On Wednesday, March 10, the Virginia State Senate passed the four pro-gun bills (HB109, HB505, HB885, and HB1191) which will now head to Governor Bob McDonnell (R) for his consideration. 

The State Senate was unable to hear House Bill 1092 and passed it over for the day; however, it will be taken up and heard tomorrow, March 11.

House Bill 1092, sponsored by Delegate Anne B. Crockett-Stark (R-6), would give retired law-enforcement the ability to carry a concealed handgun without a permit.

Please continue to contact your State Senator and respectfully request that they support HB1092. Contact information can be found here.

Please contact Governor McDonnell by clicking here and respectfully urge him to sign the following bills:

House Bill 109, sponsored by Delegate Mark Cole (R-88), would repeal the statute which allows the governing body of any county to require the sellers of pistols and revolvers to furnish the Clerk of the Circuit Court with the name and address of the purchaser, date of purchase and the number, make, and caliber of the gun. HB 109 passed the State Senate by a 40 to 0 margin.

House Bill 885, sponsored by Delegate Cliff Athey (R-18), would allow any person who may lawfully possess a firearm and is carrying a handgun while in a personal, private vehicle or vessel to keep the firearm secured in a container or compartment in the vehicle or vessel.  HB885 was conformed to SB408 by changing the word “secured” to “locked”. HB 885 passed the State Senate by a 24 to 15 margin. HB885 is the companion bill to SB408, which has already been transmitted to Governor McDonnell.

House Bill 505, sponsored by Delegate Todd Gilbert (R-15) would allow a concealed carry permit holder to carry his or her firearm into a restaurant, provided he or she does not consume any alcohol.  HB505 was conformed to SB334 by creating a Class 2 misdemeanor for consumption of alcohol while carrying concealed and stripping retired law enforcement officers of the ability to drink while carrying concealed. HB 505 originally was passed by the Senate with a 22 to 18 margin. After a motion for reconsideration, the Senate passed HB 505 by a 25 to 15 margin. HB505 is the companion bill to SB334, which has already been transmitted to Governor McDonnell.

House Bill 1191, introduced by Delegate H. Morgan Griffith (R-8), would allow a circuit court judge to authorize the Clerk of Court to issue concealed handgun permits in instances where the application is complete, the background check does not indicate that the applicant is disqualified, and, after consulting with the local sheriff or police department, there are no other questions or issues surrounding the application. HB 1191 was passed in the State Senate by a vote of 32 to 8.