VIRGINIA DEMOCRATS MOVE TO BAN ASSAULT WEAPON SALES. (PHOTO).

 Virginia Democrats move to ban assault weapon sales

 Democrats in the Virginia House of Delegates advanced legislation Thursday aimed at curbing gun violence, marking a significant step toward restricting high-capacity firearms and increasing accountability in the gun industry.

The proposed measures would ban the sale and purchase of high-capacity semiautomatic weapons, prohibit firearms inside hospitals and on college campuses, expand penalties for selling ghost guns, and create a state civil cause of action against firearm industry members. Delegate Nadarius Clark said the legislation is “step one” in fulfilling promises to keep communities safe. Delegate Dan Helmer, a former Army captain, introduced the bill, noting that assault weapons “have no place in our communities,” and Virginia would become the 11th state to enact such a ban. The legislation also establishes standards for firearm industry conduct, requiring reasonable controls over the manufacture, sale, distribution, and marketing of guns.

Republicans criticized the legislation as a shift away from affordability priorities, warning that legal challenges could cost taxpayers millions. They highlighted concerns about restrictions on magazines holding more than 10 bullets and potential constitutional conflicts under precedents like New York State Rifle & Pistol Ass’n v. Bruen. Supporters, including Andrew Goddard of the Virginia Center for Public Safety, emphasized the destructive power of assault rifles and the need to hold manufacturers accountable. The bills also address ghost guns, impose penalties for leaving firearms unsecured in vehicles, and require safe storage in homes with minors. The state Senate is considering its own versions of the proposals.