The Virginia legislature passed a slew of great gun violence prevention laws at the beginning of this year. This week, the legislature began a special session and the NRA beholden legislators introduced two bills to weaken these new laws.
HB 5020 weakens the nullification of preemption laws. These laws prevented communities from enacting their own gun restrictions, such as for a protest or in a school. HB 5024 penalizes any sale of guns without a background check. This law goes a long way towards preventing the sale of guns on the street to gang members.
The NRA Strategy
The NRA contacted their members this week and urged them to call their Virginia Delegate members and ask them to support these bills. Offsetting voices are needed to make known the concerns of citizens about gun violence prevention.
The bills
- House Bill 5020 exempts licensed concealed handgun permit holders from any local gun safety ordinances. 👎 Dislike
- House Bill 5024 removes the misdemeanor penalty for failing to get a background check when selling a gun to another person. 👎 Dislike
Action
Please call or email your Virginia State Delegate. Ask for opposition to HB 5020 and HB 5024 so we don’t reverse the progress Virginia made this year on gun control measures.
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April 13, 2020
Virginia: Governor signs numerous gun control bills
Last Friday, Governor Northam signed a whole slew of gun violence prevention bills into law. Many pro-gun groups protested these bills with strong opposition and shows of force. Passage of these bills by the now Democratic legislature and Governor mark a dramatic turn towards gun safety in Virginia. Those who made calls to their legislators can be proud of themselves. A Newsweek article has more information on these bills.
The NRA reaction
The NRA failed to recognize their failures. All they could do is point out that one bill failed this year. It was the bill to ban assault weapons: “Thanks to broad opposition from citizens across the state, Gov. Northam was unable to get his comprehensive gun ban passed this year.”
The bills
Bills signed in law by the Governor
- Senate Bill 240 and House Bill 674 is an Extreme Risk Protection Orders bill. It would allow authorities to temporarily remove guns from a person deemed to be dangerous to themselves or others. 👍
- Senate Bill 543 expand background checks to gun shows. 👍 Like
- Senate Bill 69 and House Bill 812 limit the purchase of handguns to one a month. 👍
- House Bill 9 requires that lost or stolen guns be reported to the police within 24 hours of discovery. 👍
- House Bill 1083 penalizes parents for carelessly allowing children to have access to guns. 👍 Like
- House Bill 264 removes the option to satisfy handgun competence with an online course. 👍 Like
- Senate Bill 173 prohibits the possession of a stun gun on school property. 👍 Like
- Senate Bill 14 prohibits trigger activators. 👍 Like
- Senate Bill 774 prohibits guaranteed kills or hunting trips that guarantee the killing of animals. 👍 Like
- Senate Bill 64 makes paramilitary activities illegal. Brandishing a firearm with one or more persons with the purpose of intimidating is considered a paramilitary activity. 👍 Like
- Senate Bill 593 and House Bill 600 require that all firearms be unloaded and locked up in a licensed day care facility. 👍 Like
- House Bill 2 and SB 70 expands background checks to include firearm sales between individuals. 👍 Like
- House Bill 1080 restricts a school board from allowing someone to carry guns on a school campus. 👍 Like
- Senate Bill 479 and House Bill 1004 would prohibit those under certain protection orders from possessing guns. 👍 Like
- Senate Bill 35 and House Bill 421 eliminate preemption laws. These laws prevent local communities from restricting places like parks and schools from having gun. 👍 Like
- Senate Bill 71 Prohibits guns from childcare centers.👍 Like
- Senate Bill 436 allows individuals to add themselves to a “no-buy” list.👍 Like
March 24, 2020
Virginia: Gov Northam blocked from Coronavirus safety measure
Governor Northam, in an effort to protect from violence during this coronavirus emergency, wanted to close gun stores. A law, passed previously, prevented the Governor from doing this. He could only limit in-person shopping to no more than 10 patrons for their virus protection.
NRA strategy
No need for the gun group to advocate for anything now. Years back, they anticipated a pandemic and passed a law preparing for the protection of their gun sales.
February 28, 2020
Virginia: Seven gun safety bills pass both legislative chambers
This week, seven gun violence prevention bills passed both chambers of the Virginia State Legislature. Five of the bills go on to the Governor’s desk where he is expected to sign them. HB 2 and HB 812 were signed by both chambers, but a conference committee needs to resolve language differences.
NRA strategy to fight gun safety
The NRA announced the voting results, but had little else to say: “Your NRA and law-abiding citizens have opposed these bills each step along the way and will continue to do so.”
