ALERT: Virginia Gun Ban Update
February 12, 2020What's in the Current Bill
HB 961, if passed, not only would ban the sale of certain semi-automatic firearms, including popular AR-15-style rifles, but would add a legal definition to the amorphous political attack term “assault rifle.” Under the definition, an assault firearm would be defined as “a semi-automatic center-fire rifle that expels single or multiple projectiles by action of an explosion of a combustible material with a fixed magazine capacity in excess of 12 rounds.”
The bill also bans standard capacity magazines, and other accessories that could be used to turn a firearm into a banned configuration.
Today, we passed HB961. Yesterday, on the House floor, I made clear that my bill to regulate the sale of assault weapons and ban high-capacity magazines has always been about one thing and one thing only: saving lives. pic.twitter.com/O7FsNc02mS
— Mark Levine (@DelegateMark) February 11, 2020
According to an update posted by the American Suppressor Association, HR 961 was modified in committee last Friday to remove the language mandating confiscation of legally-acquired firearm suppressors. That text was replaced with a ban on future sales, transfers, and manufacture of the accessories.
The Battle Continues
The specter of a far-reaching, outright ban on semi-automatic weapons has the gun rights community on watch.
Thanks to organizing efforts from the Virginia Citizens Defense League (VCDL), around 22,000 people descended upon the Virginia Capitol to protest anti-gun proposals in January. Citing concerns over violence, Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency on the capitol grounds. Ultimately, one non-violent arrest was made, but no violence was reported.
"Any legislation that requires Virginians to surrender or destroy their lawfully possessed firearms or standard-issue magazines is tantamount to confiscation and a gross violation of our constitutional rights. Governor Northam and House Democrats are still going after law-abiding citizens with these policies, and Virginians who merely own the most common types of firearms and accessories would be made to be felons and subject to prison. House Democrats seem to have learned nothing from the public outcry caused by their proposals. A similar Senate version of House Bill 961 is exactly what prompted the 'Second Amendment sanctuary cities' movement across Virginia. These efforts will continue to divide Virginia and without any meaningful public safety outcomes whatsoever."
Todd Gilbert, Minority Leader, Virginia House of Delegates Tweet
Virginia Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Brian Moran said in a statement that mass shootings such as the Virginia Tech massacre in 2007 (where pistols were used) are justification for a ban. The statement further read, “assault weapons are not protected by the Second Amendment because they are weapons of war.”
Analysis
ASA: Get Involved!
Per the American Suppressor Association:
The suppressor provisions of House Bill 961 were amended in Committee on Friday, removing the confiscation provision that was previously included. Should the bill become law, anyone who possesses a federally registered suppressor in Virginia prior to July 1st would be able to legally maintain possession of their property. However, the acts of importing, selling, manufacturing, and purchasing suppressors would be prohibited for civilians after enactment. For this reason, among others, HB 961 remains a bill that the American Suppressor Association strongly opposes.
American Suppressor Association, 2/11/2020 Tweet
The form below is hosted by the ASA and is the easiest way to ensure that your voice is heard by Virginia’s Senate Judiciary Committee.
Andy Hogue is a longtime veteran of legislative politics and journalism. He makes frequent appearances on television and radio shows in the Austin area, his writing has appeared in numerous national and international media outlets. He has served as speechwriter for two state officials, publicity director for several projects at The Alamo, and was constituent services director for one of the last conservative Austin City Councilmen. For fun he likes to unload 13 rounds from his Browning Hi-Power.