Virginia Senate Sends Three NRA-Backed Bills to the Governor!

Earlier today, the Virginia Senate unanimously passed three pro-gun measures; HB 1552, HB 1856 and HB 1857. These bills will now be sent to Governor Bob McDonnell for his consideration.  Please e-mail Governor McDonnell and respectfully request him sign HB 1552, HB 1856 and HB 1857 into law.

House Bill 1552, sponsored by Delegate John Cox (R-55), would help provide clarification for the Clerk of Court, staff and concealed carry applicants in regards to the proper issuance of the copy of the temporary certified application.  Concealed carry applicants in certain jurisdictions have been experiencing delays past the 45-day period and are being instructed to pick up the copy of the certified application from the court. The new language will instruct the court to mail the temporary application to the applicant within five business days of the 45-day period. Also, a friendly amendment was included into HB 1552 that would include delivery of the certified temporary application by electronic mail.

House Bill 1856, sponsored by Delegate Rich Anderson (R-51), would allow a concealed handgun permit holder to obtain a replacement permit in the event that the original permit is lost or destroyed. The permit holder would be required to submit a notarized statement to the clerk of the court that the permit was lost or destroyed and pay a $5 fee.  The clerk would be required to issue a replacement permit within ten business days. The replacement permit will have the same expiration date as the original permit.

House Bill 1857, also sponsored by Delegate Rich Anderson (R-51), would correct a problem caused by the federal government where some military personnel who are attempting to purchase a firearm in the Commonwealth are being turned away because their permanent duty orders have assigned them to the Pentagon, which lists its official address in Washington, D.C., despite being located in Virginia.  Delegate Anderson’s bill would clarify existing law and include the permanent orders to the Pentagon as criteria for required documentation of residence.

Thank you to those who contacted their legislators during this session in support of these important pro-Second Amendment bills.