Goobernor Northam, Backs Away From Virginia Gun Ban Plans

……………..

Backing away from an assault weapons ban–for now

At the start of 2020, Northam’s package of gun control bills garnered national attention as thousands stormed the state capitol in protest. Ultimately, Senate Democrats rejected the most controversial of them all: a ban on the new sale of assault-style weapons and the possession of high-capacity magazines.

At the time, Northam’s office assured the bill would be back in 2021. Yet going into his last regular legislative session as governor, the chief sponsor of the bill is deferring action.

Del. Mark Levine (D-Alexandria) told 8News that he’s not planning to introduce the ban in 2021 because it’s too big of a lift during a shortened session that will largely be held online. He doesn’t expect any of his Democratic colleagues to introduce it either, though it can’t be ruled out.

8News asked Northam if waiting to revisit the issue is the right decision or if Democrats should be acting with more urgency to fulfill one of their top campaign promises.

“It was a campaign promise that a lot of us ran on. I think it was a large reason why the House switched from Republican control to Democratic control,” Northam said. “That one bill on assault weapons didn’t move forward but six other pieces of legislation did and I think because of that Virginia is a safer state.”

“But I’ll leave that up to the discretion of the legislature and whatever they do I’ll be supportive of,” Northam continued.

Northam said he’s not personally pushing the General Assembly to address the measure in 2021.