5 questions about Virginia’s new gun control push

1. What gun control measures has Virginia’s Democratic-controlled House of Delegates passed?

The House quickly passed a half dozen measures, including a ban on firearms they deem “assault weapons,” a limit on magazine capacities to 10 rounds, requirements for how guns must be stored in households and expanded civil liability for the gun industry. These bills passed along party lines, with a 58-34 vote, and are now moving to the state Senate for consideration.

2. How does the legislation define “assault firearms” and what would be banned?

House Bill 217 defines an “assault firearm” as any semi-automatic center-fire rifle or pistol that expels projectiles by combustion and is equipped with a magazine holding more than 20 rounds or is designed to accommodate a silencer or is equipped with a folding stock. The ban would make importing, selling, manufacturing, purchasing or transferring such weapons a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, and those convicted would be prohibited from purchasing, possessing or transporting firearms for three years.

3. Why are Democrats able to advance these gun control measures now?

Democratic lawmakers now control both chambers of the Virginia General Assembly and the governor’s mansion following Gov. Abigail Spanberger taking office, giving the party control of every lever of power in Richmond. Democrats introduced about 40 gun control measures for this legislative session, their first opportunity to advance such comprehensive restrictions with unified government control.

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4. What concerns have critics raised about the proposed laws?

House Republican leader Terry Kilgore warned of legal challenges ahead, calling the proposed laws “a lawyer’s dream.” Virginia Citizens Defense League President Philip Van Cleave argued the laws would harass law-abiding citizens whose legally owned firearms would suddenly become contraband “by the stroke of a pen.” Critics also describe the civil liability language in HB 21 as “vague and subjective” and intended to financially ruin the firearms industry through litigation.

5. What are the key differences between the House and Senate versions of the gun control bills?

The House version limits gun magazine capacity to 10 rounds, while the Senate version limits capacity to 15 rounds. Additionally, the Senate version appears to include grandfathering provisions for existing firearms and magazines that the House version may not fully preserve, leading observers to predict the Senate version is more likely to become the final law. 

Read more: Democrat-run Virginia goes big on gun control