As posted earlier today, Virginia State Crime Commission met this morning for their monthly meeting. First on the agenda was a review of Virginia's Concealed Weapons statute which was under review because of HB923 introduced by Del. Scott Lingamfelter during the 2012 General Assembly Session. The briefing was short to make time for other more lengthy items on the agenda. The presentation began with an overview of HB923 and its intent to separate the current code into 17 different sections in order to simplify the states concealed weapons code. Commission staff provided an overview of the law and it's changes since 1975. In 1975 the law consisted of three sections; 1) defining what was considered a concealed weapon, 2) an exemption for law enforcement, and 3) allowing a circuit court to grant permission to carry a concealed weapon for up to one year. Since 1975 the General Assembly has made changes and additions to the
law every year resulting in the code containing over fifty paragraphs and divided into twenty-seven subsections.
The presentation concluded with remarks from Delegate Lingamfelter and the public. Delegate Lingamfelter stated that since first being elected in 2001 he has seen a change to the concealed weapons law every year and felt his legislation would give more clarity to law. Members of the public from both the pro-rights and anti-rights side of the issue testified in support of the legislation remarking that any bill that would give better clarity and understanding of the conceal weapons law would be considered helpful by both sides of the issue.
VSSA will continue to monitor the issue as it is before the Commission. The Commission generally makes recommendations for legislation before the beginning of the General Assembly.
Showing posts with label General Assembly. Show all posts
Showing posts with label General Assembly. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Friday, November 12, 2010
Three Firearms Bills Prefiled at General Assembly
Legislation for the coming session of the General Assembly has begun to surface. There are currently three bills filed that have an impact on gun owners and sportsmen. They are:
HB 995 Firearms; purchaser may present military identification card or concealed handgun permit.
HB 1411 Reckless handling of firearms; revocation of hunting license.
HB 1422 Homestead exemptions; adds one family firearm, not to exceed $3,000 value, to list of exemptions.
HB 995 and HB 1422 are clearly pro-rights. More information is needed regarded HB 1411 to determine why Delegate Tony Wilt feels this is needed. Currently, a first offense results in a revocation for a period of one year to life and a second offense results in a revocation for an additional period not to exceed five years. Delegate Wilt's bill would make the minimum penalty for a first offense 5 years. On it's face, it is hard to argue that someone who is convicted of recklessly handling a firearm should be punished but with most things legislative, this bill has the potential to have unintended consequences. Stay tuned as VSSA learns more about this bill and for more bills to be prefiled.
HB 995 Firearms; purchaser may present military identification card or concealed handgun permit.
HB 1411 Reckless handling of firearms; revocation of hunting license.
HB 1422 Homestead exemptions; adds one family firearm, not to exceed $3,000 value, to list of exemptions.
HB 995 and HB 1422 are clearly pro-rights. More information is needed regarded HB 1411 to determine why Delegate Tony Wilt feels this is needed. Currently, a first offense results in a revocation for a period of one year to life and a second offense results in a revocation for an additional period not to exceed five years. Delegate Wilt's bill would make the minimum penalty for a first offense 5 years. On it's face, it is hard to argue that someone who is convicted of recklessly handling a firearm should be punished but with most things legislative, this bill has the potential to have unintended consequences. Stay tuned as VSSA learns more about this bill and for more bills to be prefiled.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Dan Casey Joins Chorus Against Eddie Eagle
On July 1, a number of new laws will take effect in the Commonwealth. One of those new laws, House Bill 1217, was introduced by Del. Lynwood Lewis, (D-Accomack County) which allows local school boards to offer firearm safety education programs in the elementary grades. The State Board of Education must establish a standardized program of firearm safety education for students in the elementary school grades and the bill requires that the program objectives incorporate, among other principles of firearm safety, accident prevention and the rules of the National Rifle Association's Eddie Eagle Gunsafe Program.
For some reason, this seems to cause some editorial writers heartburn. Not long after the bill passed with Governor McDonnell's amendments, Michael Shannon with the Prince William News and Messenger wrote:
I guess it should not surprise me that the Roanoke Times' Dan Casey has joined in. Since his favorite target for the last year, online training qualifying for the training required for a concealed handgun permit, has not lead to mass shootings, another target was needed to fill his OP/ED space. Casey infers that it's payback for the NRA election activity on McDonnell's behalf last year.