The bills
- House Bill 2 expands background checks to include firearm sales between individuals. 👍 Like
- House Bill 674 allows Extreme Risk Protection Orders. These ERPO laws allow families to request guns be removed from family members who are a danger to themselves or others. 👍 Like
- House Bill 421 eliminates preemption laws. These laws prevent local communities from restricting places like parks and schools from having gun. 👍 Like
- House Bill 812 restricts gun purchases to one a month. This prevents illegal gun dealers from obtaining an inventory of guns. 👍 Like
- House Bill 9 requires that lost or stolen guns be reported to the police within 24 hours of discovery. 👍 Like
- House Bill 1083 penalizes parents for carelessly allowing children to have access to guns. 👍 Like
- House Bill 1080 restricts a school board from allowing someone to carry guns on a school campus. 👍 Like
Action
No action is requested.
February 26, 2020
Virginia: Full Senate is voting on many gun control bills today
Today, February 26, the Virginia full Senate is voting on many gun-safety measures before them. All these bills already passed the Assembly, so if the Senate votes favorably, the Governor will sign them into law.
NRA strategy
The NRA just alerted their members to call or email their State Senator urging them to oppose these bills.
The bills
- House Bill 2 expands background checks to include firearm sales between individuals. 👍 Like
- House Bill 9 requires that lost or stolen guns be reported to the police within 24 hours of discovery. 👍 Like
- House Bill 421 eliminates preemption laws. These laws prevent local communities from restricting places like parks and schools from having gun. 👍 Like
- House Bill 1083 penalizes parents for carelessly allowing children to have access to guns. 👍 Like
- House Bill 674 allows Extreme Risk Protection Orders. These ERPO laws allow families to request guns be removed from family members who are a danger to themselves or others. 👍 Like
- House Bill 812 restricts gun purchases to one a month. This prevents illegal gun dealers from obtaining an inventory of guns. 👍 Like
- House Bill 1080 restricts a school board from allowing someone to carry guns on a school campus. 👍 Like
Action
Please call or email the office of your State Senator. Ask for a positive vote on HB 2, 9, 421, 1083, 674, 812 and 1080. They need the support to stand up to pro-gun callers.
February 17, 2020
Virginia: Pro-Gunners rejoice over rare victory that squashes assault weapons ban
On February 17, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted down the assault weapons ban by a vote of 10-5. The full House of Representatives previously passed the assault weapons ban.
The NRA sent out an alert to their members congratulating them on the victory, the result of their member’s show of force.
To those gun safety advocates who contacted legislators, your efforts have succeeded in the continued flow of gun control measures through the legislature. This defeat is only one in the long list of gun violence prevention bills that are continuing to meet with success in Virginia.
The bill
- House Bill 961 would have banned all assault weapons and magazine that hold more than ten rounds of ammunition. 👍 Like
Action
None at this time.
February 15, 2020
Virginia: The House passed assault weapons ban
On February 11, the full House of Representatives passed the assault weapons ban. Congratulations to the Virginia gun safety advocates who contacted their Delegate. The bill now moves to the Senate Judiciary Committee for a hearing on February 17.
The NRA sent out an alert to their members to contact the committee members and urge them to oppose this bill. To counteract pro-gun calls and emails, gun sense voters are also urged call their delegates and urge them to support this bill.
The bill
- House Bill 961 would ban all assault weapons and magazine that hold more than ten rounds of ammunition. 👍
Action
Please email Senator John S Edwards (district21@senate.virginia.gov). Say that you support HB 961 to ban assault weapons. These dangerous weapons serve no purpose in hunting or defense of the home.
February 7, 2020
Virginia: Full House vote coming soon on banning assault weapons
The House Public Safety Committee approved the assault weapons ban this week. The bill now moves to the full House of Delegates for a vote at any time.
The NRA sent out an alert to their members to contact their delegate urging them to oppose this bill. To counteract pro-gun calls and emails, gun sense voters are also urged call their delegates and urge them to support this bill.
The bill
- House Bill 961 would ban all assault weapons and magazine that hold more than ten rounds of ammunition. 👍
Action
Please email or call your Virginia State Delegate and urge him or her to support HB 961 to ban assault weapons. These dangerous weapons serve no purpose in hunting or defense of the home.
February 6, 2020
Virginia: Short notice assault weapons ban hearing
The House Public Safety Committee announced today a public hearing to be held tomorrow, February 7, to consider House Bill 961. This bill would ban all of dangerous assault weapons.
The NRA sent out an urgent alert to their members to contact committee members and oppose this bill. Members are also urged to attend with wearing a tee shirt. Gun Sense voters are also urged to attend and show their visibility.
The bill
- House Bill 16 would ban all assault weapons and magazine that hold more than ten rounds of ammunition. 👍
Action
The meeting will be on Feb 7 at 8:00 AM in the General Assembly Building, HR 1, 900 E Main St., Richmond, VA 23219.
