Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 18.2-295.1 as follows:

§18.2-295.1. Chief law-enforcement officer certification; certain firearms.

When a chief law-enforcement officer's certification is required by federal law or regulation for the transfer of a firearm, the chief of police or the sheriff shall, within 15 days of receipt of the request for certification, provide such certification if the applicant is not prohibited by law from receiving the firearm.

For purposes of this section, "firearm" shall have the same meaning as provided in the National Firearms Act, 26 U.S.C. § 5845 (a).