Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam & Democratic State Legislators Pass Strong Gun Control Measures

The Virginia General Assembly passed two gun control measures on last week, completing the legislative efforts of Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam to enforce stricter gun laws in the state.

Northam introduced the “Governor’s Package” of gun legislation after Democrats gained the majority in both chambers of the state legislature. One bill allows for the regulation of firearms in public places, except in higher education institutions. Another requires individuals under protective orders to relinquish any firearms within 24 hours.

Northam thanked the General Assembly for passing what he called, “common-sense gun safety measures.”

State legislators passed the bills during their annual reconvening, in which they are allowed to consider any vetoes or amendments the governor issued during the regular session.

Earlier in April, Northam signed five other gun control measures into law. Those include background checks for all state gun sales, restricting handgun purchases to once a month, and a bill that requires a person to report a lost or stolen firearm within 48 hours.

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