State lawmakers propose gun-safety measures - NBC12.com - Richmond, VA News

State lawmakers in the General Assembly are already offering some of their own plans for Virginia gun laws.  

The latest ideas are coming from democrats, but they'll be very hard to pass with republicans dominating the General Assembly.

The conversation could change though, depending on what comes out of Washington Wednesday morning.

Democratic Delegate Patrick Hope and Senator Adam Ebbin from Northern Virginia want background checks for all sales at gun shows. This is what's called the gun show loophole.

Nearly 40% of all gun sales are made without background checks, and the two lawmakers say this has to change. Hope wants it to become a Class 6 felony to sell a firearm to person who's mentally incapacitated, or who's been involuntarily admitted for mental help.

Republicans in the House are not buying these ideas. The GOP backs hiring more school safety officers and an expansion of mental health programs. 

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