Tuesday, February 7 was Virginia’s legislative crossover deadline date. This important date means all introduced bills must pass out of their house of origin in order to continue through the legislative process. Those bills that do not “crossover” to the other chamber are defeated for the year.
Only three gun control measures that are a concern to sportsmen crossed over and yesterday, February 9, the House Public Safety Committee Subcommittee #1 laid them on the table. Being “laid on the table” means these bills could be brought back for reconsideration, but that is unlikely with the February 25 adjournment date right around the corner.
Senate Bill 1139 requires that anyone who possesses a firearm(s) in a residence and a minor under 18 years of age is present must store them unloaded in a locked container, compartment, or cabinet and store ammunition in a separate locked container, compartment, or cabinet. A loaded firearm may only be stored in a biometric storage device. Any person who violates this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor, and when more than one firearm in a residence is not stored in accordance with this section, a violation for each such firearm shall constitute a separate crime.
Senate Bill 1167 creates a special cause of action for individual victims to sue firearms manufacturers for the violent acts of third parties.
Senate Bill 1382 prohibits the import, sale, manufacture, purchase, possession, transport, and transfer of many commonly owned firearms and ammunition magazines.
The Sportsmen’s Alliance and its Virginia members thank the Delegates and Senators who voted to protect sportsmen and gun owners of the Old Dominion State in this year’s session.
