Virginia Democrats Propose Assault Weapons Ban

The proposed legislation, one of the first for the 2024 session, is expected to face opposition from Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

Democrats, having taken control of the General Assembly in Virginia, are seeking to pass an assault weapons ban as one of the first bills for the 2024 session.
The proposed bills would make the buying, selling, or transferring of an assault firearm a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail.
The bills also include a ban on large-capacity ammunition feeding device sales and prohibit someone previously convicted of violating gun laws from buying, selling, or transferring a firearm for three years after their conviction.
Other Democratic priorities include ensuring access to abortion, speeding up an increase in the state’s minimum wage, and automatically restoring the rights of convicted felons who have completed their sentences.
The proposed legislation is expected to provoke conflict with Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who was denied the ability to enact a conservative agenda due to the Democratic majority.