The Democratic-controlled state Senate in Virginia is set to approve a proposal that would allow governments to seize firearms from people with mental illnesses or those who are shown to have criminal intent.
The “red flag” bill comes before lawmakers Wednesday, part of a broader gun control package Virginia Democrats are pushing now that they control all branches of state government.
Preliminary approval on the bill came Tuesday, a day after gun rights protesters came to Richmond on the state’s annual Lobby Day. Following the expected passage in the Senate, the bill will go before the state House of Delegates and then onto Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam for his signature.
The bill, SB 240, is being pushed along with proposals such as universal background checks and restricting gun purchases to once a month. Legislative Democrats also want to give local governments the authority to prohibit weapons at permitted venues during public events.
Critics of “red flag” laws say they can be too easily abused by officials and deny law-abiding firearm owners due process rights.
Republicans proposed several amendments to the “red flag” bill Tuesday, which the Democratic majority ruled out of order. Democrats also defeated 12 Republican proposals Tuesday intended to expand firearm regulations in the state.