The change to which Casey refers is the correction of an error made by the Legislative Services staff who drafted a Senate amendment to the bill at the request of Senator Richard Saslaw. Casey makes a passing reference to the fact that the amendment was drafted incorrectly and named an organization (National Crime Prevention Center) that did not exist. It is likely that Saslaw told the LS staff National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) but NCPC made it known that they did not have an up-to-date firearm safety curriculum so Governor McDonnell amended the bill back to the form in which it passed the House. The Senate overwhelmingly concurred.
Casey also did not miss the chance to slip in Josh Sugarmann's (Violence Policy Center) comparison of Eddie Eagle to Joe Camel as if the Eddie Eagle program would encourage children to be interested in guns. Nothing could be further from the truth. Both of my elementary school aged children know the message delivered by the program and have the DVD provided by the NRA. I have yet to find either of them standing in front of my gun safe trying to figure out how to open it to gain access to one of the many firearms stored inside.
Casey tries to come off as not being anti-gun all the while being very snarky when he writes on the topic. One sure gets the feeling reading his articles that he fits in very nicely with the anti-gun editors of the Roanoke Times.
For some reason, this seems to cause some editorial writers heartburn. Not long after the bill passed with Governor McDonnell's amendments, Michael Shannon with the Prince William News and Messenger wrote:
In this latest outrage, the General Assembly has directed the state's Board of Education to produce a curriculum for teaching gun safety to elementary school children that incorporates the advice of the National Rifle Association.
I guess it should not surprise me that the Roanoke Times' Dan Casey has joined in. Since his favorite target for the last year, online training qualifying for the training required for a concealed handgun permit, has not lead to mass shootings, another target was needed to fill his OP/ED space. Casey infers that it's payback for the NRA election activity on McDonnell's behalf last year.
The new law prescribes a gun-education curriculum for Virginia elementary schools, based upon materials provided by the National Rifle Association's "Eddie Eagle Gunsafe Program."
Late in the game, Gov. Bob McDonnell made a seemingly innocuous change that effectively limited curriculum input to the NRA.
That came after the NRA's political action committee spent $622,000 last fall on radio, television and online ads promoting McDonnell for governor.
The change to which Casey refers is the correction of an error made by the Legislative Services staff who drafted a Senate amendment to the bill at the request of Senator Richard Saslaw. Casey makes a passing reference to the fact that the amendment was drafted incorrectly and named an organization (National Crime Prevention Center) that did not exist. It is likely that Saslaw told the LS staff National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) but NCPC made it known that they did not have an up-to-date firearm safety curriculum so Governor McDonnell amended the bill back to the form in which it passed the House. The Senate overwhelmingly concurred.
Casey also did not miss the chance to slip in Josh Sugarmann's (Violence Policy Center) comparison of Eddie Eagle to Joe Camel as if the Eddie Eagle program would encourage children to be interested in guns. Nothing could be further from the truth. Both of my elementary school aged children know the message delivered by the program and have the DVD provided by the NRA. I have yet to find either of them standing in front of my gun safe trying to figure out how to open it to gain access to one of the many firearms stored inside.
Casey tries to come off as not being anti-gun all the while being very snarky when he writes on the topic. One sure gets the feeling reading his articles that he fits in very nicely with the anti-gun editors of the Roanoke Times.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
2009 Election
The end of the General Assembly in an election year also brings with it announcements of retirement from the legislature. This year was no different. So far five members of the House of Delegates have announced they will not run for another term. Two of those who have announced, Delegate Jeff Frederick (Prince William) and Delegate William Fralin (Roanoke), have been friends of gun owners and we will have to work hard to replace them with legislators that respect the Constitution and our rights. Another retiring delegate, Frank Hargrove (Hanover) was a supporter of our rights with the exception of repealing the "restaurant ban," which he voted against in 2003, last year, and this year. Gun owners in Hanover need to get involved in the nominating process to help make sure we have a strong advocate for all of our rights to replace Delegate Hargrove.
