Tuesday, February 16, 2021

Pending gun restriction legislation in Virginia as of 2/15/21


Status of gun bills as of 2/15/21

HB1992, Murphy, takes away gun rights for a conviction of misdemeanor domestic violence.  HB1992 was first killed by the committee this morning, but a little while later the vote was revisited and the bill squeaked out of committee on an 8 to 7 vote. HB1992 now heads to Finance.  The bill had a substitute in committee this morning.  The substitute restores gun rights after 3 years.  

However, that doesn't actually restore a person's gun rights federally, as the bill must take away all civil rights and then restore all of them for the federal prohibition to be terminated.  Worse, HB1992 expands what qualifies as domestic violence, beyond what the federal government uses.  For these reasons, VCDL continues to STRONGLY OPPOSE HB1992.

Voting pro-gun: Norment, Obenshain, McDougle, Stuart, Stanley, Morrissey, Peake

Voting anti-gun: Edwards, Saslaw, Lucas, Deeds, Petersen, Surovell, McClellan, Boysko

ACTION ITEM #1!

Click here to tell your Senator that you still oppose HB1992, even with the substitute.
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HB2081, Levine, prohibits guns within 40 feet of polling places.  The bill passed out of committee on an 8 to 6 vote and heads to the Senate Floor.  VCDL STRONGLY OPPOSES HB2081.

Voting pro-gun: Norment, Obenshain, McDougle, Stuart, Stanley, Peake
Voting anti-gun: Edwards, Saslaw, Lucas, Deeds, Surovell, McClellan, Boysko, Morrissey

HB2276, Simon, is a ban on homemade guns and 80% receivers.  The bill was not heard today, but is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Judiciary Criminal Law subcommittee on Wednesday.  This is a really bad bill that must be stopped.  VCDL STRONGLY OPPOSES HB2276.

HB2298, Fariss, allows for the use of safer "firestick" breach-loaded propellant for muzzleloaders used in hunting.  The bill was not heard today, but is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Judiciary committee 1/2 hour after adjournment of the Senate on Wednesday.  VCDL STRONGLY SUPPORTS HB2298.

ACTION ITEM #2!

On Tuesday, February 16, SB1381, Ebbin, which bans guns at the Capitol and in state government buildings, is going to be heard in the House Public Safety Firearms subcommittee at 7 am.  VCDL STRONGLY OPPOSES SB1381.

Tell your Delegate to OPPOSE SB1381 by clicking here.