NORFOLK, Va. — A new Virginia House and Senate are on their way into the General Assembly in 2024.
Now, we’re already getting a look at some of the bills lawmakers hope to pass in the upcoming session.
Both Democratic and Republican lawmakers have already filed a handful of bills ahead of the next General Assembly session with topics ranging from assault weapons to hate crimes, to abortion.
Let’s take a closer look, starting with House and Senate Bill 2.
Spearheaded by Democrats, that bill aims to create a Class 1 misdemeanor for anyone who sells, purchases or possesses an assault firearm. It would also prohibit the sale of a large capacity ammunition feeding device. The bill includes exceptions for any firearm that is antique, permanently inoperable, manually operated by bolt, pump, lever or slide action or manufactured before July 1, 2024.
Hate crimes are also top of mind for many as anti-Semitic incidents are escalating as the Israel-Hamas war continues.
Senate Bill 7, proposed by a Republican lawmaker, would create a higher criminal penalty for perpetrators of a hate crime, such as assault or trespassing to damage property.
Looking now to what will likely be a point of contention among lawmakers — A proposed constitutional amendment by Democrats to provide that every person has the fundamental right to reproductive freedom. Meaning, a person would not be denied the right to make their own decisions regarding abortion.
Though, this would have to pass two years in a row, and then voters would have the final say on their ballots.
One bill filed by Republicans aims to repeal Virginia’s Clean Cars Law and undo a 2021 law that tied Virginia’s vehicle emissions standards to California’s rather than following the federal government’s less strict limits.
Some Democratic lawmakers also look to automatically give people convicted of felonies their voting rights back once they’re released in House and Senate Joint Resolution 2. Currently, Virginia is the only state in the U.S. that strips voting rights from felons for their entire life, with restoration only possible if they petition the governor and the governor decides to grant that request.
Another constitutional amendment is being proposed for a property tax exemption for surviving spouses of a soldier who died in the line of duty. The General Assembly previously passed a potential constitutional amendment on the top and now it's up for a second vote, as well as a bill that would authorize the required ballot referendum on the issue.
Another bill that has already filed aim to issue a restricted driver’s license to people who have multiple DUI convictions, instead of having to wait three years to have their license fully reinstated after their latest conviction.
The next General Assembly will convene on January 10th with Democrats holding two seat majorities in both the House and Senate.