Virginia Attorney General Creates FAIR Unit to Enforce Firearm Accountability Law

Virginia has significantly expanded oversight of the firearm industry with the creation of the Firearms Accountability & Industry Responsibility (FAIR) Unit within the Attorney General's Office. The new unit is tasked with enforcing recently enacted legislation that imposes operational requirements on firearm manufacturers, distributors, and dealers and provides new avenues for civil enforcement and litigation arising from gun violence.

The Virginia Firearms Industry Standards of Responsible Conduct and the FAIR Unit

On September 15, 2026, Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones announced the creation of the “Firearms Accountability & Industry Responsibility Unit.” The FAIR Unit was created in response to recent legislation that established standards of conduct for the firearm industry in Virginia, requiring members to have reasonable controls to prevent thefts, illegal sales, and gun trafficking. This law also established a civil cause of action allowing victims and survivors of gun violence to sue if they were injured due to a firearm manufacturer, distributor, or dealer’s acts or omissions.

The FAIR Unit is empowered to investigate and bring civil enforcement actions against those in the firearms industry who fail to implement reasonable safeguards to prevent the firearm sales to straw purchasers, prohibited persons, or individuals they reasonably believe are at substantial risk of using a firearm to harm themselves or others.

Additionally, the law requires firearm industry members to take steps to prevent the loss or theft of firearms and to follow all other federal and state laws related to the sale and marketing of firearms and firearm related products.

What Actions Can the FAIR Unit Take?

Whenever the FAIR Unit has reasonable cause to believe any person or business has violated this law, they have the authority to issue a civil investigative demand. This demand is a formal request for information and usually includes a notice asking for documents, written responses to questions, or a demand for an examination under oath (also known as a deposition).

Preparing for FAIR Unit Enforcement

Failing to respond, or failing to truthfully respond, to a civil investigative demand can lead to criminal charges. Firearm manufacturers, distributors, and dealers operating in Virginia should closely evaluate their compliance policies and procedures in light of the FAIR Unit's new enforcement authority.

If you receive a civil investigative demand from the FAIR Unit, please reach out to the Woods Rogers Government and Special Investigations team. We can help you navigate and respond to these requests and can engage with the Attorney General’s Office on your behalf.

Our attorneys also can provide detailed guidance on federal and state firearm laws to help you stay compliant with the ever-changing legal landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the FAIR Unit?

A: The Firearms Accountability & Industry Responsibility (FAIR) Unit is a newly created unit within the Virginia Attorney General's Office that is responsible for enforcing Virginia's firearm industry accountability law and investigating potential violations by firearm manufacturers, distributors, and dealers.

Q: What is a civil investigative demand?

A: A civil investigative demand (CID) is a formal request for information issued by a government agency during an investigation. A CID may require the production of documents, written responses to questions, or testimony under oath.

Q: Who may be subject to a FAIR Unit investigation?

A: Firearm manufacturers, distributors, dealers, and other firearm industry participants operating in Virginia may be subject to investigation if the FAIR Unit has reasonable cause to believe they have violated Virginia's firearm industry accountability law or failed to implement required safeguards.