Virginia Senate Committee Advances Sweeping Gun Bans Along Party Lines
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A Democrat-controlled committee in the Virginia State Senate moved aggressively this week to advance a slate of gun control legislation that would dramatically restrict Second Amendment rights across the Commonwealth.
On Monday, the Virginia Senate Committee for Courts of Justice approved nearly a dozen anti-gun bills, most passing on strict party-line votes of 9–5. If enacted, the measures would impose new bans, create expansive “gun-free zones,” and criminalize previously lawful conduct by ordinary Virginians.
The most sweeping proposal to advance was SB 749, which would ban the importation, sale, and possession of so-called “assault firearms” along with most standard-capacity magazines. Under the bill, possession of any magazine capable of holding more than 10 rounds would immediately become a criminal offense. This is much like California’s changes to their “large capacity” magazine bans that is being challenged in the Duncan v. Bonta case currently before the Supreme Court for conference.
“Gun owners beware,” warned the Virginia Senate GOP caucus. “If you possess a magazine that holds 10 rounds or more, you immediately become a criminal under Democrat bill SB 749.” The measure would place Virginia among the most restrictive states in the nation—despite the fact that similar bans have repeatedly failed constitutional scrutiny elsewhere.
The committee also advanced a long list of additional restrictions, including:
SB 78 – Eliminates mandatory minimum sentences for firearms-related crimes
SB 79 – Bans carry of firearms in buildings owned or leased by the Commonwealth, except rest areas
SB 115 – Orders a review of concealed carry reciprocity agreements with other states
SB 173 – Establishes “gun-free zones” around hospitals providing mental health or developmental services
SB 272 – Removes exemptions allowing lawful carry on public college and university campuses
SB 312 – Bans the carry of so-called “assault firearms” in public places
SB 323 – Prohibits “plastic firearms or receivers,” targeting home-built firearms
SB 348 – Mandates gun locks in homes where a minor or prohibited person is present
SB 496 – Requires handguns stored in vehicles to be secured
SB 727 – Criminalizes the carry of any loaded firearm in a wide range of public areas, punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor
The contradiction in the legislative priorities did not go unnoticed. “Democrats literally introduced a bill eliminating mandatory minimums for individuals who commit gun crimes,” the Senate GOP noted, “while simultaneously targeting responsible, law-abiding gun owners with mountains of red tape.”
These bills must still pass the full Virginia Senate and the House of Delegates before reaching the desk of Abigail Spanberger, a Democrat who campaigned with heavy backing from national gun-control groups. Democrats currently control both chambers of the legislature, making passage a real possibility. One controversial proposal, HB 207, which would impose a new $500 state tax on suppressors, does not yet appear to have a companion bill in the Senate—but remains a looming threat as the session continues.
Taken together, these bills represent one of the most aggressive legislative assaults on the Second Amendment Virginia has seen in years. They would not reduce violent crime—but they would turn countless otherwise law-abiding citizens into criminals overnight. At 2 If By Sea Tactical, we believe the right to keep and bear arms is not a privilege granted by a committee vote. Virginians—and Americans everywhere—must stay engaged, stay informed, and continue exercising their rights. Virginia has several similarities to the state of Minnesota when it comes to voting and party make up.
This should be taken as a warning o all gun owning Minnesotans as often when gun control is passed or attempted elsewhere, our state leaders attempt to bring it here as well. With Minnesota’s legislative session underway we have seen in the past several of these Virginia Bills be introduced in our state capital as well. Thankfully so far, they have failed. However, most of these measures have only failed by a few votes showing how fragile maintain our rights can be. We do know one thing for certain, because history has shown one thing clearly when gun owners don’t speak up, lawmakers speak for them.
Here at 2 If By Sea Tactical we strive to bring you the best experience in the firearms world. As we continue to grow the media arm of 2 If By Sea, make sure you keep tuning in to our Youtube Channel @2ifbyseatactical or on Rumble @2ifbyseatactical and right here at “The Patriot’s Almanac” to stay informed on the latest happenings in the firearm world! But we are not lawyers, so this isn't legal guidance.
Stay sharp, stay informed, and stay ready.
