Virginia lawmakers to debate new gun laws
Virginia governor urges action on gun reform.
Gov. Ralph Northam ordered lawmakers to return to the Capitol and called for passage of a wide range of gun-control measures. The Democrat said people need “votes and laws, not thoughts and prayers” after a Virginia Beach city employee shot and killed 12 people on May 31.
Northam proposed legislation that would include expanding background checks in the state and a review of potential restrictions on gun “silencers,” or suppressors, like the one used in the latest shooting.
What else Northam is proposing:
- Universal background checks
- Ban on assault weapons to include suppressors and bump stocks
- Extreme risk protective orders
- Reinstating the “one-gun-a-month” law
- Child access prevention programs
- Require individuals to report lost or stolen firearms
- Expanding local authority to regulate firearms, including in government buildings
GOP lawmakers criticized Northam as trying to exploit a tragedy for political gain. And in the leadup to Tuesday’s session, Republican leaders who control the legislature signaled they wouldn’t pass gun controls, focusing instead on increasing criminal penalties after gun crimes.
But Senate Majority Leader Tommy Norment filed surprise legislation Monday to broadly ban guns in any government building.
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