Please Contact Governor McDonnell!  

On Monday, March 1, the Virginia State Senate voted to approve four NRA-supported bills; House Bill 8, House Bill 637, House Bill 871 and House Bill 1256. These bills will now go to the desk of Governor Bob McDonnell (R) for his consideration.

House Bill 8, sponsored by Delegate Charles Carrico (R-5), would allow the renewal of resident concealed carry permits by mail. The Senate approved the measure by a vote of 30 to 10.

House Bill 637, authored by Delegate Ward Armstrong (D-10), would exempt a boarding team member or boarding team officer in the United States Coast Guard from the concealed handgun permit issuance fee, provided they have completed 15 years of service or reached the age of 55. The Senate approved House Bill 637 unanimously, 40 to 0.

House Bill 871, authored by Delegate Ben Cline (R-24), would clarify that a person who is applying for a concealed handgun permit for the first time has the same right to an ore tenus (verbal or oral statements) hearing if the permit is denied as a person who has previously held a concealed handgun permit. The Senate approved House Bill 871 by a vote of 32 to 7.

House Bill 1256, sponsored by Delegate Paula Miller (D-87), would provide that certain law-enforcement officers with at least 20 years of service who resign from their position in good standing to accept a position covered by the Virginia Retirement System, shall be eligible to carry a concealed handgun if he or she has received written proof of consultation with and favorable review of the need to carry a concealed handgun, issued by the chief law-enforcement officer of the agency from which the officer resigned. House Bill 1256 passed the Senate unanimously.

Please contact Governor Bob McDonnell (R) and respectfully urge him to sign HB8, HB637, HB 871, and HB1256. To email Governor McDonnell please click here.