The state of Virginia is implementing new gun control measures that take effect July 1st, 2021.
The following measures go into effect this July:
- Unauthorized individuals will not be allowed to bring firearms, explosives, or any other weapon to Capitol Square in Richmond, Virginia
- You will no longer be allowed to conceal carry a firearm in buildings where state agencies operate
- You can not bring a firearm within 40 feet of a polling location
- School Boards are authorized to ban firearms from the buildings and properties they own
- Certain domestic abusers will not be allowed to own firearms
The last new rule was a hot topic of debate in the state when it was first proposed. The rule makes it so that anyone convicted of misdemeanor assault and battery of a family member or household member is prohibited from owning, purchasing, or transporting a firearm for 3 years after their conviction.
Many pushed back on this measure as it was overly broad and may include people who are no threat to society or those around them. When this criticism was raised with the bill’s sponsor, Kathleen Murphy, she deflected saying “I cannot understand how someone believes it is more important to have the right to own a gun than to be safe from a brutal abuser.”
