Virginia: Bill to Restrict Gun Show Sales to be Heard Tomorrow!

Please Contact the Members of the Senate Courts of Justice Committee!

On Wednesday, February 10 at 2pm, the Senate Courts of Justice Committee will hear testimony on a number of firearm related bills.

Senate Bill 595, sponsored by State Senator Louise Lucas (D-18), which is similar to House Bill 1234 and recently defeated, is an attempt to regulate the private sale of the firearms at guns shows by law-abiding Virginian’s.  Despite the defeat of this legislation by a House sub-committee, the Senate Courts of Justice committee has decided to waste time and testimony on SB 595, which would prohibit the private sales of firearms at gun shows by requiring that all sales conducted at a gun show go through a federally licensed dealer.  Make no mistake, if passed, supporters of this legislation will soon be calling for a ban on all private sales in Virginia, unless they go through a background check.

Please contact the members of the Senate Courts of Justice Committee and respectfully urge them to OPPOSE Senate Bill 595!  Contact information can be found below.

The Senate Courts of Justice Committee will also hear five pro-gun bills supported by the NRA:

Senate Bill 3, sponsored by State Senator Smith (R-22), would allow the renewal of concealed carry permits by mail.

Senate Bill 79, sponsored by State Senator Roscoe Reynolds (D-20), repeals the language that allows localities the option of requiring applicants for a concealed carry permit furnish fingerprints before issuance of permit.

Senate Bill 334, sponsored by State Senator Emmet Hanger (R-24), would allow concealed carry permit holders to carry concealed into restaurants that serve alcohol provided they do not consume alcohol.

Senate Bill 408, sponsored by State Senator Jill Vogel (R-27), would allow any person who may lawfully posses 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.

Senate Bill 533, sponsored by State Senator Ryan McDougle (R-4), 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.

Please contact the members of the Senate Courts of Justice Committee and respectfully urge them to pass SB3, SB79, SB334, SB408, SB533.

Senate Courts of Justice Committee:

State Senator Fred Quayle (R-13)
(804) 698-7513
[email protected]

State Senator Chap Petersen (D-34)
(804) 698-7534
[email protected]

State Senator Creigh Deeds (D-25)
(804) 698-7525
[email protected]

State Senator John Edwards (D-21)
(804) 698-7521
[email protected]

State Senator Roscoe Reynolds (D-20)
(804) 698-7520
[email protected]

State Senator Thomas Norment, Jr. (R-3)
(804) 698-7503
[email protected]

State Senator Ryan McDougle (R-4)
(804) 698-7504
[email protected]

State Senator Robert Hurt (R-19)
(804) 698-7519
[email protected]