Washington (CNN) A bill that would ban assault or military-style weapons in Virginia has passed out of committee and will now be considered by the full Democratic-led House of Delegates.

The measure, HB 961 , looks to ban assault weapons -- defined as semi-automatic rifles and pistols -- high-capacity magazines (more than 12 rounds), trigger activators that are designed to make weapons fire more rapidly, and silencers. The measure also looks to prevent the possession, sale, purchase and restrict the transfer of assault weapons.

"Virginians are demanding real action to combat gun violence -- today, legislators proved they are listening. I'm grateful to my colleagues in the House of Delegates for passing our commonsense gun safety legislation. Make no mistake: these measures will save lives," Northam previously told CNN.

The bill passed the public safety committee in a party-line vote of 12 Democrats to nine Republicans, but not before opposition to the measure was voiced by pro-gun Virginia residents and groups.

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