment/cabinet) if minors or prohibited persons may be present.
If keeping a firearm loaded, use a combination/coded/biometric lock storage device—and make sure minors/prohibited persons are not authorized users.
Confirm access controls (keys, codes, or access routines) so a minor or prohibited person can’t access the firearm.

Remember: Sheriff Boyd’s comments describe his office’s enforcement discretion during ongoing legal challenges—not a guarantee about every situation in the long run. Safe-storage steps are something households can control immediately.

What to watch next

Boyd said his office will keep monitoring ongoing litigation and review court decisions as they arrive. For the most up-to-date practical guidance, Grundy residents should watch for any further public statements or updates from the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office as courts issue rulings.

If you’re unsure how the rules apply to your household, consider getting qualified legal guidance for your specific circumstances.

Sources

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