Please call the office of the Public Safety Committee Chairman (804-698-1047). Urge the committee to pass HB 16 to help eliminate assault weapons in Virginia. They serve no reasonable purpose.
January 31, 2020
Virginia: Full House of Delegates passes six gun safety bills
The Virginia democratically controlled legislature continues to approve great gun control legislation. Yesterday, all six gun violence prevention bills before the full House of Delegates received approval. Expect more activity on the six bills listed below.
The bills
- House Bill 2 would expand background checks to include firearm sales between individuals. 👍
- House Bill 9 would require that lost or stolen guns be reported to the police within 24 hours of discovery. 👍
- House Bill 421 would eliminate preemption laws. These laws prevent local communities from restricting places like parks and schools from having gun. 👍
- House Bill 1083 would penalize parents for carelessly allowing children to have access to guns. 👍
- House Bill 674 would allow Extreme Risk Protection Orders. These ERPO laws allow families to request guns be removed from family members who are a danger to themselves or others. 👍
- House Bill 812 would restrict gun purchases to one a month. This prevents illegal gun dealers from obtaining an inventory of guns. 👍
Action
As gun proliferation advocacy groups alert their members of upcoming votes I will send the notification, but to suggest doing the opposite of their instructions.
January 29, 2020
Virginia: The House of Delegates to vote tomorrow (Jan 30) on Six gun safety bills
The Virginia Legislature continues to forge ahead with gun violence prevention bills in the face of stiff opposition from pro-gun groups. Thursday, Jan 30, they the full House of Delegates is scheduled to vote on six-gun control type of bills. It is hard to single out one bill as being the most significant, because they all will result in less gun deaths.
The NRA of course, with their headquarters in Virginia, urged all members to contact their delegates and ask them to oppose these bills. Concerned citizens are urged to support their delegates in voting yes to these bills.
The bills
- House Bill 2 would expand background checks to include firearm sales between individuals. 👍
- House Bill 9 would require that lost or stolen guns be reported to the police within 24 hours of discovery. 👍
- House Bill 421 would eliminate preemption laws. These laws prevent local communities from restricting places like parks and schools from having gun. 👍
- House Bill 1083 would penalize parents for carelessly allowing children to have access to guns. 👍
- House Bill 674 would allow Extreme Risk Protection Orders. These ERPO laws allow families to request guns be removed from family members who are a danger to themselves or others. 👍
- House Bill 812 would restrict gun purchases to one a month. This prevents illegal gun dealers from obtaining an inventory of guns. 👍
Action
Please call or email the office of your Virginia State Delegate. Urge them to support HB 2, 9, 421, 1083, 674 and 812.
January 27, 2020
Virginia: Gun safety bills continue to progress through the legislature
The Virginia legislature is approving gun violence prevention bills so fast, it is hard to keep up with their progress. To stop the progress, the NRA urged members to make the calls to their legislators. The large protest by pro-gun supporters doesn’t’ seem to have deter the Democratic majority in the legislature from working for gun violence prevention.
To maintain this momentum, please take the opposite action of the NRA members. Make a call to your State Senator and you State Delegate to support them in resisting the calls from pro-gun people.
The bills
Passed the full Senate and is on to the House.
- Senate Bill 240 is an Extreme Risk Protection Orders bill. It would allow authorities to temporarily remove guns from a person deemed to be dangerous to themselves or others. 👍
Passed by the Senate Judiciary Committee.
- Senate Bill 263 would require in person training instead of online training for a Concealed Handgun Permit. 👍
Passed by the House Public Safety Committee.
- House Bill 2 and SB 70 would expand background checks to include firearm sales between individuals. 👍
- House Bill 674 would allow Extreme Risk Protection Orders. These ERPO laws allow families to request guns be removed from family members who are a danger to themselves or others. Similar to Senate Bill 240. 👍
- House Bill 812 would restrict gun purchases to one a month. This prevents illegal gun dealers from obtaining an inventory of guns. 👍
- House Bill 9 would require that lost or stolen guns be reported to the police within 24 hours of discovery. 👍
- House Bill 412 would eliminate Virginia’s state firearms preemption law. These laws prevent local communities from restricting guns from areas in their communities such as schools and parks. 👍
- House Bill 1004 would prohibit those under certain protection orders from possessing guns. 👍
- House Bill 1083 would penalize parents for carelessly allowing children to have access to guns. 👍
Turned down by the Passed by the House Public Safety Committee.
