Democratic leaders filed bills and resolutions on Monday aimed at ensuring abortion access and banning so-called assault weapons. Additionally, they propose raising the state's minimum wage and automatically restoring voting rights for convicted felons upon completion of their sentences.

Del. Don Scott, the newly appointed speaker of the House and the first Black man to hold the position, expressed optimism about the upcoming legislative session, stating that it would propel Virginia forward. Scott highlighted the resolution to start the process of codifying the automatic restoration of rights, emphasizing the need to reject the spirit of Jim Crow that has long plagued the Commonwealth.

If the resolutions for abortion access and restoring felons' rights are passed by the legislature, it would mark the initial step in a lengthy process to amend the state constitution. The amendments would then require passage by the legislature in the subsequent year and voter approval through a state referendum, according to The Associated Press.

House of Delegates Majority Leader Charniele Herring, sponsor of the abortion resolution, underscored that Democrats were fulfilling a promise made during the 2023 campaign cycle.

In addressing gun control, bills have been filed in both the House and the Senate to make purchasing, selling, or transferring an assault firearm a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail. The proposed bills utilize the existing state definition of an "assault firearm," encompassing semiautomatic, center-fire rifles and pistols designed to accommodate a silencer or equipped with a folding stock, as well as those with magazines capable of holding over 20 rounds of ammunition.

The state Senate had previously passed a similar bill, but it failed to advance in the Republican-controlled House. However, with Democrats now in control of both chambers, there is renewed optimism for the passage of stricter gun control measures.

The November 7 elections witnessed Democrats retaining control of the state Senate and flipping the state House of Delegates from Republicans. These high-profile elections garnered national attention, serving as a litmus test of Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin's political influence ahead of the 2024 elections.

Two years ago, Republicans in Virginia achieved their first statewide victories in over a decade by winning the gubernatorial, lieutenant gubernatorial, and attorney general races, as well as flipping the House. However, in this year's elections, Democrats effectively campaigned on preserving abortion access, which resonated with voters, leading to Youngkin's defeat. With a Democratic-controlled legislature, Youngkin will face challenges advancing his conservative agenda for the remainder of his term.

This report includes contributions from Fox News Digital's Paul Steinhauser and The Associated Press.

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