RICHMOND, Va. – Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has signed a series of gun safety bills into law while vetoing numerous others, sparking both praise from advocates and criticism from Democratic lawmakers. The legislation that received his signature includes measures to prevent children who pose a credible threat from accessing firearms and to ban an illegal device known as an auto sear, which can convert firearms into automatic weapons.
In a statement, Governor Youngkin emphasized his commitment to upholding the rights of law-abiding Virginians while also enacting “common sense reforms.” However, House Majority Leader Charniele Herring expressed strong disappointment in the governor’s vetoes, citing the need for more comprehensive action to address gun violence. House Speaker Don Scott echoed Herring’s sentiments, stating that the vetoes removed crucial tools for ending gun violence.
Senator Suhas Subramanyam, who sponsored two of the bills signed into law and three of the bills vetoed, applauded the progress made but urged the governor and the legislature to do more. He emphasized the importance of creating a safer future for his own children, highlighting the need to address issues like armed security in schools.
Gun safety advocates hailed the signed legislation as a significant step forward, recognizing it as a departure from Virginia’s traditionally pro-gun stance. John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety, commended Governor Youngkin and the bipartisan lawmakers who championed the laws, calling on them to continue listening to the demands of voters for solutions to gun violence.
Nevertheless, advocates acknowledged that there is still work to be done. Angela Ferrell-Zabala, executive director of Moms Demand Action, emphasized the need to keep fighting for additional gun safety measures in the future. Grace Varughese, a volunteer with the Hayfield chapter of Secondary School Students Demand Action, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that progress shouldn’t stop with the recently signed bills.
Governor Youngkin has not only signed laws but also introduced amendments to other gun safety legislation. These amendments aim to make it more difficult for criminals to use guns in the commission of violent acts. They include penalties for carrying weapons into mental health facilities, aligning state law with federal regulations on altered firearm serial numbers, and establishing standards for banning “ghost guns” built with untraceable parts.
In addition to signing bills, Governor Youngkin vetoed a wide range of gun safety measures. These include legislation to ban assault firearms, prohibit firearms on college campuses, establish waiting periods for firearm purchases, and enforce stricter storage requirements in households with youth or individuals prohibited from possessing firearms. The long list of vetoes has drawn criticism from Democrats, who argue that these measures were essential for preventing gun violence.
The debate over gun safety in Virginia continues, with supporters of the signed legislation hopeful that it marks a turning point in addressing the issue. However, critics maintain that more comprehensive measures are necessary. As the state moves forward, the balance between individual rights and public safety remains at the forefront of discussions surrounding gun legislation.