Richmond, Virginia—Several common-sense gun violence prevention bills passed the State Senate today. With gun violence being the top cause of death in people aged 1-17, this is welcome news. 

“We’re thrilled that Senators have voted to pass these common-sense gun violence prevention bills. These bills will save lives and make our communities safer,” LaTwyla Mathias, Executive Director of Progress Virginia, said. “No one should have to live in fear of sending their kids to school, going to the grocery store, or going to the movies or a concert. Mass death, injury, and violence from guns have become so normalized we aren’t even shocked by it. It’s time to take action and ensure that not one more person loses their life in a senseless act of preventable violence. We will continue to follow these bills as they make their way through the legislative process, and we strongly urge Governor Youngkin to sign these bills into law once they make it to his desk.” 

Background:

SB99, sponsored by Senator Adam Ebbin, passed by a margin of 21-19. The bill bans assault weapons in public spaces, including public parks, streets, and sidewalks. 

SB100, also sponsored by Senator Adam Ebbin, passed by a margin of 21-19. The bill would ban plastic and unserialized guns. These guns can be created using 3D printers and are then untraceable and undetectable by metal detectors. 

SB273, sponsored by Senator Suhas Subramanyan, passed by a margin of 21-19. This bill would extend the waiting period before a person can purchase a gun to 5 days, allowing more time for the completion of a background check. 

SB363, sponsored by Senator Adam Ebbin, passed by a margin of 21-19. The bill makes it a misdemeanor to remove the serial number on a gun or to possess a firearm without a serial number. 
SB522, sponsored by Senator Angelia Williams Graves, passed by a margin of 21-19. The bill would require people who are purchasing firearms to complete a training course in firearm safety within five years of the purchase.