NORFOLK, Va. — In about two weeks, state lawmakers will once again gather in Richmond after Governor Ralph Northam called a special session, which will focus on gun legislation.
In his announcement, the Governor asked for "votes and laws, not thoughts and prayers" when it comes to what he's calling "commonsense gun safety proposals", such as:
- Universal background checks
- A ban on assault weapons, to include suppressors and bump stocks
- An extreme risk protective order
- Reinstating the one-gun-a-month law
- Child access prevention
- Requiring people to report lost and stolen firearms
- Expanding local authority to regulate firearms, including in government buildings
"That's legislation Democrats have long wanted to get passed. They've had Democratic governors in Terry McAuliffe and Ralph Northam, but they've been unable to do that legislation because Republicans have controlled both chambers of the state legislature," said Rachel Bitecofer, Assistant Director of the Wason Center for Public Policy at Christopher Newport University.
She said Democrats are being strategic with this special session, hoping to push forward the gun legislation in the aftermath of tragedy.
"The Democrats, in this effort with the special session, are hoping that with the full attention of the public on only that issue and in the wake of the Virginia Beach shooting, they can force the Republicans to take up the issue of some of these gun control measures," she said.
Governor Northam's team hasn't let up on pushing the issue. His cabinet has made its way around the state, holding roundtable discussions. Last week they were in Hampton talking to local leaders ahead of July 9.
"I think it's going to be probably one of the most exciting political events to have happened in the commonwealth in a while," she said.