Public Comments for: HB1015 - Firearms, etc.; carrying concealed weapon by persons convicted of misdemeanor hate crime prohibited.
Last Name: dunwoodie Locality: centreville

Oppose all gun control. Why are you assaulting the rights of law abiding Virginians while lowering punishments for violent criminals. This shows that you are not doing this for safety purposes. You are doing this because you have contempt for the Constitution.

Last Name: Rinaldi Locality: Buckingham County

I STRONGLY support HB1427. I STRONGLY oppose HB1015 and HB1525. I am neutral on HB916.

Last Name: oyer Organization: Citizens for Common Sense in Lackey, VA. Locality: Yorktown

PLEASE VOTE NO, ONLY FELONIES SHOULD TAKE FIREARMS

Last Name: Billerd Locality: PWC

Oppose bills attacking 2nd Amendment rights.

Last Name: Zachmann Locality: Roanoke

I oppose all of these bills to limit my second amendment freedoms.

Last Name: Howard Locality: Fredericksburg

HB 916 School administrators have enough work to do educating students and do not need to become nannys for parents as provided for under this bill. There is no real problem to solve here and this legislation is unnecessary. OPPOSE. HB 1015 The penalty under this bill, for a misdemeanor, takes away a person's civil right to keep and bear arms. Maybe for a felony conviction, but not this. It would set a bad precedent. OPPOSE. HB 1427 I support this bill. Restricting handgun purchases to one / 30 days hasn't solved any problem and really only impacts law abiding citizens. Criminals don't care about restrictions on legal purchases. OPPOSE. HB 1525 A person under 21 years old and over 18 is considered and adult who can vote, and be drafted. They have rights under the U.S. Constitution like anyone else and transporting arms for any otherwise legal purpose should not be a crime. "Assault" firearms are not clearly defined and the broad definition is subject to political whims. The term itself is political language that doesn't belong in the law. Finally, any firearm is not capable of a crime as an inanimate object. Criminals are capable and we already have plenty of laws to address them.

Last Name: Renner Organization: The Brady Campaign To Prevent Gun Violence Locality: Washington

The Brady Campaign to End Gun Violence supports these bills.

Last Name: Geller Locality: Dumfries

HB 1015: Putting a lifetime ban on person committed a misdemeanor is unconstitutional. Especially if there is no way to remove it. Think of of all the dumb things people do when they are young or when in failing relationships. Why would we put a permanent scarlet letter on someone without the chance for redemption. The most obvious problem is that this doesn't solve anything. I mean are you banning hands, feet , bats, kitchen knives, etc. HB 1427: Virginia’s One Handgun a Month law is another solution to a non-existent problem, In fact because of this you are no longer notified when some buys multiple handguns. Which is the current Federal law. You are also putting a fiscal burden on your constituents when they lose out on sales. Because they need to wait month for each purchase. after all you are getting the same background check, whether you buy one or 10 guns HB 1525 : Another bill that's already been proven to be unconstitutional. So if it's necessary to restrict 18 - 20 years ability to posses a handgun. Then logically no Law Enforcement officer in the state below 21 should be covered under this law. In fact why do we allow people under 21 to join the national guard and military.

Last Name: Sabatier Locality: warrenton

HB 916 - Support - lets any recognized firearms training agency for concealed permit qualification HB 1015 - Oppose - This bill prohibits a person convicted of a misdemeanor assault and battery hate crime from being able to possess firearms. Misdemeanors should never take away a person's civil rights. The bill is unconstitutional under the U.S. Supreme Court's New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen decision. HB 1427 - Oppose - This bill repeals the unconstitutional One Handgun a Month law.

Last Name: Charters Locality: Fauquier

Forum: I urge you to oppose HB1015 and HB1525 as both of these Bills unconstitutionally infringes on a persons guaranteed Rights. HB1015 has already been proven unconstitutional by the SCOTUS. I support HB1427 as it is removes an already unconstitutionally law approved by a government intent on controlling a persons guaranteed right. There is nothing in the Constitution that stipulates a quantity or value on how a person chooses to exercise their rights. HB916 should not restrict or hinder the exercise of a persons 2ndA right. The Bill as written now should not be restrictive such that it controls the actions of the person when they need to use the 2ndA the most. A person should not be restricted on when, how, where they need to protect themselves or others such that they are pressed to NOT exercising their 2ndA rights. If you make it so very difficult to exercise a persons guaranteed rights that are protected, then that person will consider it a hindrance, whereas the criminal element does not care or even considers the control mechanism of the law. V/R, Mr. Charters

Last Name: Vorman Locality: Fairfax

We need machine guns and abortions for satanic spawn

Last Name: Calaman Locality: Richmond city

Please support HB 1427 Please oppose HB 1015 and HB 1525

Last Name: shifflett Locality: Virginia beach

This Bill is ridiculous. Do you lose your voting rights because of a traffic ticket? The 2nd amendment is not a Civil Right you can pick and choose who it belongs to so easily.

