The Virginia General Assembly passed a host of bills Tuesday aimed at scaling back the state’s gun laws, including a repeal of the Wilder-era one-handgun-a-month law that won approval in the House.
The proposed abolition of the 17-year-old limit cleared the Republican-majority chamber on a 61-37 vote. Pro-gun lawmakers argued background check technology has made the law obsolete.
Opponents of the change pointed to the original justification for the one-gun-a-month cap: ridding Virginia of its reputation for being the East Coast’s top gun-running hub.
“I don’t believe that’s the kind of designation that we want to have,” said Del. Ken Plum, D-Reston.
Conservatives have wanted to do away with the limit since its inception. Said Del. Bob Marshall, R-Manassas: “We shouldn’t get rid of our Second Amendment rights because some people in New York City want to abuse theirs.”
Gov. Bob McDonnell has said he supports abolishing the law, which he backed as a Virginia Beach delegate.
The House supported more than a dozen other gun-related bills, including one to implement the “castle doctrine” allowing a homeowner to use deadly force against a threatening intruder.
The Senate — on a narrow 22-18 vote — backed legislation to allow concealed weapons in bars and restaurants, provided the owner doesn’t drink and has a concealed carry permit. The same measure was vetoed last year by Gov. Tim Kaine but is expected to be signed into law by McDonnell. The Senate, too, passed legislation allowing handguns to be kept in locked glove compartments without such a permit.
Democrats unsuccessfully protested both bills. Sen. Dave Marsden, D-Fairfax, a former acting director of Virginia’s Department of Juvenile Justice, said the glove box exception would open up new problems of unattended guns in vehicles — including allowing more weapons to fall into the hands of car thieves.
Tuesday was the last day in the session when each chamber could vote on its own legislation.
Also in Richmond
» The Senate voted 27-13 to mandate coverage for an effective treatment for small children who have autism.
» The Senate voted 28-12 to require online retailers to start collecting and paying Virginia sales taxes.
» The House and Senate passed bills to create an abortion-rights license plate. The Senate voted 26-8 to create the “Trust Women/Respect Choice” plates. After the first 1,000 plates are sold, $15 from each $25 plate would go to Planned Parenthood. The House voted 77-22 for the plate, but it diverted the proceeds to an unused fund that supports women with unplanned pregnancies.
