RICHMOND, Va. — An increasingly diverse Virginia General Assembly convened Wednesday, led for the first time in more than two decades by Democrats who are promising to enact a litany of changes.
In the weeks since Democrats retook control of the state House and Senate, they have laid out an ambitious agenda. It includes high-profile issues Republicans thwarted for years, including gun control measures and criminal justice reforms.
"None of the bills I've put up are unconstitutional or take away anyone's Second Amendment right," said 95th Delegate Marcia Price (D-Hampton). "It’s helping our communities stay safe and acknowledging there is a gun violence problem and trying to address that."
They have also pledged to ease restrictions on abortion access and raise the minimum wage.
Larger than normal crowds surrounding the gun control issue beefed up the number of law enforcement officers at the Capitol on Wednesday. Governor Ralph Northam said some of his top priorities include universal background checks, a ban on assault weapons and re-instating the "one gun a month" law.
"I'm also a proponent of Second Amendment rights, but responsibly is how we want people to be as they carry their weapons," said 77th District Delegate Cliff Hayes (D-Chesapeake).
While several Republican heavyweights retired or were voted out of office, GOP members who are still serving said they are ready to get to work.
"We miss the wisdom of those members... but at the end of the day, we all have relationships that extend across the aisle," said 84th District Delegate Glenn Davis (R-Virginia Beach). "We all want to do what is good for everyone across the Commonwealth and I think we’re going to see some good things get done."
Lawmakers also will be tasked with passing a two-year state budget during the 60-day session.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.