Virginia: Senate Committee to Hear Round #2 of Anti-Gun Bills TODAY

The new anti-gun majority is ready to push their second round of anti-gun bills. Today, January 22^nd, the Virginia Senate Judiciary Committee will hear several measures focused on stripping away our fundamental freedoms and right to self-defense. Please contact committee members and ask them to OPPOSE Senate Bills 18, 67, 75, and 263. Contact information for the committee is here and below. 

Senate Judiciary Committee, Senate Room A
January 22^nd, upon adjournment
900 E Main St.
Richmond, VA 23219

Chairman John Edwards (804) 698-7521
Sen. Richard Saslaw (804) 698-7535
Sen. Thomas Norment (804) 698-7503
Sen. Louise Lucas (804) 698-7518
Sen. Mark Obenshain (804) 698-7526
Sen. Ryan McDougle (804) 698-7504
Sen. Richard Stuart (804) 698-7528
Sen. William Stanley (804) 698-7520
Sen. Ben Chafin (804) 698-7538
Sen. Creigh Deeds (804) 698-7525
Sen. Chapman Petersen (804) 698-7534
Sen. Scott Surovell (804) 698-7536
Sen. Jennifer McClellan (804) 698-7509
Sen. Jennifer Boysko (804) 698-7533
Sem. Joseph Morrissey (804) 698-7516

Senate Bill 18, sponsored by Senator Richard Saslaw, would criminalize private transfers of firearms without first paying fees, discriminate against young adults by stripping them of their Second Amendment rights, and severely restrict how parents can introduce their children to the shooting sports. Firearm sales and borrowing between family, friends, and fellow hunters would not be covered by the limited exemptions. This proposal would have no impact on crime and is completely unenforceable. It would prohibit licensed dealers from transferring firearms to any adult between the age of 18-20 and prohibit young adults (18-20) from possessing or transporting handguns or many commonly-owned semi-automatic long guns in almost all instances. The bill also prohibits allowing minors to use firearms unless under “supervision,” defined so narrowly that many forms of competition shooting or hunting would be impossible.

Senate Bill 67, sponsored by Senator Jennifer McClellan, would further victimize gun owners who suffer loss or theft of their property with a fine if they don’t report a lost or stolen firearm within 24 hours of discovering them missing.

Senate Bill 75, sponsored by Senator Janet Howell, would also prohibit allowing minors to use firearms unless under “supervision,” defined so narrowly that many forms of competition shooting or hunting would be impossible.

Senate Bill 263, sponsored by Senator John Bell, would remove the option of using an online or electronic training course to satisfy the training requirement for a Virginia Concealed Handgun Permit. Mandatory training requirements are yet another cost prohibitive measure intended to ensure that lower income Americans are barred from defending themselves. The option of online or electronic training courses ensures that Concealed Handgun Permits are accessible to all law-abiding citizens, regardless of financial means.

Again, please contact committee members and ask them to OPPOSE Senate Bills 18, 67, 75, and 263.