Virginia Legislators Pass 7 Gun Control Bills Thursday
7 Gun Control Bills Passed the House
On Thursday, the Virginia's legislators passed 7 new gun control laws. These laws were passed less than 2 weeks after more than 20,000 people gathered at Richmond's Capitol Square to rally in support of gun rights.
Since the Democrats swept the House and Senate in November, over 100 localities in Virginia have proclaimed themselves "Second Amendment Sanctuaries" in response to the progressive agenda of the party. All 7 gun control bills will still need to be accepted in the senate.
A Complete list of Gun Control Bills Passed in the House
HB2 requires a background check for all firearm transfers. The bill outlines some exceptions, including transfers between immediate family members and those that occur within a shooting range, firearm safety course or competition. The bill removes the provision that makes background checks at gun shows voluntary.
Although background checks sound like a good idea, there is no other constitutional right that mandates a background check. Further, most of the guns police recover from criminals aren't bought lawfully. This will only infringe on the rights of law abiding people.
HB9 requires a person report a lost or stolen firearm to local law enforcement or state police within 24 hours after the discovery.
As peace officers, we don't like seeing new laws passed that legislate personal responsibility. Common sense states that you should report your firearm stolen if it is indeed stolen. Why do we need a law for the obvious?
HB 421 allows localities to adopt or enforce an ordinance governing the possession, carrying, storage or transporting of firearms.
There are already laws on the books covering this at the state level. By allowing local municipalities to adopt their own laws on this, it creates a patchwork that entraps good people for simply crossing an invisible line.
HB674, commonly known as a “red flag bill,” allows for the temporary confiscation of a firearm from a person who poses a substantial risk to themselves or others, otherwise known as a “red flag bill.” The legislation creates a legal process by which an order may be issued and extended.
Red flag laws have no due process and are easily abused. Although their intentions may be good, it is ripe for abuse by the public and the government.
HB812 limits the sale of handguns to one per month. The bill sets exemptions, including for a licensed gun dealer.
Why would I need more than one gun a month? Who cares? What constitutional right limits how often you can exercise it? I have bought more than one gun a month on many occasions. This is arbitrary and capricious.
HB1004 prohibits any person subject to a permanent protective order from possessing a firearm throughout the duration of that order. The bill gives a person 24 hours after being served to legally transfer the gun.
There have been instances of people filing restraining orders on people for the sole purpose of harassing them and keeping them from owning a firearm. We have had this rule in California for some time and it is abused. when a protective order is issued, a judge can rule on firearms prohibition in court at the time of issuance. There is no need to make a blanket rule that can be used for harassment.
HB1083 sets penalties for someone who ‘recklessly’ leaves a loaded, unsecured firearm in any manner that could endanger a minor. The bill raises the age threshold from 14 to 18.
House Speaker's Statement
House Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn released a statement applauding lawmaker’s efforts to get the legislation through.
Today we fulfilled our promise to make Virginia’s communities safer from preventable gun violence.
Too many Virginians have lost a family member, friend, neighbor or co-worker because their elected representatives refused to take measures to keep firearms away from those who would do harm to themselves or others.
While today’s actions will not lessen the grief of those who have lost loved ones to gun violence, the legislation passed in the House of Delegates will prevent more senseless deaths and make our Commonwealth safer.
A special thank you to House Public Safety Committee Chairman Patrick Hope and bill patrons Ken Plum, Jeff Bourne, Marcia Price, Cliff Hayes, Rip Sullivan, Jeion Ward and Mike Mullin for their leadership and commitment to preventing gun violence in our Commonwealth.”
EILEEN FILLER-CORN (D-FAIRFAX)
Be Active, Fight Gun Control in Virginia
Continue the fight against gun control in Virginia. I watched my state, California, roll over and give up its rights over decades. We recommend you join the fight with the Firearms Policy Coalition and keep watch of local gun control measures.