Yesterday, the Governor’s amendment to House Bill 962, sponsored by Delegate Ben Cline (R-24), was defeated by a 30-70 vote in the House of Delegates. As previously reported, Governor Terry McAuliffe (D) made his first attempt to limit the legal use of firearms in Virginia by returning an amendment to HB 962 that would further restrict how handguns may be stored in vehicles by forcing drivers to keep firearms in a “locked” container rather than being allowed to secure those firearms in a container without a lock as they have lawfully been doing for years. Thanks to your calls and e-mails, this misguided amendment was rejected. This unamended legislation now returns to the Governor for his decision to sign HB 962 or veto it. Please contact Governor McAuliffe TODAY and urge him to sign HB 962 into law! Please e-mail him by clicking here and call him at 804-786-2211.
On Wednesday, March 5, the following three bills were signed into law by Governor McAuliffe:
House Bill 127: Sponsored by pro-gun Delegate Ed Scott (R-30), HB 127 allows persons to hunt big game with muzzleloading pistols of a caliber of .45 or greater where and in those seasons when the use of muzzleloading rifles is permitted.
House Bill 715: Sponsored by pro-gun Delegate Tommy Wright (R-61), HB 715 establishes a new combined license for persons hunting with a bow and arrow or a crossbow.
House Bill 1237: Sponsored by pro-gun Delegate Todd Gilbert (R-15) and 39 colleagues, HB 1237 allows Sunday hunting on private lands with written permission from the owner while still prohibiting hunting within 200 yards of a house of worship, the hunting of deer with dogs and the hunting of bear. Click here to view our news release. HB 1237’s Senate companion, Senate Bill 154, is expected to be enacted soon.
With the Virginia General Assembly regular session set to adjourn today, your NRA-ILA will continue to update you on the status of the few remaining bills that require final action.