Ten gun control bills waiting for Spanberger’s signature

Ten gun control bills are currently on the desk of Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger, a Democrat, awaiting approval.

Ms. Spanberger is expected to sign each piece of legislation, which will collectively begin to transform Virginia into one with some of the strictest gun restrictions in the country.

One piece of legislation, SB749/HB217, bans certain semi-automatic firearms, including many semi-automatic rifles, pistols, and shotguns; prohibits the sale of magazines exceeding 15 rounds; and prohibits possession by legal adults under 21 years of age.

Ms. Spanberger has 30 days from the end of the General Assembly session, which took place Saturday, to sign or veto any bill that reaches her desk. She has until April 13 to act one way or the other, and any bill it does not act on becomes law by default.

“This bill is an attempt to redefine and ban firearms that are commonly used by law-abiding citizens, and to prohibit the future sale and transfer of virtually all modern firearms,” the National Rifle Association says of this gun ban.

Another piece of legislation, SB727/HB1524, prohibits the carrying and transportation of many types of common firearms on public property.

This includes semi-automatic rifles and pistols that have a fixed 10+ round magazine, a standard 20+ round magazine, a collapsible stock, the ability to accept suppressors, or any of many other detailed features.

A violation of this prohibition constitutes a Class 1 misdemeanor, which is the most serious class of misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment of up to 12 months, a fine of up to $2,500, or both.

Under HB 916, the program expands the requirements for concealed carry permit classes in Virginia.

The shooting course should teach “the effective, efficient, and responsible use of a concealed handgun for self-defense outside the home,” state handgun laws, and proper handgun storage techniques.

The legislation also eliminates National Rifle Association and United States Concealed Carry Association courses because they meet the guidelines.

SB643/HB1525 prohibits the purchase and possession of certain firearms by legal adults under 21 years of age. Once signed as written, the new possession law would apply broadly to anyone under 21, including those who already own such firearms.

Legislation SB496/HB110 requires law-abiding people not to keep a firearm in their car unattended and visible if parked on a public road.

Democratic lawmakers attempted to insert a last-minute exclusion into the bill to exempt all members of the General Assembly from the ban, but when it was made public by Republican members, it was removed.

SB27/HB 21 would establish a comprehensive set of “responsible conduct” standards for members of the firearms industry, including manufacturers, distributors, and retailers.

Businesses should establish and implement “reasonable controls” over the manufacture, sale, distribution, use and marketing of firearms-related products.

It also creates a broad civil cause of action, allowing the state attorney general, local prosecutors or individuals to sue gun companies, seeking injunctions, damages and other costs.

SB323/HB40 is also on Ms. Spanberger’s desk. This makes the construction, importation, sale, transfer or possession of non-serialized 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 also passed legislation that will change the state’s current concealed carry reciprocity agreements with other states.

Under SB115, the State Police Superintendent would have to determine whether other states’ concealed carry permit requirements are substantially similar to Virginia’s statutory qualifications. If the Superintendent does not make such a finding, Virginia will not recognize the concealed carry permit of a person from another state.

Under current law, any license issued out of state is recognized in Virginia. If Virginia did not recognize other states’ concealed carry permits, those states likely would not recognize Virginians’ permits.

SB272/HB626 limits who can carry firearms in a public institution, such as Capitol Square or a building owned or leased by the Commonwealth, or a building of higher education. It exempts law enforcement officers on duty in these buildings.

SB173/HB229 prohibits the possession of any weapon in a hospital that provides mental health or developmental services. All weapons seized in violation are forfeited to the State of Virginia.

The bill, which also covers emergency departments or other establishments providing emergency medical care and also includes knives with a blade longer than 3 1/2 inches, explosives, stun guns and other dangerous weapons, defines the violation as a Class 1 misdemeanor.

The bill also provides that notice of these prohibitions must be posted conspicuously at every public entrance to any hospital.