RICHMOND (WINA) – Both chambers of the General Assembly have passed different assault weapons bans on the same day Monday, but both could face Governor Youngkin’s veto pen. The Senate passed a measure by Alexandria Democrat Adam Ebbin that bans open carry of assault weapons… with exceptions of law enforcement of military personnel performing their duties, or someone is engaged in lawful hunting or recreational shooting at established shooting ranges or shooting contests. This legislation passed on straight party-line vote with the Democrats’ majority carrying it 21-19.

The House of Delegates has gone much further with Clifton Democrat Dan Helmer’s bill that bans sale or possession of assault weapons manufactured after July 1 of this year. That means a person can sell or possess current weapons, but not those made in the future. This measure, again, passed on a party-line vote with the Democrats’ majority prevailing 51-49.