Earlier this week, two anti-sportsmen bills failed to get out of their respective House Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources subcommittees, effectively defeating them for the year.
House Bill 1989 would have undermined the effective management of fish and game populations by restricting the control of predator populations – like coyotes.
House Bill 1984 would have required dogs to have continuous water available at all times, irrespective of actual need or circumstance. Virginia already has a law requiring adequate water for dogs at suitable intervals to maintain normal hydration and health.
This is great news for sportsmen, but unfortunately, we still have work to do in this session. Read on.
Last night, the House Public Safety Subcommittee stopped or laid on the table the following bills by a 6-4 vote. Technically, these bills could be brought back before the subcommittee for reconsideration, but that is unlikely.
HB 2240 was passed by indefinitely. HB 2240 would have banned the import, sell, transfer, manufacture, and purchase of “assault firearms,” suppressors, and magazines that hold more than 15 rounds. This bill is nothing more than an anti-gun grab-bag, with modern hunting rifles and accessories pulled into ban, once again, with no material benefit to public safety.
HB 1788 was laid on the table. HB 1788 would have required all new firearms being sold after 7/1/2025 in Virginia to be equipped with microstamping capabilities.
HB 2273 was laid on the table. HB 2273 would have required a mandatory 3-day waiting period for firearms purchase even after the purchasers passed the background check.
HB 2288 was laid on the table. HB 2288 would have expanded the definition of “assault firearm” to include many commonly owned firearms and prohibits young adults 18-20 years old from purchasing these newly defined “assault firearms.” Similar to HB 2240, this bill went one step further by prohibiting young adults from purchasing firearms for lawful purposes.
HB 2350 was laid on the table. HB 2350 would have required that firearm(s) must store unloaded in a locked container, compartment or cabinet and that ammunition must be stored in a separate locked container, compartment or cabinet when a minor under 18 years of age is present. 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.
HB 2407 was laid on the table. HB 2407 would have required proof of completion of a firearms training course within five years to purchase a firearm.
HB 1656 directs the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission to study the social, physical, emotional, and economic effects of gun violence on communities across the Commonwealth. This is a “feel good” measure that will have no material benefit for public safety in Virginia. The bill provides no detail on how this “study” will be conducted, or whether the rigor of scientific methodologies will be guaranteed, resulting in a set of political “answers” that will not benefit Virginians in any way.
These three anti-gun senate bills are still moving through the legislative process. Senate Bill 1167 has already passed the Senate by a 21-19 vote and will move to the House for committee assignment. We expect Senate Bill 1139 and SB 1382 also to pass the Democrat-controlled Senate.
Senate Bill 1167 creates a special cause of action for individual victims to sue firearms manufacturers for the violent acts of third parties. Passed chamber 21-19, moving to House.
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 1382 prohibits the import, sale, manufacture, purchase, possession, transport, and transfer of many commonly owned firearms and ammunition magazines.
The Sportsmen’s Alliance will continue to monitor the legislative session and inform you when action is needed. In the meantime, check out our legislative map to see all the bills we are monitoring in Virginia and across the nation.
