On March 25th, the Attorney General for the Commonwealth of Virginia issued a significant clarification regarding concealed handgun permit renewals. In 2020, the General Assembly passed legislation changing Virginia Code § 18.2-308.02, which sets forth the concealed handgun permit requirements. The new language required initial applicants to complete an in-person, state-approved firearm safety course to demonstrate competency with a firearm. The passage of this legislation led to confusion amongst some jurisdictions and permit-issuing authorities regarding renewal requirements for a concealed handgun permit, specifically the competency requirement.
The Attorney General's opinion clarified this confusion by stating the law "...does not require an individual who applies for renewal of an existing concealed handgun permit to provide proof of having attended in-person firearms training. An individual with an existing concealed handgun permit need not provide additional proof of competence in order to qualify for renewal."
The NRA and its members are thankful for the Attorney General's clarifying opinion on this matter.
For further information and updates, visit NRA-ILA.
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