On a largely party-line 65-34 vote Monday, the House passed Del. Todd Gilbert’s bill (HB705) to make it easier for someone with an out-of-state concealed handgun permit to carry the weapon legally in Virginia.
On a nearly identical 64-32 vote last week, the House passed Del. Dave LaRock’s bill (HB878), which would force the chief law enforcement officer of a locality to certify the transfer of a firearm within 30 days when such a certification is required under federal law for the transaction to occur.
The State Police opposed both bills. The LaRock bill was also opposed by the Virginia Sheriffs Association.
“We continue to see more and more of this extreme legislation that goes far beyond Second Amendment protections,” House Democratic leader David Toscano of Charlottesville said in a statement after today’s vote.
Both measures now go to the state Senate, where their fate is uncertain.
I suppose the cops in Virginia didn't get the NRA talking-point memo.
As always, Mikeb, we don't ask the police what our rights should be. The police are supposed to enforce the law, though when the law violates our rights, some law enforcement officers decide to stand with the people.
ReplyDeleteThe point of the post, in case you missed it, is that these cops in VA put the lie to one of your favorite themes, that ONLY the chiefs and police commissioners favor gun control. Here it seems the rank and file do too, of course, naturally.
Delete" Here it seems the rank and file do too, of course, naturally."
DeleteWhen you look at the Virginia Sheriff's Assn, and the Virginia State Police Assn web sites there is no mention of their stand on this legislation. Granted, there might have been short notice due to how fast it might have moved to a vote, but in essence, it likely wasn't put to a vote by the body of members.
Interestingly, the survey I posted by police one also included over 800 Chiefs or Sheriffs in the group that contributed.
Mikeb, you take the word of the leadership, while I trust the surveys of rank and file officers. Notice that the organizations state opposition to these bills, but we don't see any data on a vote or survey held with the members.
Deletess, Police One is about as biased as they come. You could stop even mentioning them.
DeleteMikeb, on what grounds to you make that assertion?
DeleteHB878 is in essence removing law enforcement discretion to deny an application to possess these items, even though the person has passed all required background checks.
ReplyDelete"LaRock, R-Loudoun County, said the measure is needed because some law enforcement officers have been refusing to issue the certifications."
So it sounds like this bill was introduced because some law enforcement agencies have just decided you cant have something because they don't like it. Sort of like the reason for the trend to move from "may issue" permits to "shall issue" permits.
It's nice to get police input, but in the end they only enforce the laws. I understand some police are refusing to enforce gun laws they disagree with. They should be fired for refusing to do their job.
ReplyDelete