General Assembly sends gun control measures to Youngkin’s desk

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- On Wednesday, Virginia's Democratic-controlled General Assembly passed several gun control measures, including multiple that are now headed to Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s (R) desk.

These controversial pieces of legislation have prompted fierce debate, with supporters saying they are necessary for public safety.

“Nobody needs to go hunting with an AK-47," said Sen. Jennifer Boysko (D-Fairfax). "Nobody needs to leave guns out when they are toddlers in the home. These gun bills will save lives."

Those opposed to the measures say they infringe on citizens' rights.

“It’s sad, the Democrats seem to have lost touch [with] what the Constitution is -- they have lost touch with what our right to self-defense is,” said Philip Van Cleave, President of the Virginia Citizens Defense League, a gun-rights organization. 

General Assembly passes bill to end tax breaks for organizations that honor Confederacy

One of the bills that is now headed to Youngkin’s desk would require anyone with children at home to store their guns in locked boxes or containers. 

“Just in November, another child died because his father left his handgun out on the counter and the 3-year-old accidentally killed themselves,” Boysko said.

While supporters of the bill like Boysko cite protecting young people from accidental injury, opponents like Del. Nick Frietas (R-Culpepper) provided examples of when they believe young people should be allowed access to firearms.

“I live in a rural area where the police will probably not get to my house in 15-20 minutes," Frietas said on the House floor. "So if my strong, independent 17-year-old is home alone -- who has been taught to handle firearms responsibly since the age of 5 -- [and she accesses] that [firearm] for the purposes of protecting herself from someone trying to break in and harm her, I am now guilty of a misdemeanor [if this legislation is passed.]"

General Assembly grapples with making mail theft a state crime

Youngkin will also consider a bill that would institute a five-day waiting period before someone can purchase a gun, something Democrats say could reduce suicide rates, as it would prevent people from impulsively buying a gun. 

However, Van Cleave said the bill is meant to shut down gun shows. 

“You can buy it there, but you have to wait five days, but the show is over," Van Cleave said of how this bill would impact such shows. "Now you have to drive to wherever that dealer is to get your gun. It could be across the state. It could be in a different state."

The House also approved a bill to ban the sale of new assault weapons -- however, that bill still needs to go back to the Senate before it can advance.