Gov. Spanberger Enacts Laws to Boost Public Safety, Curb Gun Violence

Governor Abigail Spanberger has enacted new legislation aimed at enhancing public safety in Virginia. The laws focus on supporting law enforcement, curbing gun violence, and protecting communities, particularly children.

Key Legislation to Boost Public Safety

On a recent Friday, Spanberger’s office announced that the governor signed multiple bipartisan bills into effect. These laws are designed to improve the coordination of local law enforcement during crisis situations and strengthen protections against cyberstalking and domestic violence.

Online Safety Measures

The following laws were implemented to protect Virginians against online threats:

• SB673 – Strengthens cyberstalking legislation, enhancing protections against unwanted sexual or violent online interactions. Passed unanimously.
• HB1387 – Requires the automatic revocation of teaching licenses for those convicted of sex offenses. Passed unanimously.
• HB559 & SB399 – Prevents convicted sex offenders from teaching driver education courses. Passed unanimously.
• HB1352 – Expands school safety education regarding reckless driving and speeding. Passed with bipartisan support.
• HB250 & SB55 – Prohibits convicted sex offenders from visiting state parks to contact children. Passed unanimously.
• HB629 – Introduces penalties for sexual extortion and exploitation, especially in private locations. Passed unanimously.
• SB778 – Makes it a felony for adults to show obscene material to minors under 13. Passed unanimously.
• HB1233 & SB329 – Supports the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Victim Fund with a fee on certain convictions. Passed unanimously.
• SB95 – Raises awareness of human trafficking through signage at rest areas. Passed unanimously.
• SB87 – Mandates working automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) at local sporting events and facilities. Passed unanimously.

Measures Against Gun Violence

To combat gun violence, Governor Spanberger signed the following bills:

• HB19 & SB160 – Closes the “intimate partner loophole,” prohibiting certain domestic violence offenders from possessing firearms. Passed with bipartisan support.
• HB93 & SB38 – Regulates firearm transfers by those subject to protective orders or misdemeanor domestic violence convictions. Passed with bipartisan support.
• HB40 & SB323 – Bans the manufacture and possession of untraceable firearms, known as “ghost guns.” Passed with bipartisan support.
• HB21 & SB27 – Holds firearm manufacturers accountable for contribution to gun violence through negligence. Passed with bipartisan support.

Governor Spanberger emphasized the importance of these laws, stating that they aim to ensure the safety of both first responders and the communities they serve. “Preventing gun violence is an issue of public safety. The Commonwealth of Virginia will always have your back,” she remarked.