Democrats in the Virginia General Assembly took another step toward restricting the lawful ownership of loosely defined "assault" weapons after a party-line vote in the House of Delegates.

House Bill 961, which passed by a vote of 51-48, would expand the definition of "assault firearm" and prohibit the sale or transfer of such weapons. The bill also expands restrictions on magazine sizes.

"HB 961 would make tens of thousands of gun owners in Virginia criminals overnight," Republican Del. Nick Freitas told the Washington Examiner. "This bill creates an environment where you could receive up to 12 months in jail for every magazine you have over 12 rounds. At the same time that Democrats are voting for early release programs for people convicted of first-degree murder and rape, they are criminalizing law-abiding gun owners."

In January, Senate Democrats passed three gun control bills that would restrict monthly gun purchases, expand background checks on firearms, and allow localities to ban guns in certain designated areas.

Democratic Del. Mark Levine introduced the legislation, which will now transfer to the Senate, where it is expected to pass before being signed into law by Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam.

"And just like that, Virginia House Democrats vote to make millions of Virginians surrender their property or become criminals," tweeted Republican Del. Dave LaRock. "If the Senate goes along with this nonsense, the Governor will sign it, and then AG Herring will spend YOUR $$$ to defend this unconstitutional overreach."

Tens of thousands of Second Amendment supporters marched on the Virginia State Capitol in late January to protest a bevy of gun control legislation. Over 80 Virginia counties declared themselves "Second Amendment sanctuaries" amid the legislative proposals, and some sheriffs promised to refuse enforcing the new laws.