Last Name: HOLLAR Organization: USA COMMON SENSE CITIZEN Locality: MIDLOTHIAN

HB1015 AND HB1525 OPPOSED BY COMMON SENSE HB1427 IN FAVOR

Last Name: Baker Locality: SALEM

As a fellow Virginian, I urge you to OPPOSE any and all restrictions for firearms and legal gun owners and support those bills that address and support legal gun owners in the Commonwealth. SUPPORT HB 1427 repeals Virginia’s unconstitutional One Handgun a Month law. OPPOSE House Bill 1015 prohibits firearm possession for those convicted of a misdemeanor assault and battery hate crime. Misdemeanors should never strip a person of their civil rights, and this bill is unconstitutional under the U.S. Supreme Court’s NYSRPA v. Bruen decision. OPPOSE House Bill 1525 removes the right of young adults aged 18–20 to possess a handgun or so-called “assault firearm,” except in narrow circumstances on family property. This bill unconstitutionally denies young adults their Second Amendment rights. Thank you for all that you do for our Commonwealth.

Last Name: Fox Organization: Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America Locality: Albemarle County

I support this bill because state laws covering violent misdemeanor crimes are associated with a 21% reduction in intimate-partner homicide with a firearm and an 18% reduction in overall homicide rates.

Last Name: Reale Locality: Williamsburg

No new gun laws

Last Name: Smith Locality: Virginia Beach

HB1015 is unconstitutional per US Supreme Court NYSRPA v. Bruen and strips civil rights for misdemeanors and should not be allowed to pass HB 1427 lifts unnecessary gun purchases restrictions and should be passed HB1525 denies young adults of constitutional rights and should not be passed Thank you for your time and attention.

Last Name: Jenkins Locality: Tazewell County

OPPOSE HB 1015 and HB 1525, and to SUPPORT HB 1427.

Last Name: Dick Organization: I speak as a lifelong Citizen of the United States of America and a lawful resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia Locality: Chesterfield County

The listed misdemeanors do not justify the removal of any Constitutional Right. A recent U.S. Supreme Court decision declared this bill's provisions to be unconstitutional. The Patron is compelled by a Supreme Court decision to withdraw this Bill. NYSRPA v, Bruen.

Last Name: Smoyer Locality: Midlothian

HB1015 - Virginia affirms a citizen's right to vote irrespective of misdemeanor convictions, establishing a principle that should be uniformly applied to all constitutionally protected rights. The Second Amendment warrants comparable deference; failing to do so constitutes blatant selectivism in the exercise of fundamental rights and establishes a dangerous precedent that could enable the incremental erosion of other liberties. Moreover, employing a hate crime designation as the criterion for determining eligibility to exercise a right creates an expansive and perilous mechanism for targeting individuals who dissent from the governing body, thereby unconstitutionally stripping them of their rights and protections. HB1427 - Imposing a mandatory waiting period on citizens who lawfully purchase a handgun constitutes a direct infringement on the right to bear arms. When an individual has cleared all legal requirements and demonstrated no reasonable doubt as to their eligibility, compelling them to wait before acquiring another firearm provides no substantive public safety benefit. Such a measure is merely an obstruction masquerading as a protective policy, which paradoxically disarms law-abiding citizens and denies them a critical means of self-defense precisely when they may need it most. HB1525 - Prohibiting individuals from possessing a firearm until the age of twenty-one represents another incremental erosion of constitutionally protected liberties. The logic of such a restriction is deeply inconsistent: in Virginia, a citizen can obtain a driver's license at sixteen, yet must wait until eighteen to exercise a federally protected right. If the concern is truly about maturity and judgment, then any policy raising the firearm ownership age to twenty-one should be paralleled by raising the military enlistment age to the same standard. After all, the very firearms deemed too dangerous for twenty-year-olds are issued en masse to service members for use with far greater lethality. Furthermore, restricting access to firearms during formative years is counterproductive to public safety. Early and consistent training with firearms cultivates proficiency, discipline, and respect for their operation. Denying young adults this opportunity prevents them from developing the crucial experience that ensures responsible handling, thereby creating a liability rather than a protection and endangering the very community the law aims to shield. Historically, this age-based restriction has no precedent. The Continental Army, during the Revolutionary War, enlisted men as young as sixteen, entrusting them with the state-of-the-art weaponry of the era. This established a clear precedent for recognizing the rights and responsibilities of young adults to bear arms in defense of themselves and their nation, rendering current age limitations a modern departure from established American tradition.

Last Name: Lucast Locality: Woodbridge

I oppose HB1015 and HB1525. I support HB 1427.

Last Name: Henderson Locality: Prince william

Shall not be infringed. It’s literally the second thing our founding fathers drafted. Please stop. All of it. Recant your bills and leave our freedoms alone.

Last Name: Moroney Locality: North Chesterfield

HB1015: Do not pass this non-objective rider. Hate crimes are in the eye of the beholder. Are you aware that in communist China, the first thing they did was to cause children to hate their parents, getting the parents killed. But then when the children grew up and were a threat, then china killed the children who did their work ! The stated reason for killing both the parent and the child was 'hate', hate of the new regime, which morphed. All laws based on 'hate' are anti-christian and deny the value of human life, even the value of people who say hateful things. In Christiandom, we do not punish people for 'hate' words but rather for actions. Actions are a line not to be crossed, but when emotions are considered actions, there is no rule of law.

