Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger has signed legislation that bans the sale and manufacture of certain semi-automatic firearms , triggering immediate legal challenges from gun-rights groups. The restrictions on what the legislation calls “assault firearms” are part of nearly two dozen gun measures enacted during the Democratic governor’s first months in office, marking a major shift from her Republican predecessor, who vetoed similar proposals. “Firearms designed to inflict maximum casualties do not belong on our streets,” Spanberger said Friday. “We are taking this step to protect families and support the law enforcement officers who work every day to keep our communities safe.” The new restrictions align Virginia more closely with states such as California, Illinois and New York, where Democrats control both the legislature and governor’s office.…