VA Senate Democrats Defeat Flurry of Bad Bills From Reversing Environmental Protections to Repealing Gun Safety Measures

Senate Democrats Defeat Flurry of Bad Bills From Reversing Environmental Protections to Repealing Gun Safety Measures

Richmond, VA – Yesterday, Democrat-led Senate committees killed a flurry of draconian Republican bills that ranged from reversing environmental protections to allowing dangerous individuals to acquire guns. In keeping with their promise to protect their progress, Democrats have fought hard this legislative session to ensure that Virginia’s communities are safe, workers are protected and we continue to lead the way in combating climate change and its worsening effects.

Here are the bills Democrat-led Senate committees killed today:

• HB 204 – Allows individuals to acquire guns before their background checks are complete.
• HB 509 – Repeals the extreme risk protective order law that temporarily separates a person from their firearms if they pose a risk to themselves or others.
• HB 827 – Repeals a law allowing localities to prohibit firearms in public spaces like government buildings, public parks, recreation and community centers, and areas used for public events.
• HB 325 – Repeals a law that would assist law enforcement, making it easier to track and solve gun crimes.
• HB 73; HB 74; HB 118 – Rolls back provisions of the Virginia Clean Economy Act, which sets Virginia on the path to a clean energy future by 2040 and fights back against climate change.
• HB 1091 – Restricts project labor agreements and removes critical protections for workers across the commonwealth.

“Under Governor Northam, Democrats passed a historic agenda addressing the climate crisis, protecting Virginians from gun violence, and strengthening workers’ rights,” said DPVA spokesperson Gianni Snidle. “This session Republicans have attempted to undo all that progress, but Democrat-led committees in the Senate have remained steadfast in their opposition to rolling back our progress. One thing is clear, Governor Youngkin and his far-right allies will be met with heavy resistance if they continue their assault on the progress we’ve made.”