Last Name: Burnett Organization: Na Locality: Danville

I oppose HB 1015 and HB 1525. I support HB 1427.

Last Name: McMahon Locality: Front Royal

Please vote in favor of HB1427. The Second Amendment doesn't say "unless someone wants to buy more than one handgun within a 30-day period." Please vote against HB 1015. No conviction for a misdemeanor, even if committed because of hate (as opposed to love?) should result in loss of a fundamental constitutional right. Please vote against HB 1525. This is yet another law curtailing the freedom of the law-abiding while doing nothing to stop criminals.

Last Name: Swatman Locality: WINCHESTER

HB 1015 Please do not support this bill. This bill prohibits firearm possession for those convicted of a misdemeanor assault and battery hate crime. Misdemeanors should never strip a person of their civil rights, and this bill is unconstitutional under the U.S. Supreme Court’s NYSRPA v. Bruen decision. HB 1427 Please do not support this bill. This bill repeals Virginia’s unconstitutional One Handgun a Month law. This is an unnecessary obstruction to commerce and free trade as well. HB 1525 - Please do not support this bill due to its negative impacts. The bill removes the right of young adults aged 18–20 to possess a handgun or so-called “assault firearm,” except in narrow circumstances on family property. This bill unconstitutionally does not permit young ADLUTS, who are legally responsible, their Second Amendment rights. This is uncons

Last Name: Jefferis Organization: n.a. Locality: Virginia Beach

• OPPOSE: HB 1015 (Tran) prohibits firearm possession for those convicted of a misdemeanor assault and battery hate crime. Misdemeanors should never strip a person of their civil rights, and this bill is unconstitutional under the U.S. Supreme Court’s NYSRPA v. Bruen decision. This bill needs to be OPPOSED as unconstitutional (both US and Virginia Constitutions). • SUPPORT: HB 1427 (Griffin) repeals Virginia’s unconstitutional One Handgun a Month law. This bill needs to be strongly supported. The restrictions on law-abiding citizens exercising their Constitutional rights need to end. • OPPOSE: HB 1525 (McGuire) removes the right of young adults aged 18–20 to possess a handgun or so-called “assault firearm,” except in narrow circumstances on family property. This bill unconstitutionally denies young adults their Second Amendment rights. These same people are old enough to vote, or to be drafted, so they are old enough to enjoy the Constitutional protections afforded the rest of the adult population.

Last Name: Phillips Organization: None Locality: Carroll,cana

Fire arms are our founding father right given to us and need to be left to us as Virginian

Last Name: Ke Locality: Vienna

OPPOSE HB 1015 and HB 1525 I view these bills as legislators grasping at straws. These bills are merely paint on rotten wood. Fix the rot that is our degenerating society, not by anocratic means targeting normal people. SUPPORT HB 1427

Last Name: Somero Locality: Virginia Beach

HB916, please support this bill. HB1015, please oppose this bill, Misdemeanors should never take away a person’s civil rights. The bill is unconstitutional under the U.S. Supreme Court’s New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen decision. HB1427, please support, this bill repeals the unconstitutional One Handgun a Month law. HB1525, please oppose this bill, the Second Amendment doesn't begin at age 21, it should be applicable to all adults. All adults should have the right to Keep and Bear Arms.

Last Name: Etchemendy Locality: Falls Church

I oppose HB1015 and HB1525. Regarding HB1525, law-abiding young adults should not be deprived of their basic constitutional rights simply because they are young. If 18-20 year-olds can be drafted into military service and vote in elections, they should also be treated as adults for purposes of their Second Amendment rights. Regarding HB1015, misdemeanor convictions should not be a basis for a lifelong deprivation of basic constitutional rights. It is especially perverse to impose these restrictions at the same time the General Assembly is (apparently) on the verge of removing mandatory minimum sentences for many crimes that are far, far more serious. If the General Assembly wishes to make sentencing more flexible for even the most severe crimes, then only one thing could explain simultaneously imposing HB1015's rigid, one-size-fits-all rule on individuals convicted of misdemeanors: hostility to the Second Amendment itself. I oppose this bill.

Last Name: Eichelberger Organization: Home Locality: Falls Church

HB105 (Tran) Misdemeanors should never strip someone of their civil rights, and this bill does just that, making it unconstitutional under the U.S. Supreme court's NYSRPA v. Bruen decision. HB 1427 (Griffin): no citizen should be prohibited to exercising his or her constitutional right just one time per month. What's next? We can only purchase one book per month or write one blog post one time per month. Are you going to allow us to protest just one time per month? You can't limit our right to keep and bear arms. Besides, other states with these laws show no credible evidence that the reduce gun crimes. Most guns used in crimes are stolen anyway. HB916 (Lopez): It is unconstitutional to require someone to earn their civil rights through testing or skill. We did this to blacks, requiring them to pass unfair tests in order to vote. Will you make people take tests to vote or to speak freely? What other amendment is treated this way? The answer is none. HB 1525 (McGuire): This bill unconstitutionally denies adults their Second Amendment Rights? What will you do next? Will you require someone to be 21 to have Miranda Rights? Will you have to be 21 to have the right to refuse to quarter soldiers?

