All eyes were on Tuesday's New Hampshire Primary. Everyone was curious to see how the Democratic field of supporters would vote and which candidate would come out on top. While the nation was focused on this first in the nation primary, the Virginia House passed HB 961, which bans suppressors, so-called "high capacity" magazines and "assault weapons."
The bill originally had an outright ban but an amendment was added that created a grandfather clause, meaning people who currently own suppressors, AR-15s, AK-47s and other similar rifles would be able to keep them. The original language also made it a felony for gun owners to have magazines that held more than 12 rounds. The bill was changed to make simple possession a misdemeanor, Bearing Arms reported.
“If you’ve ever said I’m for the Second Amendment, this bill will infringe on it,” Republican Del. Nick Rush said on the House floor Tuesday.
The bill passed the House with a vote of 51-48, with a handful of Democrats joining the Republicans in opposition, the Wall Street Journal reported. It is now headed to the Senate.
"HB961 will turn law-abiding Virginians into criminals overnight. Under this bill, anyone who owns a standard capacity magazine must submit to mandatory confiscation or face one year in jail for each magazine they own," the National Rifle Association said in a statement. No law-abiding Virginian will be able to buy an AR-15 – America’s most popular all-purpose sporting rifle. After receiving money from Michael Bloomberg, House leaders have their hands out for more and clearly have no regard for the will of their constituents."
It's no surprise that strict gun control laws are being pushed. Gov. Ralph Northam (D) called an emergency meeting to discuss control following the tragic shooting in Virginia Beach that left 12 dead. Northam wanted to ban all semi-automatic firearms (basically all guns), suppressors (which are heavily regulated already) and enact red flag laws. We're just seeing him make good on his promise.