Ten gun control bills are currently on the desk of Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger, a Democrat, waiting for her approval.
Ms. Spanberger is expected to sign each piece of legislation, which will collectively begin transforming Virginia into having some of the nation’s most stringent restrictions on guns.
One piece of legislation, SB749/HB217, bans certain semiautomatic firearms, including many semiautomatic rifles, pistols and shotguns; prohibits the sale of magazines exceeding 15 rounds; and prohibits possession by legal adults under the age of 21.
Ms. Spanberger has seven days to sign or veto the bill since it landed on her desk. It becomes law without her signature. If signed, the bill will take effect on July 1.
“This bill is an attempt to redefine and ban firearms that are in common use by law-abiding citizens, and prohibit the future sale and transfer of virtually all modern firearms,” the National Rifle Association says of this weapons ban.
Another piece of legislation, SB727/HB1524, makes it illegal to carry and transport many types of common firearms on public property.
This includes semiautomatic rifles and pistols that have a fixed magazine with over 10 rounds, a standard magazine with over 20 rounds, a folding stock, the ability to accept suppressors or one of many other detailed features.
A violation of this prohibition is a Class 1 misdemeanor, which is the most serious class of misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail, a fine of up to $2,500, or both.
Under HB 916, the curriculum expands the requirements for Virginia concealed-carry permit classes.
The shooting class would have to teach about “efficient, effective, and responsible use of a concealed handgun for self-defense outside of the home,” about state laws on handguns, and about proper handgun-storage techniques.
The legislation also eliminates the National Rifle Association & United States Concealed Carry Association courses as satisfying the guidelines.
The measure SB643/HB1525 bans the purchase and possession of certain firearms by legal adults under the age of 21. When signed as written, the new law on possession would apply broadly to anyone under 21, including those who already own such firearms.
The legislation SB496/HB110 requires law-abiding individuals not to keep a firearm in their cars unattended and visible if parked on a public street.
Democratic lawmakers attempted to insert a last-minute carve-out in the bill to exempt all members of the General Assembly from this prohibition, but when it was made public by Republican members, it was removed.
SB27/HB 21 would establish a comprehensive set of standards for “responsible conduct” for members of the firearm industry, including manufacturers, distributors and retailers.
Businesses would have to set up and implement “reasonable controls” over the manufacture, sale, distribution, use and marketing of firearm-related products.
It also creates a broad civil cause of action, allowing the state attorney general, local prosecutors or individuals to sue firearm businesses, seeking injunctions, damages and other costs.
SB323/HB40 is also on Ms. Spanberger’s desk. It makes building, importing, selling, transferring or possessing unserialized or plastic firearms a Class 5 felony. A Class 5 felony is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $2,500.
Virginia Democrats have also passed legislation that will change the state’s current concealed-carry reciprocity agreements with other states.
Under SB115, the state’s superintendent of police would have to determine whether other states’ concealed-carry permit requirements are substantially similar to the statutory qualifications for Virginia. If the superintendent does not make such h a finding, Virginia will not recognize the concealed-carry permit of a person from another state.
Under current law, any out-of-state permit is recognized in Virginia. Should Virginia not recognize other states’ concealed-carry permits, those states likely will not recognize Virginians’ permits.
SB272/HB626 limits who can carry firearms at a public institution, such as Capitol Square or a building owned or leased by the Commonwealth, or a building of higher learning. It exempts on-duty law enforcement within these buildings.
SB173/HB229 bans the possession of any weapons in a hospital that provides mental health services or developmental services. Any weapons seized in violation are forfeited to the state of Virginia.
The bill, which also covers emergency department or other facility rendering emergency medical care and also includes knives with a blade over 3 1/2 inches, explosives, stun weapons and other dangerous weapons, defines violation as a Class 1 misdemeanor.
The bill also provides that notice of such prohibitions shall be posted conspicuously at each public entrance of any hospital.
• Kerry Picket can be reached at kpicket@washingtontimes.com.
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