Last Name: Smith Locality: Warrenton

All these bills are just a power grab utter nonsense and will cost you the faith many Virginians

Last Name: Toohill Locality: Purcellville

❌ Oppose HB 1015 (Tran) HB 1015 imposes a lifetime loss of firearm rights based solely on a misdemeanor conviction, which is a disproportionate punishment that erodes fundamental civil liberties. Misdemeanors have never historically justified stripping constitutional rights, and this bill directly conflicts with the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in NYSRPA v. Bruen, which requires firearm restrictions to be consistent with this nation’s historical tradition. HB 1015 is unconstitutional and sets a dangerous precedent for expanding rights deprivations without due justification. ✔️ Support HB 1427 (Griffin) HB 1427 restores constitutional integrity by repealing Virginia’s failed and unconstitutional One Handgun a Month law. This restriction has proven ineffective at reducing crime while unlawfully burdening law-abiding citizens’ Second Amendment rights. Repeal aligns Virginia law with Supreme Court precedent and affirms that fundamental rights should not be rationed by the government. ❌ Oppose HB 1525 (McGuire) HB 1525 denies law-abiding adults aged 18–20 the right to possess commonly owned firearms, despite their full recognition as adults under the law. Young adults vote, serve in the military, and are subject to all legal responsibilities—yet this bill selectively strips them of a core constitutional right. The Second Amendment does not contain an age carve-out, and this proposal plainly violates both constitutional text and historical tradition.

Last Name: Toohill Locality: Purcellville

❌ Oppose HB 1015 (Tran) HB 1015 imposes a lifetime loss of firearm rights based solely on a misdemeanor conviction, which is a disproportionate punishment that erodes fundamental civil liberties. Misdemeanors have never historically justified stripping constitutional rights, and this bill directly conflicts with the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in NYSRPA v. Bruen, which requires firearm restrictions to be consistent with this nation’s historical tradition. HB 1015 is unconstitutional and sets a dangerous precedent for expanding rights deprivations without due justification. ✔️ Support HB 1427 (Griffin) HB 1427 restores constitutional integrity by repealing Virginia’s failed and unconstitutional One Handgun a Month law. This restriction has proven ineffective at reducing crime while unlawfully burdening law-abiding citizens’ Second Amendment rights. Repeal aligns Virginia law with Supreme Court precedent and affirms that fundamental rights should not be rationed by the government. ❌ Oppose HB 1525 (McGuire) HB 1525 denies law-abiding adults aged 18–20 the right to possess commonly owned firearms, despite their full recognition as adults under the law. Young adults vote, serve in the military, and are subject to all legal responsibilities—yet this bill selectively strips them of a core constitutional right. The Second Amendment does not contain an age carve-out, and this proposal plainly violates both constitutional text and historical tradition.

Last Name: Horiuchi Locality: Spotsylvania

As a 2nd Amendment constituent, I oppose all of the above bills!

Last Name: Wilson Locality: Pittsylvania County, Blairs

Please Protect Our 2nd Amendment Rights. Thank you.

Last Name: Spruill Locality: Suffolk

I would like to express my opposition to HB 1015 prohibits firearm possession for those convicted of a misdemeanor assault and battery hate crime. Misdemeanors should never strip a person of their civil rights, and this bill is unconstitutional under the U.S. Supreme Court’s NYSRPA v. Bruen decision. So what this bill tells me, if someone is in my space berating me, before I use force and "push" this person out of my space while I walk away and then I get charged with an assault, then I could get my second amendment rights revoked for a misdemeanor? Really????? And my opposition HB 1525 removes the right of young adults aged 18–20 to possess a handgun or so-called “assault firearm,” except in narrow circumstances on family property. This bill unconstitutionally denies young adults their Second Amendment rights. My grandson is an avid hunter with his father. Even though my grandson is only 13, this bill would deny him the purchase of a firearm when he becomes an adult at the age of 18. This, in my opinion is unacceptable! I support HB 1427 repeals Virginia’s unconstitutional One Handgun a Month law. Being from a Law Enforcement Family, I have been around firearms all my life. My father is a retired LEO in North Carolina and my husband is Retired LEO from Portsmouth VA . Purchasing One firearm a month is ridiculous. If I have the money, who cares what I spend it on. If I want one or twenty firearms, why should I be restricted as long as I pass the background check? Respectfully, Mary Spruill 3800 Pughsville Rd Suffolk VA 23435 757-676-3880

Last Name: Grebas Locality: Chesterfield

As usual, your Demokrap proposed bills are all unconstitutional! I AM ADAMANTLY OPPOSED TO ALL UNCONSTITUTIONAL , ANTI-GUN BILLS!!!

Last Name: Rotmark Locality: Ruckersville

According to Article II, Section 7 of the Constitution of Virginia, the oath of office for a Virginia state delegate is: "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge all the duties incumbent upon me as ...................., according to the best of my ability (so help me God)". Seriously, what part of “…shall not be infringed.” is so confusing?? Do your job, stop supporting unconstitutional gun control schemes and be true to the US and Virginia Constitutions.

