Wednesday, the Virginia House of Delegates passed key legislative pieces of a bipartisan gun agreement between the governor and the General Assembly — House Bills 1163, 1386 and 1391.
HB 1163, proposed by Del. Michael Webert (R-Fauquier), enables reciprocity of concealed carry agreements by ensuring individuals over 21 years of age and possessing a concealed handgun permit are allowed to carry a concealed firearm in Virginia.
"HB 1163 is an expansion of concealed carry reciprocity agreements, so this means more law-abiding, responsible Virginians possessing concealed carry permits will be able exercise their rights in a greater number of states,” Webert said in an email statement.
Webert said this legislation also requires the State Police Superintendent to enter into reciprocity agreements within 60 days of its enactment and prohibits the recognition of an out-of-state permit if an individual's Virginia permit has been revoked.
"I believe my bipartisan proposal will provide greater certainty and safety for permit holders when traveling both into and outside of Virginia," Webert said.
HB 1386, proposed by Del. Scott Lingamfelter (R-Prince William), chairman of the House Militia, Police and Public Safety Committee, requires the presence of Virginia State Police at gun shows to administer voluntary background checks for private sales.
“This legislation will give people the assurance that comes from conducting a background check when engaging in a private firearms transaction without mandating government oversight of private transactions,” Lingamfelter said in a press release. “Private sellers now have the ability to make sure they are not selling guns into the hands of criminals and the mentally ill. This agreement is a win for all parties involved.”
However, some believe more can be done. University Democrats President Sam Tobin, a third-year College student, applauded the bipartisan efforts, but said he would like to the requirement of universal background checks for all private gun sales.
“[University Democrats] supports more commonsense measures to keep guns out of the wrong hands,” Tobin said.
HB 1391, proposed by Del. Kathleen Murphy (D-Fairfax), prohibits the possession of firearms by individuals under a permanent protective order for domestic violence.
“Action in the House of Delegates continues our bipartisan progress toward an historic accord that will increase public safety in our Commonwealth and save lives,” Gov. Terry McAuliffe said in a press release. “We can all be proud of this significant achievement that will broaden access to background checks at gun shows and protect Virginia families from gun violence at the hands of domestic abusers. I look forward to signing these important measures into law.”
College Republicans did not respond to requests for comment.
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