Oppose a Ban on Keeping a Firearm Accessible for Self-Defense

Virginia already has a "child access prevention" (CAP) law

Virginia Code § 18.2-56.2 makes it a crime to recklessly leave a loaded, unsecured firearm in a manner that endangers a child. It also makes it unlawful for a person to authorize a young child to possess a firearm unless under the direct supervision of an adult. 

Restrictive firearm storage laws are unconstitutional 

One of the D.C. laws at issue in the landmark Supreme Court case District of Columbia v. Heller was a firearm storage law that prohibited residents from keeping a loaded, functional firearm ready for self-defense. The Supreme Court held that the law was unconstitutional because it deprived law-abiding Americans of their right to self-defense.

NRA supports responsible firearm storage

As the foremost leader in firearms safety training, the NRA encourages all gun owners to safely store firearms so that they are inaccessible to unauthorized users. However, gun owners’ situations vary and no one-size-fits-all approach will work.

America has a strong tradition of passing on hunting and shooting heritage

CAP laws that attempt to limit when children can possess firearms under adult supervision infringe on parental rights and the right to keep and bear arms. The best way to create safe and responsible future firearm owners is for parents to pass on safe firearm handling habits to their children.

A CAP law would not have prevented the Virginia Beach tragedy 

The alleged perpetrator of the attack was 40 years old at the time of the attack, so a CAP law would have had no effect on the attack.