Last Name: Jennings Locality: Amissville

HB 1015, Delegate Tran, Misdemeanors should never take away a person’s civil rights. This bill is unconstitutional under the U.S. Supreme Court’s New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen decision. I OPPOSE THIS BILL. HB 1427, Delegate Griffin, it is unconstitutional to limit handgun purchases to one per month. I SUPPORT THIS BILL. HB 1525, Delegate McGuire, For young adults, 18 to 20-years-old, this bill is unconstitutional. I OPPOSE THIS BILL.

Last Name: Lindsay Organization: Myself, Veterans, Legal gun owners Locality: Hayes

I am speaking on behalf of both myself, and all the LEGAL GUN OWNERS; THAT WILL NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THEY EITHER CANNOT BUY A FIREARM OR GET A LEGAL FIREARM CONFISCATED FOR A PERCIEVED WRONG. If the slew of gun bills that are being voted on are passed; there will be not only a flight toward back alley guns, and an effect of creating standing criminals out of everyday people by virtue of making legal guns illegal, along with magazines and other components. These bills are a direct attack by trying to go around the second amendment instead of a direct ban, these bills and laws would criminalize actions, and ownership but would NOTHING to stop actual criminals who neither follow law nor direction; what is to stop them from just doing what they do with their guns? Since the legal leaders of my state of residence have decided that my owning of my legal firearms is both an affront and a problem for the democratic machine; i will simplify this; I am not giving up my guns, nor am i turning in my magazines over 10 rounds, nor will i submit to both tyranny and edicts such as "do as i say, not as i do" since the larger majority of wealthy democrats have the money (take from my tax dollars) to provide for private security teams to protect them; I will provide my own security, for my own person with my firearms; i will not surrender my guns or my mags any part of my hardware. A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. NOW WHAT PART OF THIS IS HARD TO UNDERSTAND?

Last Name: Schaefer Locality: Hayes

We do not need higher taxes and more antigun laws. Anyone pushing the disarmament agenda should be investigated for corruption and treason.

Last Name: Kyer Locality: Alexandria

I like many other Virginians oppose bills HB 1015, HB 1525 being as though those being seem unconstitutional and against are American rights!! As for bill HB 1427 we should not be limited to the amount of firearms we are allowed to purchase.

Last Name: jangtrakool Locality: Springfield

Please stop infringing on our rights. Time and time again, gun laws have failed to prevent crime because criminals simply do not obey them. These laws only burden law-abiding citizens while doing little to address real criminal behavior.

Last Name: Johnson Organization: GOA Locality: Waynesboro

HB 1015 (Tran) prohibits firearm possession for those convicted of a misdemeanor assault and battery hate crime. Misdemeanors should never strip a person of their civil rights, and this bill is unconstitutional under the U.S. Supreme Court’s NYSRPA v. Bruen decision. HB 1525 (McGuire) removes the right of young adults aged 18–20 to possess a handgun or so-called “assault firearm,” except in narrow circumstances on family property. This bill unconstitutionally denies young adults their Second Amendment rights. It would be nice if the people making these bills would consider if the laws on those that break the law were more severe, then these bills would not need to be considered that impact those that follow the laws. Criminals should be punished, not law abiding citizens. I believe the focus is skewed.

Last Name: Campbell Locality: Poquoson

I am for hb916. I would support this whether they were federal employees or not if they lost their job through no fault of their own. Am against hb1015 because one shouldn’t lose their firearm rights because of a minor crime, I am for hb1427. This is a very annoying law that does little to prevent crime. When buying guns one often needs to buy more than one at a time for a hunting party, for instance or moving to a new residence. I am against gb1525. Anyone who is old enough to go to war should be able to buy a gun. The term “assault firearm” or “assault weapon” is a political term - not a military one.

Last Name: Flowers Locality: Virginia Beach

I do not support bills HB1015 or HB1525nas they are clearly unconstitutional and a blatant infringement of the 2nd Amendment!!!. I do support HB1427 as it is a bill that supports and affirms important aspects of our 2nd Amendment.

Last Name: Olszewski Locality: Quinton

There was nothing wrong with gun ownership before these bills were made up.YOU ARE NO MAKING LEGAL GUN OWNERS CRIMINALS. YOU NEED TO GO AFTER THE CRIMINALS NOT LEGAL GUN OWNERS.. NOT ONE LEGAL GUN COMMITTED A CRIME THIS PAST YEAR IN VIRGINIA. STOP SCREWING LEGAL GUN OWNERS.

Last Name: Mann Locality: New kent

Please support 1427 and go against the others. Law abiding citizens have the right to purchase anything we should want . A butcher knife could be consider a weapon but we are allowed to buy and have those. However; these bill say that we are.not allow to own orpurchase the other. Law abiding citizens are not your problem. Look somewhere else to find the problem with crime. Another example is cars. Over 60000 people die or killed in accidents involving cars. However you are not banning those. Cars have been use in mass killings as well. I could go on and on. We have a right to bear arms. The constitution does not have restrictions in it.

