| RICHMOND, VA — Today, the Virginia House of Delegates passed a slate of common-sense gun safety bills backed by House Democrats – legislation aimed at preventing gun violence to save lives and promote responsible firearm practices. House Democrats advanced bills to address ghost guns, require safer storage where minors are present, strengthen protections for domestic violence survivors, reduce theft-driven gun trafficking, and crack down on weapons of war in our communities. Bills passed by the House include: HB 21 (Del. Dan Helmer) Holds the firearm industry to standards of responsible conduct and creates civil accountability. HB 217 (Del. Dan Helmer) Prohibits the importation, sale, manufacture, purchase, and transfer of assault firearms and restricts certain ammunition feeding devices, with defined exemptions for military and law enforcement in the performance of official duties, and other narrow exceptions. Del. Dan Helmer: “You can sue a toy manufacturer who irresponsibly builds toy guns, but not a gun manufacturer who irresponsibly makes the real thing. That makes Virginians less safe, and HB 21 fixes it.” “HB 217 draws a clear line: weapons of war – similar to the ones I carried in Afghanistan – don’t belong in our neighborhoods, our classrooms, or our communities. These bills are about preventing violence, saving lives, and putting public safety first.” HB 40 (Del. Marcus Simon) Cracks down on ghost guns and undetectable firearms. Del. Marcus Simon: “Ghost guns and undetectable firearms are a growing threat because they’re built to evade common-sense safeguards — no serial number, no accountability, and too often no way to trace them after a crime. HB 40 is about keeping these illegal weapons off our streets and giving law enforcement the tools they need to protect the public.” HB 93 (Del. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker) Keeps illegal guns out of the hands of convicted domestic abusers. Del. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker: “We must protect survivors of domestic violence who tell us that their abusers still have access to firearms, despite a legal requirement to relinquish access. HB93 closes a dangerous loophole and gives law enforcement a mechanism to ensure that convicted domestic abusers do not have access to illegal guns.” HB 110 (Del. Amy Laufer) Reduces firearm theft from cars by creating a civil penalty for leaving a visible handgun in an unattended motor vehicle, and allows removal for safekeeping. Del. Amy Laufer: “Too many guns used in crimes started as guns stolen from cars. HB 110 is a simple, common-sense step: if you leave a handgun unattended in your vehicle, it shouldn’t be sitting out in plain view. This bill helps prevent theft and keeps our communities safer.” HB 229 (Del. Phil Hernandez) Prohibits firearms and other dangerous weapons inside hospitals that provide mental health or developmental services. Del. Phil Hernandez: “Hospitals that provide mental health and developmental services should be places of care and stability – not fear. HB 229 sets clear rules to keep firearms and other dangerous weapons out of these sensitive medical settings, protecting patients, staff, and families.” HB 626 (Del. Katrina Callsen) Tightens exemptions for carrying firearms or explosives in certain state-owned buildings connected to public higher education. Del. Katrina Callsen: “Campuses and schools should be places of learning — not fear. HB 626 sets clear, common-sense rules to keep weapons out of higher education buildings and close loopholes that put students and staff at risk.” HB 871 (Del. Mark Downey) Requires safe firearm storage in residences where minors or prohibited individuals are present. Del. Mark Downey: “Safe storage is one of the most effective ways to prevent tragedies – suicide, accidental shootings, youth access, and firearms getting into the hands of people who legally shouldn’t have them. HB 871 is about responsible ownership and protecting kids and families.” |
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