- House Bill 1175 would have raised the mandatory minimum prison sentence for a first time offense of a violent crime using a firearm. 👎
- House Bill 669 and House Bill 1485 would have allowed state employees to carry guns. 👎
- House Bill 162 and House Bill 1382 would have allowed people to sue local communities for injuries sustained in areas where guns are banned. 👎
Action
Please contact your Virginia State Senator and ask them to support SB240 and SB263.
Please contact your Virginia State Delegate and ask them to support HB2, HB9, HB412, HB674, HB812, HB1004, and HB1083.
January 23, 2020
Virginia: The House of Delegates is forging ahead with numerous good bills
Yesterday, the NRA just alerted their members of a hearing concerning gun control bills. On Friday (Jan 24), the Virginia House Public Safety Committee will hold a hearing at 8 am on six gun safety reform bills. Because of the late notice, the gun group didn’t ask for attendace but wants their members to call committee members opposing these gun violence prevention bills.
Gun control advocates have a chance to support Delegates in their courageous attempt to pass gun safety measure by counteracting pro-gun calls to the committee.
The bills
- House Bill 2 and House Bill 335 would expand background checks to include private transfers. Currently, only sales made at gun stores must undergo background checks. 👍
- House Bill 9 would require that lost or stolen guns be reported to the police within 24 hours of discovery. 👍
- House Bill 421 eliminates preemption laws. These laws prevent local communities from restricting places like parks and schools from having gun. 👍
- House Bill 72, 463 and 1083 would penalize parents for carelessly allowing children to have access to guns. 👍
- House Bill 674 would allow Extreme Risk Protection Orders. These ERPO laws allow families to request guns be removed from family members who are a danger to themselves or others. 👍
- House Bill 812 and 1502 would restrict gun purchases to one a month. This prevents illegal gun dealers from obtaining an inventory of guns. 👍
Action
Any calls to committee members listed below will help. Ask them to support the gun control legislation before the committee:
Chairman Patrick Hope, (804) 698-1047
Vice Chairman Jeffrey Bourne, (804) 698-1071
Del. Jennifer Carroll Foy, (804) 698-1002
Del. Nick Rush, (804) 698-1007
Del. Sam Rasoul, (804) 698-1011
Del. Ronnie Campbell, (804) 698-1024
Del. Tony Wilt, (804) 698-1026
Del. Roxann Robinson, (804) 698-1027
Del. Joshua Cole, (804) 698-1028
Del. Kenneth Plum, (804) 698-1036
Del. Kaye Kory, (804) 698-1038
Del. Daniel Helmer, (804) 698-1040
Del. Mark Levine, (804) 698-1045
Del. Alfonso Lopez, (804) 698-1049
Del. Matthew Fariss, (804) 698-1059
Del. Thomas Wright, (804) 698-1061
Del. Carrie Coyner, (804) 698-1062
Del. Clinton Jenkins, (804) 698-1076
Del. Glenn Davis, (804) 698-1084
Del. Shelly Simonds, (804) 698-1094
Del. Marcia Price, (804) 698-1095
Del. Amanda Batten, (804) 698-1096
January 23, 2020
Virginia: Gun safety bills continue to move forward
Undaunted by the protesters carrying assault weapons and military garb, the Senate Legislature courageously approved an Extreme Risk Protection Order bill this week. The House of Delegates will now decide on the bill.
Also, on Wednesday the Senate Judiciary Committee approved a bill to require in person training for a Concealed Handgun Permit. Currently, the training can all be online. Two other sentencing bills were rejected.
The bills
Bill passed the Senate and moves to the House of Delegates
- Senate Bill 240 is an Extreme Risk Protection Orders bill. It would allow authorities to temporarily remove guns from a person deemed to be dangerous to themselves or others. 👍
Bill approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee
- Senate Bill 263 would require in person training instead of online training for a Concealed Handgun Permit. 👍
Bills rejected by the Senate Judiciary Committee
- Senate Bill 82 and 89 would have allowed established a minimum three year sentence for violate a protective order while armed.
- Senate Bill 85 would have established longer sentences for stealing a gun and using it for a crime, distributing guns used in felonies and receiving a stolen gun.
Action
Expect more action alerts on gun bill votes.
January 17, 2020
Virginia: Three gun control bills fly through the full Senate
The Virginia State Senate succeeded in passing three gun violence prevention bills in one week. The now in control Democrats are moving fast to enact gun safety reform bills in Virginia.
More alerts will follow as these bills progress through the legislative process.
The bills
- Senate Bill 35 would eliminate the preemption restriction that prevents communities from restricting guns in certain areas, such as public buildings and parks. 👍
- Senate Bill 69 would limit the purchase of handguns to one a month. 👍
- Senate Bill 70 would expand background checks to include firearm sales between individuals. 👍
- House Resolution 17 adapted by the House allows the House Committee on Rules to regulate guns in the capital.