In the 25th House District, another friend of gun owners, Delegate Steve Landes (Weyers Cave), will face opposition for the first time in more than a decade. Landes deserves the support of gun owners in his district and I will have information in the near future on how to help him in his re-election bid.
In the 25th House District, another friend of gun owners, Delegate Steve Landes (Weyers Cave), will face opposition for the first time in more than a decade. Landes deserves the support of gun owners in his district and I will have information in the near future on how to help him in his re-election bid.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Gun Bills on Courts Docket Wednesday
The following bills are on the docket for Wednesday afternoon's Senate Courts Committee meeting. The bills may or may not be taken up depending on the order the bills are taken and the amount of time the committee alots but the bills on the docket are:
S.B. 1035 - Hanger - Repeals the ban on carrying concealed in restaurants that serve alcohol. A person who carries a concealed handgun onto the premises of a restaurant or club shall inform a designated employee of the restaurant or club of that fact. A person who consumes alcohol in violation of the provisions of the bill is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor and a person who becomes intoxicated in violation of the provisions of the bill is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. VSSA supports this bill.
S.B. 1528 - Cuccinelli - Provides that the completion of a firearms training or safety course conducted by a state-certified or National Rifle Association-certified firearms instructor may be done electronically or on-line. VSSA supports this bill
S.B. 1385 - Stolle - Requires gun show promoters to arrange and pay for a law-enforcement officer from the Department of State Police to be present at all times during a firearms show. Also federalizes the State Police by allowing the Superintendent of State Police to enter into agreements with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to grant the Department of State Police federal law-enforcement authority for the purposes of enforcing firearms laws of the United States. VSSA opposes this bill.
S.B. 1396 - Norment - Allows designated law-enforcement officers to purchase their service handgun for $1 if they are receiving disability payments for a service-incurred disability with no expectation of returning to their former employment. VSSA does not oppose this bill.
S.B. 1035 - Hanger - Repeals the ban on carrying concealed in restaurants that serve alcohol. A person who carries a concealed handgun onto the premises of a restaurant or club shall inform a designated employee of the restaurant or club of that fact. A person who consumes alcohol in violation of the provisions of the bill is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor and a person who becomes intoxicated in violation of the provisions of the bill is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. VSSA supports this bill.
S.B. 1528 - Cuccinelli - Provides that the completion of a firearms training or safety course conducted by a state-certified or National Rifle Association-certified firearms instructor may be done electronically or on-line. VSSA supports this bill
S.B. 1385 - Stolle - Requires gun show promoters to arrange and pay for a law-enforcement officer from the Department of State Police to be present at all times during a firearms show. Also federalizes the State Police by allowing the Superintendent of State Police to enter into agreements with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to grant the Department of State Police federal law-enforcement authority for the purposes of enforcing firearms laws of the United States. VSSA opposes this bill.
S.B. 1396 - Norment - Allows designated law-enforcement officers to purchase their service handgun for $1 if they are receiving disability payments for a service-incurred disability with no expectation of returning to their former employment. VSSA does not oppose this bill.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Two Gun Billis Introduced for 2009 GA Session
The first firearms related bills are in the hopper at the General Assembly.
HB 1655 Firearms; award of court costs, etc. to entity that prevails in action challenging locality. Delegate Carrico has introduced this bill and it would require a court to award reasonable attorney fees, expenses, and court costs to any entity that prevails in an action challenging an ordinance, resolution, motion, or administrative action as being in conflict with a locality's authority to control firearms.
HB 1656 Concealed handguns; allows faculty members at institutions of higher education to carry on campus. Delegate Bob Marshall is the patron and this bill allows full-time faculty members of state institutions of higher education who possess a valid Virginia concealed handgun permit to carry a concealed handgun on campus.
HB 1656 would appear to be a middle ground in the issue of carrying on college campuses.
HB 1655 Firearms; award of court costs, etc. to entity that prevails in action challenging locality. Delegate Carrico has introduced this bill and it would require a court to award reasonable attorney fees, expenses, and court costs to any entity that prevails in an action challenging an ordinance, resolution, motion, or administrative action as being in conflict with a locality's authority to control firearms.
