Virginia Senate Debates Gun Bills

- The proposed ban on "assault firearms" (HB 217 and SB 749) would make it a Class 1 misdemeanor to import, sell, manufacture, or purchase certain semi-automatic rifles and pistols. The House bill defines these as firearms equipped with a magazine holding more than 20 rounds, a silencer, or a folding stock. - During a Senate committee debate on the assault weapons ban, Sen. Creigh Deeds (D) referenced the recent killing of a man in Minnesota by ICE agents to counter arguments that citizens need such weapons to fight a "tyrannical government." - Other significant legislation that has advanced includes bills to ban unserialized "ghost guns" (SB 323), hold the firearm industry civilly liable for harm caused by their products (HB 21), and require the secure storage of firearms in homes with minors (HB 871). - This legislative push follows two years of similar gun control bills being vetoed by former Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin. In 2025 alone, he vetoed dozens of gun-related bills passed by the General Assembly. - With Democrats now in control of both the General Assembly and the governor's office with the election of Governor Abigail Spanberger, the party is advancing a package of approximately 40 gun-related bills. - Discrepancies exist between the House and Senate versions of some bills that will need to be reconciled; for instance, the House bill limits firearm magazine capacity to 10 rounds, while the Senate version sets the limit at 15. - Several bills focus on domestic violence, including measures to establish a clear process for removing firearms from individuals with domestic violence convictions (HB 93) and extending firearm prohibitions to those who have abused a dating partner (SB 160). - The Virginia House of Delegates has also passed bills that would prohibit carrying "assault firearms" in public places (SB 312) and restrict carrying firearms on college campuses (SB 272).