Three important pro-gun advancements are on the move in the Old Dominion.

Yesterday, the Virginia House of Delegates passed House Bill 2528 64-33 and House Bill1655 by an 82-16 vote.  Both bills now move to the Senate where they await a committee assignment. 

HB 2528, introduced by Delegate Mark Cole (R-88), would establish that no locality or entity may participate in a gun “buyback” program where individuals are given a thing of value or money in exchange for surrendering a firearm to the locality unless the governing body passes an ordinance authorizing a gun “buyback.”  The legislation requires that any locality holding gun "buybacks" sell the firearms to a federally licensed dealer.  In many cases those firearms are destroyed.

Authored Delegate Charles Carrico (R-5), HB1655, would require a court to award reasonable attorney fees, expenses, and court costs to any entity that prevails in an action challenging an ordinance, resolution, motion, or administrative action as being in conflict with a locality's authority to control firearms.

Also yesterday, the Senate passed Senate Bill 1513, the companion bill to HB1655, by a 30-10 vote.  SB1513 is sponsored by State Senator Ralph Smith (R-22).  This bill now heads to the House where it awaits a committee assignment.

Thank you to the NRA members who answered the call and contacted their State Legislators in support of these bills.  Once these bills are assigned to committees we will let you know where to direct your efforts in support.  Until then, please keep checking your email and www.NRAILA.org for updates.