Last Name: McDorman Locality: Augusta County

As a constituent, I urge you to OPPOSE: HB 1525, Delegate McGuire, removes the right of young adults to have a handgun or an “assault firearm,” unless used for lawful self-defense or defense of another while in the home or property of parents, grandparents, or guardians. For young adults, 18 to 20-years-old, this bill is unconstitutional. My son (under 21) is currently employed as a licensed armed security officer protecting people such as yourself and others in the community. He paid for training to acquire the required certifications to pursue a career path he was interested in, and you are attempting to not only infringe on his second amendment rights you are injuring his employment and livelihood. We teach our kids to grow up, follow the rules, find something you are passionate about and pursue that, and along the way if you can help out your community then do that. Continuously government officials who claim to be trying to help keep putting obstacles out in the way of our young people. You must oppose this bill! HB 1015, Delegate Tran, prohibits a person convicted of a misdemeanor assault and battery hate crime from being able to possess firearms. Misdemeanors should never take away a person’s civil rights. The bill is unconstitutional under the U.S. Supreme Court’s New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen decision.

Last Name: Stone Organization: Gun Owners of America Locality: Fairfax County

This bill would expand firearm prohibitions to include individuals convicted of a misdemeanor assault and battery offense classified as a hate crime, stripping them of their Second Amendment rights without a felony conviction. HB 1015 represents a significant and unconstitutional expansion of prohibited-person categories that treats a misdemeanor conviction as grounds for permanent civil rights deprivation. Under current law and longstanding constitutional principles, misdemeanors do not result in the loss of fundamental rights. HB 1015 breaks from that tradition by attaching firearm prohibitions to offenses that do not rise to the level of felony conduct and that may involve no use of a firearm at all. The bill relies on subjective determinations of motive rather than objective dangerousness, creating an unstable and politically malleable standard for disarmament. The Supreme Court’s decision in New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen makes clear that modern firearm regulations must be consistent with the nation’s historical tradition of gun regulation. There is no historical analogue for disarming individuals based on misdemeanor offenses, let alone offenses enhanced by motive-based classifications. Historically, firearm prohibitions were narrowly limited to individuals who posed a clear and demonstrable danger, not broad classes defined by modern statutory labels. HB 1015 also raises serious due process concerns. By permanently attaching firearm prohibitions to misdemeanor convictions, the bill ensures that the punishment extends far beyond the sentence imposed by the court. This turns misdemeanor proceedings into de facto rights-termination hearings without the procedural safeguards normally required when fundamental rights are at stake. This bill does nothing to target violent criminals who already ignore firearm laws. Instead, it expands government power over lawful citizens and erodes the constitutional line between misdemeanors and felonies. HB 1015 is an unconstitutional overreach that should be rejected.

Last Name: Pennington Locality: Catharpin, VA

I am opposed to HB1015 and 1525 and request that you vote against these bills.

Last Name: Brenner Organization: N/A Locality: Bedford

HB 1015 - Oppose. This bill sets a dangerous precedent that misdemeanors are grounds for revoking a constitutional right. It also contradicts NYSRPA v. Bruen. HB 1427 - Support. Wow, you mean the government will cease to limit how much of a specific item I can purchase? How kind. HB 1525 - Oppose. So, hypothetically, a 21-year-old in the military can be entrusted with carrying fully automatic weapons, flying a fighter jet, driving a tank, or launching cruise missiles from a ship, but can't be entrusted with the Democrat definition of an "assault weapon" (i.e., it shoots real fast and looks scary)?

Last Name: Streater Locality: York County

My wife and I oppose HB 916, 1015, 1427, and 1525

Last Name: Lathrop Organization: Self Locality: Loudoun

I oppose HB 1015 and HB 1525 and support HB 1427 because the former bills violate both the United States Constitution and the Constitution of Virginia, while the latter respects the constitutional limits on government power and protects fundamental civil rights. The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees that “the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” In District of Columbia v. Heller (2008), the Supreme Court held that this is an individual right, unconnected to service in a militia, and that it protects firearms “in common use” for lawful purposes such as self-defense. In McDonald v. City of Chicago (2010), the Court incorporated this right against the states through the Fourteenth Amendment, making it fully binding on state legislatures. Most recently, New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen (2022) reaffirmed that the Second Amendment is not a second-class right subject to interest balancing. The Court held that firearm regulations are constitutional only if they are consistent with the Nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation. When a law burdens conduct covered by the Second Amendment’s plain text, the government bears the burden of demonstrating a relevant historical analogue. Absent such a tradition, the regulation is unconstitutional. HB 1015 and HB 1525 fail this test. To the extent these bills impose broad prohibitions, excessive restrictions, or discretionary schemes that burden ordinary, law-abiding citizens, they lack any meaningful historical precedent from the Founding or Reconstruction eras. Generalized claims of public safety cannot override an enumerated constitutional right. Under Bruen, policy preferences are insufficient to justify laws that infringe upon the core right of self-defense. These bills also raise serious equal protection concerns under the Fourteenth Amendment. Fundamental rights may not be selectively burdened or reserved for favored classes. When firearm laws create exemptions for certain groups while denying the same rights to ordinary citizens, they undermine the constitutional guarantee that all persons are entitled to equal protection of the laws. The Virginia Constitution provides additional protection. Article I, Section 13 recognizes that a militia is composed of “the body of the people, trained to arms,” reflecting Virginia’s historic understanding that the right to keep and bear arms belongs to the people themselves. Legislation that broadly disarms or unduly burdens that body of the people conflicts with this constitutional guarantee. By contrast, HB 1427 respects these constitutional boundaries. It aligns Virginia law with Heller, McDonald, and Bruen by treating the right to keep and bear arms as a fundamental right, not a revocable privilege. Supporting HB 1427 affirms both the rule of law and the General Assembly’s obligation to legislate within constitutional limits. For these reasons, I urge opposition to HB 1015 and HB 1525 and support for HB 1427 in defense of the constitutional rights guaranteed by both the United States and Virginia Constitutions.

