Today, the House Militia, Police, and Public Safety Committee passed Senate Bill 1035, sponsored by State Senator Emmett Hanger, Jr. (R-24). It now heads to the full House for consideration.
SB1035 would permit a Right-to-Carry permit holder to carry a concealed firearm into a restaurant, provided that they do not consume any alcohol. Language requiring that a permit holder inform an authorized alcohol beverage control manager of the restaurant or club that they are carrying a concealed firearm was removed by the Committee.
Currently, concealed carry permit holders wishing to carry concealed in restaurants that serve alcohol must leave their firearm at home or locked in their vehicle, where it is at risk of being stolen. Despite passing a background check and possessing a state issued permit to carry, law-abiding permit holders are forced to give up their right to self-defense when dining in establishments that serve alcohol. The need for this legislation is clear.
Senate Bill1166, sponsored by State Senator John Watkins (R-10), was defeated last night in the House Militia, Police and Public Safety. This bill would have increased the gun tax charged by the Virginia State Police to run the mandatory background check from $2 to $5, a 150% increase for Virginia residents. For non-state residents, the legislation mandated an increase of 60%, from $5 to $8.
Please contact your Delegate TODAY and respectfully urge them to support SB1035 when it comes before them for a vote. Contact information can be found here.
Also, thank you to all of the NRA members who took action in opposition to SB1166. Without you, this victory would not have been possible.
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