A bill that would regulate high-powered firearms has reported out of a House committee, with renewed debate over what it could mean for gun owners and public safety across the state.

House Bill 217 proposes changes to Virginia’s firearm laws that supporters say would help reduce gun violence and improve public safety. Opponents argue the measure could place new restrictions on lawful gun owners without addressing the root causes of violent crime. 

The bill is one of several firearm-related proposals, including change of purchase age to 21, under consideration this session as lawmakers revisit an issue that has long divided the General Assembly along party lines. 

If passed, the proposal would prohibit the manufacture, sale, import, purchase and transfer of many semi-automatic rifles, pistols and shotguns that meet its newly expanded definition of “assault firearms.” This definition is based on features such as pistol grips, threaded barrels, adjustable stocks and detachable magazines. 

The bill exempts some people serving in the government or military, among others. A penalty would not apply to those who purchased the assault firearm before July 1. 

Chief patron Del. Dan Helmer, D-Fairfax, said his support for the bill is informed by his military experience and his concerns about civilians having access to certain high-powered firearms. 

“Our schools and our communities shouldn’t be war zones,” Helmer said. “Weapons similar to those I carried in Iraq and Afghanistan have no place in our streets, and this bill seeks to address that.” 

Supporters also say the legislation would bring Virginia in line with policies adopted in other states and help close gaps in existing law. 

During a gun violence prevention conference on Jan. 24, Del. Nadarius Clark, D-Suffolk, stressed the importance of stricter gun regulations, particularly as it pertains to young people in Virginia. 

“Firearms are still the No. 1 cause of death for children, which means firearms are the No. 1 killer of the future of this country and the commonwealth,” Clark said. “My colleagues and I will continue to fight for policies and funds to keep our community safe from gun violence.” 

The political outlook for HB 217 is favorable, but not necessarily guaranteed. Democrats currently hold majorities in both chambers of the General Assembly, a factor that improves the bill’s chances of advancing. Similar proposals previously introduced have failed, sometimes as a result of hesitation from Democrats, or the bills were vetoed by the former Republican governor. 

Gun policy has been a recurring issue in Virginia politics, particularly in the years following high-profile incidents of gun violence and after Democrats gained their first governing trifecta in 2020. Democrats have pushed for tighter firearm regulations, while Republicans have framed the debate around constitutional rights and personal responsibility. 

Senate Minority Leader Ryan McDougle, R-Hanover, criticized the proposed regulations, saying they could have unintended consequences for responsible gun owners. 

“We’re going to keep Virginians safe. That’s how you address violent crime is, you take people that commit those acts and you make sure that they are not in a position to harm other people,” McDougle said. “Taking the Second Amendment rights away from individuals that legally possess guns does not make Virginia safer.” 

Some state Republican lawmakers have, in the past, supported certain measures, but are mostly opposed to broadening the scope of gun regulation. In 2008, McDougle sponsored Senate Bill 226 — introduced after the Virginia Tech shooting — that now requires firearm purchasers to disclose whether they have ever been involuntarily committed for mental health treatment as part of the background check process. It passed both chambers with unanimous support. 

Advocacy groups on both sides of the issue are closely monitoring the bill’s progress. Gun rights groups have urged lawmakers to reject the measure, calling it an overreach. Gun safety organizations testified the proposal could help prevent mass shootings and save lives. 

This is the fourth time Helmer has sponsored such legislation, and the last two were vetoed. 

“Still today, Republicans are too beholden to the NRA to move forward with commonsense legislation that keeps Virginia safe,” Helmer said. “The door is open, the water is warm, and we’d love to have them stand with us in support of our communities.” 

HB 217 advanced from the House Public Safety committee on Jan. 30, with a minor substitute to ensure compliance with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, according to Helmer’s office. A similar measure in the Senate, sponsored by Sen. Saddam Azlan Salim, D-Fairfax, cleared committee but must next clear an appropriations committee before heading to the Senate floor.