Last Name: Parker Locality: Ashland, VA.

Please oppose H.B. 1015 & H.B. 1525. Please support H.B. 1427.Please let me know how you vote. Jesse Parker

Last Name: Robinette Locality: Patrick County

I would like to comment that I absolutely oppose HB 1015 and urge the committee to vote NO on this bill. No person convicted of a misdemeanor should lose their fundamental constitutionally protected civil rights, particularly for conviction over a "hate crime", which is an exceptionally arbitrary and fluid categorization of an offense. It should also be noted that this bill is clearly unconstitutional under the U.S. Supreme Court’s NYSRPA v. Bruen decision.

Last Name: McClure Locality: North Chesterfield

Article 1 Section 13 of the Virginia Constitution states: "the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed; that standing armies, in time of peace, should be avoided as dangerous to liberty;" Virginia is very clear on this being a right of individual Virginians. Just as the United States Constitution states similiar regarding the right of the people to keep and bear arms not being infringed. I am writing to implore you to vote against HB1015 and HB 1525, and to SUPPORT HB 1427. HB1015 is just all around a terrible idea. It refers to misdimeanors and opens the door for future misdimeanors being reason for stripping us of our rights. Also Hate Crime is the most overly used and poorly attributed term ever conceived. You do not commit assault and battery on someone because you like them, you do it because you hate them. Vote NO HB1525 is removing young adults rights simply because of their age and not because they've done anything wrong. This is just not right. Vote NO HB916 the current requirements require showing proper gun saftey and usage. Why do we need more. We do not give literacy or IQ test for voting or being a Journalist, nor for the free exercise of any other right. Why are we trying to add more requirements. Vote NO As for HB1427 there's not much point to limiting Virginia citizens to one handgun a month considering most crimes commited with firearms are not committed same day or even the same month of purchase, they are commited years later. As for buying a bunch and transferring them illegally and strawman purchases, those are already illegal. Please enforce consequences for breaking those laws instead.

Last Name: Parkins Locality: Winchester

These proposed “laws” are just another shackle you guys are trying to impose on Virginians to limit their ability to protect themselves. If 18 year olds can sign up to defending lawmakers in their ivory tower they shouldn’t have their right to own a rifle or a pistol infringed upon by their government that enjoys their protection abroad or at home. As for stripping peoples rights for ownership or bearing arms based on the loosely defined “hate crime” or assault. Almost any interaction can be defined by that especially a misdemeanor. This law gives far too much power to interpretation. Felons are prohibited from owning or purchasing, misdemeanors carrying the weight of felony is wrong on its face and shows clear lack of nuance and whimsical respect for citizens and their rights protected in our constitution. Vote no on HB 1015 and HB 1525.

Last Name: Roseberry Locality: Chesterfield

Any bill that is being considered that infringes upon any Virginians second amendment rights should immediately be removed. These bills do nothing but strip legal gun owners of their rights. There have been numerous studies that show gun bans do not end gun violence. How about hammering down on criminals and the mentally ill? They are the problem, not an inanimate object in a legal, law abiding citizens hands.

Last Name: Mozingo Organization: Retired Locality: Cumberland

HB 916-I urge you to oppose this bill. The current concealed handgun permit training requirements are adequate as is demonstrated by the dearth of incidents involving DHP holders. Further, eliminating the requirement that instructors be approved by the NRA or the USSCA opens the door for less competent instructors. HB 1015-I urge you to oppose this bill, constitutional rights should never be removed due to a misdemeanor crime. Further, the bill is a blatant violation of the Supreme Court's Bruen ruling. HB 1525-I urge you to oppose this bill. This bill unconstitutionally denies young adults, who are considered old enough to serve in the military, of their constitutional rights. HB 1427-I urge you to support this bill, as it will repeal a bill that was searching for a nonexistent problem to be solved. Thank you for your consideration.

Last Name: Budowski Locality: Lorton

There has never been a gun control law that has been passed that has done anything to prevent gun crime. All that these laws do is make things more difficult for law-abiding citizens. As for HB 1015, when has a misdemeanor ever been grounds to remove someone's 2nd Amendment rights? In fact, this has already been ruled on by the Supreme Court in NYSRPA v. Bruen. So what you are doing is going to cost the Commonwealth, as well as a few citizens, money when the Commonwealth is sued. I would prefer that our elected officials be better stewards of our Tax dollars. HB 1427 is just fixing a mistake you all made. There is no data that proves limiting one handgun per month reduces gun crime. This was a feel-good law that should never have seen the light of day. It's only right to repeal it. HB 1525 This one is shocking to me, you are telling our young men and women that its ok for them to go off to war to defend our Nation, but here at home, they don't have their 2nd Amendment protections? There are so many things that we need to fix. Passing gun control laws does nothing to prevent gun crimes, but it does make it harder for those of us follow the laws. I am begging you all to start using some common sense and focus on things that need fixing, not things that make you all feel good.

