Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William Howell (R-Stafford) told WTOP he expects the 2013 General Assembly to review restrictions on gun ownership for the mentally ill and proposals for increased school security.

Howell also said Connecticut has stricter gun laws than Virginia.

But "it goes way beyond gun control," Howell said, referring to the killings at Sandy Hook.

The General Assembly meets for 30 days in odd-numbered years, with an option to extend annual sessions for a maximum of 30 days, according to the General Assembly website.  This year's session begins on January 9.

Related Stories on Gun Control and School Security:

Virginia Educators Rebut Governor's Interest in School Staff Carrying Weapons

NRA Calls for 'Armed Security' Around Schools

After Newtown, NRA Ready to Make 'Meaningful Contributions'

Va. Governor Orders School Safety Review

Sen. Warner: Newtown is 'Game Changer' on Guns

Gov. Bob McDonnell Reacts to Connecticut School Shootings