SB 436 Passes Senate - SB 476 Needs Your Help

In a win for gun owners, SB436, Senator Vogel's legislation that clarifies existing case law by establishing an exemption to the general prohibition against carrying concealed firearms by allowing a person who may lawfully possess a firearm to carry a handgun in a private vehicle or boat if the handgun is locked in a container or compartment, passed the Senate Monday with a veto proof margin of 31 - 9. The bill now moves to the House of Delegates

Another important piece of legislation, SB476, needs your immediate action. Authored by State Senator Emmett Hanger (R-24), SB476 is an important concealed carry reform bill that would allow restaurant owners to decide if lawfully concealed firearms are allowed in their establishments, provided the permit holder does not consume alcohol. Current Virginia statute allows restaurateurs to permit open carrying, but not concealed carry for lawfully permitted citizens. The bill was passed by for the day Monday when it was considered by the full Senate which means there are forces that are trying to defeat the bill before the February 12th "Crossover" deadline.

Please contact your Senator now and urge him or her to support SB476. The Senate must complete it's work on all Senate legislation by midnight tonight in order to move to the House of Delegates for consideration. It is important that you contact your senator today. You can find your senator's contact information at http://conview.state.va.us/whosmy.nsf/main?openform