Republicans have already killed several gun confiscations bills that the Democrats had hoped to pass this year.
But the Republican controlled committees didn’t axe them all.
Several gun bills were referred to other committees and are currently continuing their progress towards floor votes.
Gun Confiscation Bills Still Alive in the General Assembly
Governor Ralph Northam and his Democrat caucus announced a large package of gun confiscation bills earlier this year.
Included in the plan was a bill to introduce gun confiscation orders for people believed to be a risk to themselves or others.
Many of these bills picked-up immediate resistance.
Related: Democrats Push Gun Confiscation Bill in Virginia
Subsequently, committees controlled by Republicans killed many of these bills over the last several days.
Pro-gun advocates from the NRA and Virginia Citizen’s Defense League (VCDL) attended the committee meetings, along with folks arguing for gun control such as Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney.
Afterward, VCDL announced that while many of their opposed bills had been struck down, several more were still active.
“[W]e still have 24 more bills that are alive!” they reported on Facebook.
The group further explained that even more proposals had appeared on their radar.
“A few last minute bills were added today – another ‘assault weapon’ ban bill and another bill to restrict the purchase of certain firearms by those who are 18, 19, or 20 years old. There is also a Universal Background Check bill and eight other bad bills.”
With Virginia’s legislative session set to continue late into February, watchdog groups are observing whether the winds will shift before the lawmakers head back to their districts for the year.
One pro-gun group, National Association for Gun Rights, asked their members to stay vigilant until the 2019 session ends.
“[W]ith 33 days remaining in the legislative session, Northam and his allies are scrambling to find a way to revive a gun control bill before lawmakers go home. Contact your legislators and tell them NO GUN CONTROL.”
Democrats, for their part, have shifted their tune towards the November elections.
Addressing a gathering supporting gun confiscation, Governor Northam stated, “If we can’t change people’s minds, we need to change their seats.”
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