This week's NRA-ILA Alert discusses Second Amendment legislation in Virginia.
VIRGINIA: Four Pro-Gun Bills Heading to the Governor's Desk! On Monday, March 1, the Virginia State Senate voted to approve four NRA-supported bills; House Bill 8, House Bill 637, House Bill 871 and House Bill 1256. These bills will now go to the desk of Governor Bob McDonnell (R) for his consideration. To learn more about these bills and how you can contact the Governor on their behalf, please click here.
Virginia House Repeals Ban on Concealed Carry in Restaurants! On Tuesday, March 2, the Virginia House of Delegates voted to approve Senate Bill 334 by a margin of 72 to 27. The measure previously passed in the Senate on February 16, by a vote of 22 to 18 and will now be sent to Governor Bob McDonnell's (R) desk for his consideration. SB334 would allow concealed carry permit holders to carry a concealed firearm for self-defense in restaurants that serve alcohol, provided they do not consume alcohol. Senator Hanger's bill would make it a misdemeanor for a permit holder to consume alcohol while on the premises of the restaurant. Please contact Governor McDonnell and respectfully request he sign Senate Bill 334 and bring Virginia in line with 40 other states that allow some form of concealed carry in restaurants.
"Castle Doctrine" Legislation Defeated in Senate Committee In another sign that the Senate Courts of Justice Committee is out of touch with the common beliefs of the citizens of Virginia, a bill designed to codify the common law principle known as the "Castle Doctrine," was defeated by a vote of 9 to 6. House Bill 854 would have provided immunity from civil prosecution if someone used force, including deadly force, to defend themselves and their loved ones if attacked in their home by someone who has entered unlawfully. This is just another example of the difference between the House and Senate chambers in Virginia and how they view our individual rights. The House of Delegates passed HB854 on February 16 by a margin of 75-24. Please contact the members of the Committee who voted in favor of your self-defense rights and thank them for their support! Please click here for contact information.
Senate's Special Sub-Committee Kills Pro-Gun Bills The special Sub-Committee formed earlier this week to kill firearm-related bills performed its intended goal by defeating a large number of pro-gun bills designed to protect our Second Amendment rights. Just a few weeks ago, the House of Delegates passed these bills with many garnering strong bi-partisan support. Despite killing numerous pro-gun bills, the Special Sub-Committee did pass three bills. Please click here to learn more.
Virginia Department of Forestry Accepting Public Comment on Concealed Carry in State Forests! The Virginia Department of Forestry is currently accepting public comment on the proposed amendment to Virginia State Forest Regulation 4VAC10-30-170, which would allow concealed carry permit holders who possess a valid permit to carry a concealed handgun for self-defense within Virginia's state forests. Public comments will be accepted by the Virginia Department of Forestry until Friday, April 16. Please click here to submit comments respectfully urging the Virginia Department of Forestry to amend their Administrative Code and to support the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Virginians. Also, please attend a public hearing scheduled for Thursday, March 4 at 1:00 p.m. to show your support for this proposed amendment. The hearing will be held at the Buckingham Agriculture Center Auditorium located at 13360 West James Anderson Highway in Buckingham.
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