HB 1656 Concealed handguns; allows faculty members at institutions of higher education to carry on campus. Delegate Bob Marshall is the patron and this bill allows full-time faculty members of state institutions of higher education who possess a valid Virginia concealed handgun permit to carry a concealed handgun on campus.
HB 1656 would appear to be a middle ground in the issue of carrying on college campuses.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Virginia Crime Commission and the Gun Show Loophole
The Virginia Crime Commission will meet tomorrow at 10:00 AM in Senate Room A at the General Assembly Building. On the agenda is discussion of possible legislation, including legislation to deal with the so-called "Gun Show Loophole." During last year's Session, the Senate Courts of Justice Committee referred Senator Marsh's perennial gun show bill to the Crime Commission for further study.
In September, the Commission took up the issue and instead of requiring private sellers at gun shows to conduct background checks on buyers, the Commission suggested that Virginia should ensure that those who should be federally licensed to sell firearms comply with the law. During the September 9th hearing, pro-gun legislators made it clear while there is no "loophole" and thus they have no interest in passing a law that closes something that does not exist, the law is unclear on who is a dealer and who is a private seller. Senator Ken Stolle of Virginia Beach suggested that a way to clear this "confusion" would be to set a threshold for the number of guns sold, to determine who escapes federal requirements.
There is no need to change the law. Setting a number of guns sold is a license to set up someone for a fall. What if a widow is trying to sell all 30 guns her deceased husband owned? If the number is set at 20 guns = a dealer, does this widow now have to get a license or run background checks on the one or maybe 30 people to whom she sells her late husband's collection?
Contact the Commission members today and urge them to not recommend any legislation dealing with this study. The members are listed below and the pro-gun members are noted.
Virginia Crime Commission Members
Delegate David B. Albo Chairman
Senator Kenneth W. Stolle Vice-Chairman8th District - pro-gun
The Honorable Robert F. McDonnell Attorney General - pro-gun
Delegate Robert B. Bell 58th District - pro gun
Mr. Glenn R. Croshaw Gubernatorial Appointee
Senator Janet D. Howell 32nd District
Delegate Terry G. Kilgore 1st District - pro gun
Senator Henry L. Marsh 16th District
Col. W. Gerald Massengill Ret. Supt. Virginia State Police Gubernatorial Appointee
Delegate Kenneth R. Melvin 80th District
Delegate Brian J. Moran 46th District
Delegate Beverly J. Sherwood 29th District - pro-gun
The Honorable Richard E. Trodden Arlington Commonwealth's Attorney Gubernatorial Appointee
In September, the Commission took up the issue and instead of requiring private sellers at gun shows to conduct background checks on buyers, the Commission suggested that Virginia should ensure that those who should be federally licensed to sell firearms comply with the law. During the September 9th hearing, pro-gun legislators made it clear while there is no "loophole" and thus they have no interest in passing a law that closes something that does not exist, the law is unclear on who is a dealer and who is a private seller. Senator Ken Stolle of Virginia Beach suggested that a way to clear this "confusion" would be to set a threshold for the number of guns sold, to determine who escapes federal requirements.
There is no need to change the law. Setting a number of guns sold is a license to set up someone for a fall. What if a widow is trying to sell all 30 guns her deceased husband owned? If the number is set at 20 guns = a dealer, does this widow now have to get a license or run background checks on the one or maybe 30 people to whom she sells her late husband's collection?
Contact the Commission members today and urge them to not recommend any legislation dealing with this study. The members are listed below and the pro-gun members are noted.
