Virginia Dems File Gun Control Bills That Would Likely Face Veto From GOP Gov. Youngkin

Democratic lawmakers in Virginia have begun filing a series of gun control bills in the Commonwealth as they return for the 2024 General Assembly session.

Democrats maintained control of the state Senate in the November election and retook control of the House, but the dozens of bills they are proposing are likely to face vetoes from GOP Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

“The controversial bills filed by Republicans are just going to meet an early death. Because the Democrats control both chambers, they control the committees and by-and-large, most of these bills are not going to get out of the committees,” CBS6 Political Analyst Bob Holsworth said of the efforts.

The bills include an assault weapons ban, as well as one that holds gun owners liable if minors gain access to their weapons.

Holsworth, however, said the Democrats could bypass the possibility of a veto from Youngkin if they move forward with constitutional amendments, which don't require a signature form the governor.

Republicans have also begun filing bills including ones to reduce the number of early voting days and allow medical professionals to opt out of procedures that challenge their conscience, according to CBS6.