Concealed Carry Bill Signed into Law

From Delegate Michael Webert:

Delegate Michael Webert (R-18 District) is excited to announce that his legislation, House Bill 1163 has been signed into law by Governor Terry McAuliffe. HB1163 facilitates the reciprocity of concealed carry agreements by ensuring that an individual who is 21 years of age, and possesses a valid concealed carry permit from any state is allowed to carry a concealed firearm in Virginia. The bill requires the State Police Superintendent to enter into reciprocal arrangements with states that require the mutual recognition of concealed carry permits within 60 days of it’s enactment. The legislation also prohibits the recognition of an out of state permit if an individual’s Virginia permit has been revoked.

Delegate Webert’s proposal is one of three that comprised a bipartisan deal that was reached almost a month ago. Speaking to the Governor’s signature, the Delegate said, “I’m thrilled to see my bipartisan, pro-gun bill has been signed by Governor McAuliffe. HB1163 garnered support not only from across the political spectrum, but also from the law enforcement community with the Southern States Police Benevolent Association throwing their weight behind this measure.”

“Holders of concealed carry permits are some of the most responsible, and law-abiding citizens in this country. It’s fantastic to see Virginia move in a positive direction for gun owners and join 18 other states that currently recognize valid permits from all other states,” said Delegate Webert. “With over 421,000 Virginians possessing permits to carry a concealed firearm, it was critical that we advanced this bill. The right of law-abiding citizens to possess a firearm for self-defense shouldn’t end at a state line—thanks to my legislation, now permit holders here and across the country will enjoy greater legal certainty when traveling into and outside of Virginia.”

Webert added, “This deal would never have come to fruition without the support of my colleagues in the House. I would like to thank Speaker Howell, Chairman Lingamfelter, and Delegate Gilbert for their assistance.”

Update: The legislation does not take affect until July 1. For now, Virginia will continue to honor all the states we were honoring before Herring's announcement.  That means that states that have been honoring Virginia permits should continue to do so. The current March 1st deadline from the Governor's January announcement will be moved to June 30th.  The Virginia State Police updated their web site and will be notifying the states that were originally going to lose recognition on March 1st and let them know that Virginia is going to continue honoring their permits uninterrupted into the future.  On July 1, citizens of the 19 states Virginia does not currently honor, such as California, Oregon, Maine, New York, etc., can begin to carry concealed in Virginia using their home state permit or any non-resident permit provided:
provided:

• the holder of such permit or license is at least 21 years of age; and
• the permit or license holder carries a photo identification issued by a government agency of any state or by the U.S. Department of Defense or U.S. Department of State; and
• the holder displays the permit or license and such identification upon demand by a law-enforcement officer; and
• the permit or license holder has not previously had a Virginia concealed handgun permit revoked.