RICHMOND — Virginia Attorney General Mark R. Herring said Tuesday that the state will no longer recognize concealed carry handgun permits from 25 states that have reciprocity agreements with the commonwealth.

The move means Virginians with a history of stalking, drug dealing, or inpatient mental-health treatment cannot obtain a permit in a state with comparatively lax laws and carry a handgun legally at home.

Herring, a Democrat, said severing the out-of-state agreements can prevent people who may be dangerous or irresponsible from carrying a concealed weapon.

‘‘To me, this is a commonsense step that can help make Virginians and our law enforcement officers safer by ensuring that Virginia’s laws on who can and cannot carry a concealed handgun are applied evenly, consistently, and fairly,’’ he said.

‘‘Our General Assembly has already identified who can and cannot conceal handguns in Virginia, and we cannot have that decision undermined by recognizing permits from other states with more permissive standards.’’

Herring’s action cements his position as a liberal defender of gun control as he seeks a second term.

Gun rights advocates have criticized Governor Terry McAuliffe, Herring, and other Democrats for insisting on stronger gun laws after mass shootings in which the assailants obtained their weapons legally or suffered from mental illness.

In October, McAuliffe banned firearms in state buildings, earning a rebuke from the National Rifle Association.

Washington Post