RICHMOND, Va. – As the Virginia State Crime Commission began a hearing on proposals to stem gun violence, Gov. Ralph Northam urged lawmakers to pass “commonsense” measures and took a swipe at Republican leaders who called for further study.

Northam sent a letter to the commission Monday as a two-day hearing began to review legislation introduced following a May 31 mass shooting that killed 12 people in Virginia Beach.

On Monday, the commission members questioned experts from officers to health officials on current laws and gun crime data, including the effect of certain gun control laws in other states.

The Democratic governor convened a special legislative session in July to consider universal background checks and other proposals. The Republican-controlled Legislature quickly adjourned the session and referred the legislation to the crime commission.