Virginia Democrats, advocacy groups push for tighter gun laws

Some big changes could be coming for Virginia gun owners.

With the Democrat-controlled General Assembly and with a Democrat as Governor, bills that have failed or been vetoed over the years are moving ahead.

Every year as the General Assembly Session begins, Gun Lobby Day brings dueling rallies — gun rights supporters who want to broaden firearms rules and gun safety activists pushing
for gun restrictions.

This year, the gun safety side is feeling optimistic with Democrats controlling the Virginia House, Senate and Governor’s Mansion.

“We know this year Abigail Spanberger is one of us,” said Kelly Johnson with Moms Demand Action. “She comes from Moms Demand Action, and we feel really confident and excited that some really life-saving bills are going to get made into law.”

But those on the other side expressed concern.

“As the word has spread, a lot of gun owners who were asleep are waking up and saying, ‘Whoa, when did all this happen?’” said Philip Van Cleave with the Virginia Citizens Defense League.

Banning assault weapons has long been a goal for Democratic leaders. The measure that’s advanced through both chambers is now undergoing a final review. It would ban the sale and possession of assault weapons after July 1, although current owners could sell back to a federally- licensed store.

“We’re excited we would be joining many other states with a robust assault weapons ban,” Johnson said.

Opponents say if the measure does become law, their fight is ahead in court.

It’s clear from a previous Supreme Court decision you cannot prohibit popular firearms in common use, and the AR-15 is the most popular rifle in America,” Van Cleave said.

Another measure, moving along, winning approval would bar anyone under age 21 from purchasing a handgun or assault firearm. Those under 18 would not be able to possess or transport the weapons unless going hunting or to a shooting range with an adult.

“That’s a tyrannical way of thinking: ‘Let’s just strip these people of their rights.’ These are young adults. This is the next generation,” Van Cleave said.

And the so-called Safe Storage Bill is already headed to the governor’s desk. It would require
gun owners to lock their weapons in a secure container at home if minors could be present.

The bill was first proposed four years ago after a Norfolk first grader brought a gun from home and shot his teacher, seriously injuring her. Approved in the past session but vetoed by former Gov. Glenn Youngkin, Johnson says the measure has broad public support..

“Again, we’re looking to save lives, and we believe this will save lives,” Johnson said.

A spokesperson in the Governor’s office told News4, “As the mother of three daughters in Virginia public schools and a former federal law enforcement officer who carried a gun every day, Governor Spanberger knows how important it is to make sure Virginia kids and families are safe. The Governor is grateful for the efforts of legislators to address gun violence in Virginia communities, and she looks forward to reviewing all legislation that comes to her desk.”