Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe and Republican lawmakers are hailing a rare compromise on gun policies as a historic moment in Virginia politics.
McAuliffe and House Speaker William J. Howell outlined the deal at a news conference Friday.
Both said the compromise was a win for the state, not any particular party.
The proposed policy strengthens some gun control measures while reversing a policy that would have invalidated concealed handgun permits in Virginia held by residents of 25 other states.
Among other things, GOP leaders have agreed to support a measure prohibiting people from carrying a firearm if they are subject to a permanent protective order for a domestic violence offense.
State police would be required at gun shows and allowed to do background checks for private gun sellers.
Martina Leinz, who heads the Northern Virginia chapter of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, said while she's disappointed with parts of the deal, taking guns away from some domestic abusers is important.
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The parents of a Virginia reporter shot to death on live television are begging McAuliffe to stop the deal. Barbara and Andy Parker, whose daughter Allison and her coworker were shot during a broadcast in August, signed a highly critical letter from former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s gun control advocacy group Everytown.
McAuliffe defends the bipartisan deal, saying it will save lives.
Most of the proposals still must be approved by the General Assembly.