Virginia Crime Commission Members
Delegate David B. Albo Chairman
Senator Kenneth W. Stolle Vice-Chairman8th District - pro-gun
The Honorable Robert F. McDonnell Attorney General - pro-gun
Delegate Robert B. Bell 58th District - pro gun
Mr. Glenn R. Croshaw Gubernatorial Appointee
Senator Janet D. Howell 32nd District
Delegate Terry G. Kilgore 1st District - pro gun
Senator Henry L. Marsh 16th District
Col. W. Gerald Massengill Ret. Supt. Virginia State Police Gubernatorial Appointee
Delegate Kenneth R. Melvin 80th District
Delegate Brian J. Moran 46th District
Delegate Beverly J. Sherwood 29th District - pro-gun
The Honorable Richard E. Trodden Arlington Commonwealth's Attorney Gubernatorial Appointee
Thursday, July 3, 2008
July 1 Means New Laws
On July 1st the legislation that passed the 2008 session of the General Assembly became law. The list of gun related laws follow below.
1) Concealed Handgun Permits (CHPs) can be renewed 90 and 180 days before expiration. The new permit will become effective from the date the old permit expires, giving the permit holder a full five years. If a CHP holder renews after the minimum 90 days, then renewals are like they have been - a holder might lose some days off of the expiring permit.
2) CHP holders who move from one location to another in Virginia can now get a new permit with a change of address for $10 by applying to the Circuit Court where the permit was issued. NOTE: there is no requirement to get a change of address on your permit, but if you want to do so, you now can.
3) The law was clarified regarding the required training to get a CHP. The new law explicitly states that said training never expires.
4) An individual who has a temporary detention order (TDO) no longer immediately loses their gun rights. After the TDO evaluation period, if the individual in question voluntarily commits themselves, they will be warned that by doing so they will lose their gun rights. Otherwise if a judge makes a determination that the person requires treatment on either an inpatient or outpatient basis after the TDO evaluation period, said individual loses their gun rights. Finally, there is now a provision that will allow a person to petition the Court to get their gun rights back once they are cured or were incorrectly diagnosed. If they are turned down by the court, they can appeal to a higher court. VSSA and other gun rights organizations worked hard to insure the last provision was part of the final legislation.
5)There will be additional questions on forms completed at the time of a gun purchase dealing with the new mental health laws.
Gun owners will recall that two major victories for gun owners were defeated by the veto pen of Governor, and possible Obama Vice Presidential pick, Tim Kaine - repeal of the restaurant ban (SB476) and legislation allowing concealed carry in locked containers in vehicles and boats regardless of whether they have a CHP (SB436). VSSA will return to fight these battles next year.
1) Concealed Handgun Permits (CHPs) can be renewed 90 and 180 days before expiration. The new permit will become effective from the date the old permit expires, giving the permit holder a full five years. If a CHP holder renews after the minimum 90 days, then renewals are like they have been - a holder might lose some days off of the expiring permit.
2) CHP holders who move from one location to another in Virginia can now get a new permit with a change of address for $10 by applying to the Circuit Court where the permit was issued. NOTE: there is no requirement to get a change of address on your permit, but if you want to do so, you now can.
3) The law was clarified regarding the required training to get a CHP. The new law explicitly states that said training never expires.
4) An individual who has a temporary detention order (TDO) no longer immediately loses their gun rights. After the TDO evaluation period, if the individual in question voluntarily commits themselves, they will be warned that by doing so they will lose their gun rights. Otherwise if a judge makes a determination that the person requires treatment on either an inpatient or outpatient basis after the TDO evaluation period, said individual loses their gun rights. Finally, there is now a provision that will allow a person to petition the Court to get their gun rights back once they are cured or were incorrectly diagnosed. If they are turned down by the court, they can appeal to a higher court. VSSA and other gun rights organizations worked hard to insure the last provision was part of the final legislation.
5)There will be additional questions on forms completed at the time of a gun purchase dealing with the new mental health laws.
Gun owners will recall that two major victories for gun owners were defeated by the veto pen of Governor, and possible Obama Vice Presidential pick, Tim Kaine - repeal of the restaurant ban (SB476) and legislation allowing concealed carry in locked containers in vehicles and boats regardless of whether they have a CHP (SB436). VSSA will return to fight these battles next year.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
VSSA Featured on NRANews' Cam & Company
Monday, January 21, 2008
State Senate Committee to Hear Bills Repealing Pre-emption on Tuesday - Vote on So-called "Gun Show Loophole" Wednesday
Many of you may have received the NRA's alert earlier today that the Senate Local Government Committee is expected to consider three anti-gun bills on Tuesday, January 22, beginning at 2:00 p.m. All three bills target Virginia's commonsense firearms preemption statute. Senate Bill 32 sponsored by Senator Mamie Locke (D-2), would allow localities to prohibit possession of firearms in public libraries. Senate Bill 33, also sponsored by Senator Locke, would allow localities to prohibit possession of firearms at outdoor events, such as fairs and carnivals. Senate Bill 300, introduced by Senator Mary Margaret Whipple (D-31), which would authorize any locality to ban the possession of firearms in government buildings.
