Virginia Legislature Passes Background Checks For All Firearm Purchases

The Virginia state legislature voted on Saturday to conduct background checks on all firearm purchases. The state also passed a bill that would limit gun owners who do not have a concealed carry permit to purchase only one handgun a month. 

The bill passed both the Senate and General Assembly. It will be sent to Gov. Ralph Northam (D) for approval. The House passed the background check bill by a 51-45 vote Thursday, and the Senate passed the bill by a 23-16 vote Saturday.

The two bills are a part of an eight-part pack of bills Northam has supported. Seven have been passed and include a ban on owning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. 

“I am so proud to finally see the passage of so many great bills this session that are going to save lives and protect Virginians throughout our commonwealth,” Delegate Hala Ayala said in a statement.

Eileen Filler-Corn, the Speaker of the Virginia state House, added, “We promised to make Virginia safer from the senseless gun violence that has ravaged our communities. Promise kept.”

For the first time since 1994, Virginia’s state government is majority Democrat. State Democrats have taken advantage of their majority to prioritize the passing of as many gun control measures as possible