New VA Laws 07/01/2013

Please note all these new laws are the result of a representative with an R after their name.


Virginia: New Gun Laws Took Effect Yesterday

Yesterday, July 1, the following new gun laws took effect in the Old Dominion:

Senate Bill 1335, patroned by state Senator Mark D. Obenshain (R-26), safeguards the confidentiality of all concealed handgun permit (CHP) holders in Virginia.

Senate Bill 1363, patroned by state Senator Jill H. Vogel (R-27), and House Bill 2317, patroned by Delegate Rich Anderson (R-51), are companion bills that provide that residency for members of the Armed Forces shall include both the member’s permanent duty post and the nearby state in which the military personnel resides for the purposes of firearms purchases.

Senate Bill 1378, patroned by state Senator Thomas A. Garrett (R-22), increases penalties for individuals who knowingly assist prohibited persons in illegally obtaining firearms. An amendment submitted by Governor McDonnell, at the NRA's request, improves this law by adding protections for law-abiding citizens by exempting purchases of a firearm by a person for the lawful use, possession or transport by his child, grandchild, or individual for whom he is the legal guardian if such child, grandchild, or individual is ineligible, solely because of his age, to purchase a firearm.

House Bill 1582, patroned by Delegate Mark L. Cole (R-88), permits armed security officers licensed by the Department of Criminal Justice Services to carry firearms onto private or religious school property if the officer is hired by the private or religious school to provide protection to students and employees. This law also prohibits the Board of Social Services from adopting any regulations that would prevent a child day center from hiring an armed security officer.

House Bill 1833, patroned by Delegate L. Scott Lingamfelter (R-31), creates separate sections to address the general criminal prohibition against carrying concealed firearms; the requirements for applying for a concealed handgun permit; the process the circuit court follows in reviewing, issuing, and denying permits; the appeals process procedures for nonresidents to obtain permits; the renewal process disqualifications; and other procedural issues.

These new laws demonstrate another successful legislative session in Richmond. To continue advancing the rights of all responsible gun owners and sportsmen, it is imperative we Vote Freedom First and elect Second Amendment supporters this fall. To ensure that you vote for candidates who will support a pro-gun agenda in Virginia, please stay tuned to www.nrapvf.org for candidate ratings and endorsements, and make sure that you are registered to vote.