If enacted, any of these proposals would tear apart Virginia's preemption statute paving the way for the Old Dominion to become an incomprehensible patchwork of gun regulations varying from one locality to the next. Such a development could lead to otherwise law-abiding citizens being charged for violating an ordinance of which they were unaware!
If you have not already done so, please contact the Senate Local Government Committee members listed below and strongly encourage them to protect Virginia's commonsense preemption statutes and your Second Amendment rights by voting against SB32, SB 33,and SB300.
Senator L. Louise Lucas (Chairwoman) - (804) 698-7518 - district18@sov.state.va.us
Senator Henry L. Marsh III - (804) 698-7516 - district16@sov.state.va.us
Senator Frederick M. Quayle - (804) 698-7513 - district13@sov.state.va.us
Senator Stephen H. Martin - (804) 698-7511 - district11@sov.state.va.us
Senator Emmett W. Hanger, Jr. - (804) 698-7524 - district24@sov.state.va.us
Senator Patricia S. Ticer - (804) 698-7530 - district30@sov.state.va.us
Senator W. Roscoe Reynolds - (804) 698-7520 - district20@sov.state.va.us
Senator Linda T. Puller - (804) 698-7536 - district36@sov.state.va.us
Senator Frank M. Ruff - (804) 698-7515 - district15@sov.state.va.us
Senator Ken T. Cuccinelli - (804) 698-7537 - district37@sov.state.va.us
Senator Mark D. Obenshain - (804) 698-7526 - district26@sov.state.va.us
Senator Mark R. Herring - (804) 698-7533 - district33@sov.state.va.us
Senator Mamie Locke - (804) 698-7502 - district02@sov.state.va.us
Senator Ralph K. Smith - (804) 698-7522 - district22@sov.state.va.us
Senator Richard H. Stuart - (804) 698-7528 - district28@sov.state.va.us
Senate Courts Of Justice to Vote on SB109 Wednesday, January, 23rd
Also, Senate Courts played to a packed room this morning to hear both sides on the so-called "gun show loophole" bill. You can hear WRVA 1140 AM radio's report here. The committee set a vote on the bill for Wednesday during its regularly scheduled 2:00 PM meeting. It is important that you contact the following committee members and urge them to oppose SB 109:
Senator Kenneth W. Stolle - (804) 698-7508 - district08@sov.state.va.us
Senator Frederick M. Quayle - (804) 698-7513 - district13@sov.state.va.us
Senator Thomas K. Norment, Jr. - (804) 698-7503 - district03@sov.state.va.us
Senator John S. Edwards - (804) 698-7521 - district21@sov.state.va.us
Senator W. Roscoe Reynolds - (804) 698-7520 - district20@sov.state.va.us
Senator Ken T. Cuccinelli, II - (804) 698-7537 - district37@sov.state.va.us
Senator Mark D. Obenshain - (804) 698-7526 - district26@sov.state.va.us
Senator Ryan T. McDougle - (804) 698-7504 - district04@sov.state.va.us
Senator R. Creigh Deeds - (804) 698-7525 - district25@sov.state.va.us
Senator Robert Hurt - (804) 698-7519 - district19@sov.state.va.us
Legislation will begin moving very quickly now that all bills have been introduced. Be sure to check this blog as well as the VSSA Legislative Tracking Form , which has been updated with a complete list of bills and most recent actions, to keep current on the latest news related to your gun rights.
