Virginia Democrats Close To Making Gun Owners’ Worst Nightmare Reality

Virginia House Democrats voted on Tuesday to implement new restrictive gun laws that could make it illegal to purchase most semi-automatic weapons.

The Virginia Senate passed SB 749 along party lines on Tuesday in a 21-19 vote after the House approved it in February. The bill, authored by Democratic Virginia State Sen. Saddam Salim, a Bangladeshi immigrant, will head to Spanberger’s desk, where it is expected to be signed into law, as she previously advocated supporting “common-sense proposals.”

The legislation would ban sales of many assault-style weapons. Violators of the proposed law would face Class 1 misdemeanor charges, which could result in up to 12 months in jail. The legislation defines an “assault weapon” as a semi-automatic center-fire rifle or pistol.

SB 794 also includes the end of magazines with more than 15 rounds, a restriction that would have lasting effects, as high-capacity magazines have become widely popular with gun owners and make up almost three-fourths of all produced detachable magazines internationally, according to the National Rifle Association, citing a study from the National Shooting Sports Foundation. Around 46% of magazines are rifle-capable that can hold more than 30 rounds, the reported study also found.