Virginia Legislative Update!

Today, Friday, February 10, there were several very important pro-gun measures voted on in the House Militia, Police, and Public Safety Committee.

House Bill 1577 sponsored by Delegate Ben Cline (R-24), which passed unanimously, 21-0, allows any person designated by the issuing judge to sign a concealed carry permit. HB1577 also serves as the vehicle for several other pro-gun measures which  includes the following legislation:

HB 167 sponsored by Delegate Scott Lingamfelter (R-31) allows Right-to-Carry permit holders, no later than 30 days prior to the permit's expiration, to submit a form to the Circuit Court Clerk stating that he or she is still legally eligible to maintain a permit, who will then issue a new 5-year permit for which there will be no fee;

HB 769 sponsored by Delegate Mark Sickles (D-43) requires the Virginia Attorney General to make all opinions related to deadly and lethal force available via website link;

HB 830 sponsored by Delegate John Welch (R-21), provides that a concealed handgun permit held by a member of the armed forces will not expire during periods of deployment:

HB 1401 sponsored by Delegate Charles Carrico (R-5), removes the option for localities to require fingerprints for a concealed carry permit;

and HB 1578 sponsored by Ben Cline (R-24) adds a definition of "personal knowledge" and limits the disqualification relating to the likelihood of using a "weapon" unlawfully or negligently.

In addition to those bills listed above, two NRA-backed bills were also heard in the House Militia, Police, and Public Safety Committee.  HB 704, sponsored by Delegate Clarke Hogan (R-60) prohibiting counties from regulating hunting and the discharge of firearms, passed with a vote of 18-3;

and HB 1106, sponsored by Delegate Clay Athey (R-18) allowing concealed carry without a permit on personal property and in a motor vehicle, provided the person carrying the firearm notifies a law enforcement agent of the firearm during a traffic stop, also passed with a vote of 19-2.

All of these bills will now be brought before the House of Delegates on Monday morning, February 13.  Please contact your Delegate first thing Monday morning and ask him or her to support HB 1577, HB 704, and HB1106.

 You can reach your Delegate at (804) 698-1500.