If you have not already done so, be sure to sign up for the VSSA email alert list. You will only be contacted by this list when your immediate action is needed as VSSA strives not to fill your email inbox with unnecessary emails. You can sign up on the "Ask VSSA" page on the VSSA web site. Simply fill in the form and ask to be added to the email alert list in the body of the form.
If enacted, any of these proposals would tear apart Virginia's preemption statute paving the way for the Old Dominion to become an incomprehensible patchwork of gun regulations varying from one locality to the next. Such a development could lead to otherwise law-abiding citizens being charged for violating an ordinance of which they were unaware!
If you have not already done so, please contact the Senate Local Government Committee members listed below and strongly encourage them to protect Virginia's commonsense preemption statutes and your Second Amendment rights by voting against SB32, SB 33,and SB300.
Senator L. Louise Lucas (Chairwoman) - (804) 698-7518 - district18@sov.state.va.us
Senator Henry L. Marsh III - (804) 698-7516 - district16@sov.state.va.us
Senator Frederick M. Quayle - (804) 698-7513 - district13@sov.state.va.us
Senator Stephen H. Martin - (804) 698-7511 - district11@sov.state.va.us
Senator Emmett W. Hanger, Jr. - (804) 698-7524 - district24@sov.state.va.us
Senator Patricia S. Ticer - (804) 698-7530 - district30@sov.state.va.us
Senator W. Roscoe Reynolds - (804) 698-7520 - district20@sov.state.va.us
Senator Linda T. Puller - (804) 698-7536 - district36@sov.state.va.us
Senator Frank M. Ruff - (804) 698-7515 - district15@sov.state.va.us
Senator Ken T. Cuccinelli - (804) 698-7537 - district37@sov.state.va.us
Senator Mark D. Obenshain - (804) 698-7526 - district26@sov.state.va.us
Senator Mark R. Herring - (804) 698-7533 - district33@sov.state.va.us
Senator Mamie Locke - (804) 698-7502 - district02@sov.state.va.us
Senator Ralph K. Smith - (804) 698-7522 - district22@sov.state.va.us
Senator Richard H. Stuart - (804) 698-7528 - district28@sov.state.va.us
Senate Courts Of Justice to Vote on SB109 Wednesday, January, 23rd
Also, Senate Courts played to a packed room this morning to hear both sides on the so-called "gun show loophole" bill. You can hear WRVA 1140 AM radio's report here. The committee set a vote on the bill for Wednesday during its regularly scheduled 2:00 PM meeting. It is important that you contact the following committee members and urge them to oppose SB 109:
Senator Kenneth W. Stolle - (804) 698-7508 - district08@sov.state.va.us
Senator Frederick M. Quayle - (804) 698-7513 - district13@sov.state.va.us
Senator Thomas K. Norment, Jr. - (804) 698-7503 - district03@sov.state.va.us
Senator John S. Edwards - (804) 698-7521 - district21@sov.state.va.us
Senator W. Roscoe Reynolds - (804) 698-7520 - district20@sov.state.va.us
Senator Ken T. Cuccinelli, II - (804) 698-7537 - district37@sov.state.va.us
Senator Mark D. Obenshain - (804) 698-7526 - district26@sov.state.va.us
Senator Ryan T. McDougle - (804) 698-7504 - district04@sov.state.va.us
Senator R. Creigh Deeds - (804) 698-7525 - district25@sov.state.va.us
Senator Robert Hurt - (804) 698-7519 - district19@sov.state.va.us
Legislation will begin moving very quickly now that all bills have been introduced. Be sure to check this blog as well as the VSSA Legislative Tracking Form , which has been updated with a complete list of bills and most recent actions, to keep current on the latest news related to your gun rights.
If you have not already done so, be sure to sign up for the VSSA email alert list. You will only be contacted by this list when your immediate action is needed as VSSA strives not to fill your email inbox with unnecessary emails. You can sign up on the "Ask VSSA" page on the VSSA web site. Simply fill in the form and ask to be added to the email alert list in the body of the form.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Anti-gun State Senator Sees Dim Hope for More Gun Control
In a Washington Post article discussing the upcoming session of the General Assembly, State Senator Patricia Ticer (D-Alexandria) was quoted saying the following when discussing bills related to the issues raised by the Virginia Tech Review Panel Final Report:
"There may be some wording about the mentally ill, but it's not going to be a deep and real remedy," she said. "Those of us who've been in Richmond long enough are realistic about the opportunity for getting any of those gun bills through. Which is zero."
