Virginia: Right-to-Carry Confidentiality Bill Will Be Considered by the House Tomorrow

Tomorrow, February 12, Senate Bill 1335 will be considered on the House floor.  S.B. 1335, patroned by Senator Mark Obenshain (R-26), was reported with a substitute by the House Militia, Police and Public Safety Committee by a 16-6 vote on Friday.  The amended version of this bill protects the confidentiality of all concealed handgun permit (CHP) holders in Virginia.

This legislation is essential for the protection of law-abiding gun owners in the Old Dominion.  Recently, there have been several instances of anti-gun media outlets publishing the names and addresses of CHP holders jeopardizing the safety and violating the privacy of law-abiding citizens.  Such publications place lawful CHP holders at risk to criminals who may target their home to steal firearms.  S.B.1335 would ensure that this never happens in Virginia.

It is important that you contact your state Delegate TODAY and respectfully urge him or her to vote for S.B. 1335 tomorrow because it will increase the safety of Virginians across the Commonwealth.  For help identifying your elected official and contact information, please click here.

The Governor's Task Force on School Safety recommended legislation -- Senate Bills 1377 and 1378 -- which were introduced on February 8.  The following bills – all supported by the NRA – were acted on as follows:

Senate Bill 1377, patroned by Senator Richard H. Stuart (R-28), increases penalties for criminals who intend to commit a crime on school property.  Specifically, S.B. 1377 provides that any person who possesses a firearm within any public, private or religious elementary, middle or high school, or within any building on the campus of any institution of higher education, with the intent to commit a violent felony on the premises is guilty of a Class 2 felony.  (S.B. 1377 was reported by the Senate Courts of Justice Committee with a 14-0 vote.)

Senate Bill 1378, patroned by Senator Thomas A. Garrett (R-22), increases penalties for individuals who knowingly assist prohibited persons in obtaining firearms.  (S.B. 1378 was reported by the Senate Courts of Justice Committee with a 15-0 vote.)

House Bill 2317, introduced by Delegate Rich Anderson (R-51), would provide that residency for members of the armed forces shall include both the member’s permanent duty post and the nearby state in which the military personnel resides for the purposes of firearms purchases. (H.B. 2317 passed its third reading in the Senate today by a 40-0 vote and will now go to the Governor for his signature.)

Senate Bill 1363, introduced by Senator Jill Vogel (R-27), is the Senate companion of H.B. 2317.  (S.B. 1363 was read in the House for the second time today and is scheduled for a final vote tomorrow.)