Article links from Virginia Gazette (free), Patch (free) or from the WashingtonPost (semi-paywall) at the bottom.
I plan on messaging my representatives that I dont want any of this legislation to pass, but right after a tragedy I’m always a bit nervous.
Summary:
As a result of the whacko who shot up the Virginia Beach Municipal Center and murdered 12 people…
Gov. Ralph Northam said that he will call a special session of the Virginia legislature in late June. His goal is to enact what he called “common sense public safety laws” this summer.
He will be trying to get the following passed (none of these would have stopped the VA Beach shooting in any way):
- Universal background checks for gun buyers
- Ban high-capacity magazines, suppressors, bump stocks and assault weapons
- Limit gun purchases to one per month per person
- Safe storage requirements to limit child access to guns
- Require gun owners to report stolen guns within 24 hours
- Allow local officials to limit weapons in government buildings
- An extreme risk law allowing law enforcement to temporarily remove guns from a person at a heightened risk of violent behavior
According to the the Virgina Gazette article VA Senate Majority Leader Thomas K. Norment Jr. cried with some anti-gun protesters, and sounds sympathetic to passing some sort of new laws, even though he voted against most of them last session.
“I understand this is a very emotional time right now. I was in Virginia Beach yesterday and I think there ought to be a meaningful discussion legislatively and in the community about gun control,” Norment said. “I think some changes have been made. What I’m absolutely certain of, that not enough has been done that would satisfy most of the individuals that are here today.”
The WashingtonPost article has more details about the politics side. House Speaker Kirk Cox wants tougher mandatory minimum sentences for gun crimes
“We believe addressing gun violence starts with holding criminals accountable for their actions, not infringing on the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens”
But apparently, that type of gun law won’t fly with Northam:
That’s a sharp stick poked right back at Northam, who is opposed to mandatory minimums because he says they disproportionately affect African Americans.
The usual crowd praised Northam’s action including US Sen. Tim Kaine, Brady, Giffords,
https://www.vagazette.com/news/va-vg-norment-protest-0603-story.html
