Last Monday, the Virginia Senate passed Senate Bill 323, legislation to repeal the prohibition of purchasing more than one handgun per month, by a 21 to 19 vote. Today, the state Senate passed House Bill 940, the House companion to SB 323, by the same 21 to 19 margin. HB 940 will now be sent to Governor Bob McDonnell for his signature to which he has already publicly committed to do.
Drafted by the NRA and sponsored by Delegate Scott Lingamfelter (R-31), House Bill 940 would repeal the prohibition on law-abiding citizens buying more than one handgun within a thirty-day period. Anti-gun opponents have long claimed that gun rationing keeps handguns out of the hands of criminals, but history has shown this law to be ineffective, and to only affect and penalize law-abiding citizens.
No action is needed at this time on your part. However thank you to those members who contacted their state legislators in support of House Bill 940 and Senate Bill 323.