RICHMOND, Va. — It's a conversation that has gone round and round for decades — adding more restrictions when it comes to Virginia gun ownership.
On Monday, state lawmakers took up a number of recently filed bills that could curtail gun ownership, which could limit not only what Virginians carry but also where they can carry weapons.
At the top of that is assault-style weapons, including AR-15s.
"I just don't understand why we need these kinds of weapons out on the street," said Virginia Senator Suhas Subramanyam. "I think it's very telling that we are seeing religious and education leaders throwing their support behind this bill."
If passed, Senate Bill 2 would ban the purchase, possession, sale and transfer of assault weapons and certain ammunition-feeding devices.
It's not the first time such a bill has been presented to Virginia's General Assembly. With Democrats now having control of the House of Delegates and the Senate, the bill is being pushed through various committees.
However, the votes remain contentious. Republicans and gun rights advocates voted against such measures at multiple intervals, saying the bill only hurts law-abiding citizens.
"It's gun-free zones that are hurting us, owners have to store their guns in their cars and then criminals break in and steal them," said one advocate. "It's feeding the underground market, and then innocent people get hurt."
Several Democrats disagreed, pushing Senate Bill 99 that would create a penalty for gun owners who carry assault guns into public areas.
Ramin Fatehi, Norfolk's Commonwealth's Attorney, joined lawmakers in an online session to voice his support for banning these types of weapons.
"These are incredibly dangerous weapons that are literally killing people and we need prosecute the possessors of them in the Virginia Court System," said Fatehi.
Legislators in the House of Delegates have also advanced other gun control measures that could create a 'permit' for gun owners.
House Bill 1424 mandates people who wish to buy a gun must get a permit from Virginia State Police. This would only be obtained by people who not only complete a firearms safety course but would bar anyone under the age of 21 or convicted felons from applying for a permit.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin has repeatedly said he will review any bill that has passed and could veto any that comes across his desk.
Democrats would need a two-thirds vote to override Youngkin's veto. Currently, Democrats lack these numbers unless some Republicans join them in a bi-partisan vote.