While it is good news that anti-gun forces doubt they will be successful, gun owners should contact their legislators often about any gun related legislation introduced and make sure her prophesy becomes reality.
VSSA will keep you informed as action becomes necessary.
"There may be some wording about the mentally ill, but it's not going to be a deep and real remedy," she said. "Those of us who've been in Richmond long enough are realistic about the opportunity for getting any of those gun bills through. Which is zero."
While it is good news that anti-gun forces doubt they will be successful, gun owners should contact their legislators often about any gun related legislation introduced and make sure her prophesy becomes reality.
VSSA will keep you informed as action becomes necessary.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
First Firearm Related Bill Prefiled for General Assembly
Delegate Mark Cole is first out of the box with a firearm related bill for the 2008 Session. HB 109 is a pro-gun bill. The bill titled "Regulation of firearms by state entities", prohibits a state agency, council, commission, or other entity from adopting any rules, regulations, or policies governing the purchase, possession, transfer, ownership, carrying, storage, or transporting of firearms, ammunition, or components or combinations thereof, unless expressly authorized by statute. The prohibition does not apply to state, local, and regional correctional facilities or mental health facilities, nor is it to be construed to prohibit a law-enforcement officer from acting within the scope of his duties. Any rule, regulation, or policy adopted prior to July 1, 2007, except for those specifically authorized by statute, will be invalid.
VSSA will soon have its legislative tracking tool on the VSSA website. In addition, gun owners will be able to get up-to-date information on all the goings on at the General Assembly right here on the Blog.
VSSA will soon have its legislative tracking tool on the VSSA website. In addition, gun owners will be able to get up-to-date information on all the goings on at the General Assembly right here on the Blog.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Falls Church Wants More Gun Control - Supports D.C. Gun Ban
Monday night, the Falls Church City Council adopted a “priority position” to ask the General Assembly to pass a law empowering local governments to pass their own gun control laws. The Falls Church City Council hopes the shift in control of the State Senate to Democrats will make it more likely that their wish will come true.
In a statement issued by the Council, the city officials said, “The City supports changes to state law to allow local governments to create a weapons-free environment in publicly owned facilities,” the Council statement said, noting that the position is supported regionally and is consistent with legislation Fairfax County pursued last year.
I've got some bad news for the folks in Falls Church. Even if they were successful in getting such a bill out of the State Senate (and I am not convinced that it would even with the new majority in the Senate), do they really think it will make it out of the House?
In a related action during the meeting, a member of the Council asked the City Attorney to draft an “amicus brief” from the City to support the District of Columbia’s gun ban as the case goes before the U.S. Supreme Court.
You can read more about the actions of the Falls Church City Council here.
In a statement issued by the Council, the city officials said, “The City supports changes to state law to allow local governments to create a weapons-free environment in publicly owned facilities,” the Council statement said, noting that the position is supported regionally and is consistent with legislation Fairfax County pursued last year.
I've got some bad news for the folks in Falls Church. Even if they were successful in getting such a bill out of the State Senate (and I am not convinced that it would even with the new majority in the Senate), do they really think it will make it out of the House?
In a related action during the meeting, a member of the Council asked the City Attorney to draft an “amicus brief” from the City to support the District of Columbia’s gun ban as the case goes before the U.S. Supreme Court.
You can read more about the actions of the Falls Church City Council here.
Monday, October 1, 2007
VSSA Endorsements
In the coming days, VSSA will be announcing official endorsements for legislators that are engaged in tough election battles for re-election to the General Assembly. VSSA is a non-partisan organization and the Board has endorsed Democrats and Republicans for re-election. There are many friends of gun owners in the General Assembly but the Board opted to officially endorse those who have tough re-election campaigns. VSSA urges gun owners to review the NRA-PVF endorsements that will appear in your October NRA publications for a complete list of those that deserve gun owner support.
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