Bills Include a Ban on the Sale of Assault Weapons and High-Capacity Magazines, Industry Accountability, Ghost Gun Regulations, Secure Storage Requirements, and Measures to Protect Survivors of Domestic Violence

RICHMOND, V.A. - Today, the Virginia chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety's grassroots network, issued the following statements celebrating the House of Delegates for passing five priority gun violence prevention bills. This marks a pivotal moment for the Commonwealth, signaling a bold, multi-front commitment to ending gun violence, from tackling weapons of war and untraceable ghost guns to holding the gun industry accountable and protecting survivors of domestic violence. These bills now move to the Senate.

"Today is an exciting day for every Virginian who has ever knocked on a door, or called their legislator demanding a safer Commonwealth," said Gayatri Manoharan, a volunteer with the Virginia chapter of Moms Demand Action. "Our gun sense champions in the House listened to voters and delivered for safer communities. This is a comprehensive commitment to protecting our children from gun violence in every form. We are thrilled to see this progress and look forward to getting these bills across the finish line in the Senate and onto Governor Spanberger's desk."

"For my generation, gun violence has been a constant weight we've carried in our classrooms and our communities," said Aidan Vivas, a volunteer with the Prince William County Students Demand Action group.. "Today, we saw what happens when we elect leaders who prioritize our lives over the interests of the gun lobby. Passing five different gun safety measures out of the House at once is a massive win for safer communities and shows Virginia is serious about building a future free from gun violence. We're not slowing down until these bills become law."

Five priority bills passed by the House today include:

• Assault Weapons and High-Capacity Magazines Ban (HB217): Banning the sale of all assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.

• Industry Accountability (HB21): Requiring the firearm industry (manufacturers, dealers, etc.) to act responsibly and report suspicious activity to prevent gun trafficking, straw purchases, and theft.

• Ghost Guns (HB40): Closing loopholes by requiring serialization and background checks for key firearm components that can be acquired without a background check or made with a 3D printer.

• Child Access Prevention (CAP) (HB871): Requiring the secure storage of firearms in residences where a minor or prohibited person is present.

• Domestic Violence Firearm Removal (HB93): Establishing a clear process for the removal of firearms from individuals convicted of domestic violence crimes.

In an average year in Virginia, 1,1226 people die by guns and 1,624 people are wounded. Gun violence costs Virginia $14.2 billion each year, of which $288.3 million is paid by taxpayers. More information about gun violence in Virginia is available here.