Virginia: Senate Unanimously Passes Concealed Carry Online Training Extension Bill

Yesterday, the Senate unanimously passed House Bill 2310. It previously passed the House with an overwhelming bipartisan majority of 81-17 and now goes to Governor Ralph Northam for his signature.

House Bill 2310, sponsored by Delegate Chris Runion (R-25), allows individuals who completed online firearms training prior to January 1^st, 2021, but were prohibited from appearing in person at their circuit court clerk’s office due to COVID restrictions, to apply for a concealed handgun permit through April 30^th, 2021. Individuals who previously contacted their clerk are eligible and should keep their documentation. Should Gov. Northam sign it, it will go into effect immediately, leaving a short window of opportunity for citizens to make use of these provisions.

The ban on using online firearms training to satisfy the training requirement for a concealed handgun permit went into effect January 1^st, 2021. This change was imposed at an inopportune time. Increased demand due to these times of uncertainty, and state restrictions on gatherings and on indoor shooting ranges due to the pandemic, led many to turn towards online training in order to exercise a constitutional right.

Please stay tuned to www.nraila.org and your email inbox for further updates on this bill and others affecting our Second Amendment rights in Virginia.