Last Name: Foltz Organization: All Virginia gun owners Locality: Crewe

All of these gun control bills will only hurt law abiding gun owners, not the criminals, who don’t give 2 turds about a law!!!!! THESE LAWS ARE FEDERALLY UNCONSTITUTIONAL AND NOT TO MENTION THEY ALSO GO AGAINST OUR VIRGINIA CONSTITUTION!!! “WE THE PEOPLE HAVE THE RIGHT TO KEEP AND BEAR ARMS AND SHALL NOT BE I FRINGED” IS IN BOTH OF THE CONSTITUTIONS!!!!And for all of you democrats think it’s a safety issue, ARE SO WRONG, You think safety is getting rid of a god given right that is BACKED BY BOTH OUR CONSTITUTIONS. YOU ALL, JUST KEEP PUTTING THE PEOPLE THAT COMMIT THE CRIMES BACK OUT ON THE STREET, THAT JUST KEEP COMMITTING THE CRIMES OVER AND OVER AGAIN!!! No matter how many times they get arrested. HOW ABOUT HOLDING THOSE PEOPLE ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIER ACTIONS. AND NOT PUNISHING ALL US PEOPLE WHO HAVE NOT COMMITTED A CRIME OR ANYTHING WRONG , LIKE WE ARE THE ONES THAT HAVE A PROBLEM!!!!!!!! There are more law abiding guns owners than criminals, so If Guns were the problem, why aren’t there more issues, or let alone the calapse of this country. So all I ask for, is all of you to ACTUALLY SIT BACK AND THINK, OF THE RIGHT THING. And ask yourself , WHAT IS THE REAL PROBLEM?

Last Name: Poulin Organization: VCDL and GOA Locality: Salem

Good afternoon, I am writing today to express my opposition to HB1015 and HB1525 and ask for your support of HB1427. As you are aware, any infringement of gun rights is a violation of both the 2nd Amendment to the US constitution as well as Article 1 Section 13 of the Virginia Constitution. Thank you for your time and considerations to these.

Last Name: Simpson Organization: Myself Locality: Prince William

All unconditional

Last Name: William hedger Organization: These laws are unconditional Locality: Pittsville Virginia

Unconditional

Last Name: Saylor Locality: Hilksville

I urge all committee members to vote against any and all bills that further restrict our 2nd Amendment rights and uphold legislation that preserves or restores those rights. The 2nd Amendment is foundational to our inherent rights, and no less a right than any other codified right within our U. S. Constitution.

Last Name: Finnell Locality: Arlington

I believe that the proposed bills are unconstitutional, infringe on the civil rights of the citizenry, and ultimately allow the state to determine who may or may not protect themselves. I also believe that under the current finding of the United States Supreme Court, that these laws will be overturned and the time and expense of debating and passing them will be lost to the citizens of the Commonwealth. Please vote to not pass these bills. Very Respectfully.

Last Name: Wolfe Locality: Rockville VA

Every time Virginia legislators consider limiting our 2A rights you do so in violation of your Oath of Office, the IS Constitution and the Virginia Constitution. Do anything other than fervently opposing any 2A limiting proposals is tantamount to TREASON . Simple as that. SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED! There’s zero ambiguity in those words!

Last Name: Hobert Organization: Thomas Hobert Locality: York County

If passing new laws reliably reduced violence, the United States would be the safest nation on earth. The reality is more complicated. Laws are essential for defining unacceptable conduct and punishing wrongdoing. Murder, assault, robbery, and reckless endangerment are already illegal - and rightly so. Yet violence persists, not because these laws are insufficient, but because law alone cannot eliminate violent human behavior. That distinction matters when evaluating the bills before this Committee. These proposals focus primarily on restricting lawful firearm possession by otherwise law-abiding citizens - including adults aged 18 to 20 - and on permanently disarming individuals convicted of misdemeanor offenses. They do little to address violent conduct itself, while imposing sweeping civil-rights consequences on people who are not violent criminals. Under longstanding American legal tradition, misdemeanors do not strip a person of their civil rights. A misdemeanor conviction does not eliminate the right to vote, the right to speak freely, the right to worship, or the right to serve on a jury. These rights are understood to be fundamental, enduring, and proportionate to the offense. Firearm possession should not be treated differently. Permanent disarmament has historically been reserved for serious, dangerous felony conduct - not for misdemeanors, and not through categorical bans untethered from individual risk or due process. The Supreme Court’s decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen governs this analysis. The Court rejected interest-balancing and policy justifications and held that firearm regulations are constitutional only if the government can demonstrate consistency with the Nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation. That burden rests entirely with the state. There is no historical analogue for categorical bans on law-abiding adults aged 18 to 20, nor for lifetime firearm prohibitions imposed for misdemeanor convictions. Absent a well-established historical tradition supporting such restrictions, these proposals fail the constitutional test articulated in Bruen and are therefore unconstitutional. The Second Amendment is not a relic tied to 1791 technology. Like all constitutional rights, it protects an enduring principle rather than a specific tool. That understanding predates the Constitution itself. Virginia’s own Declaration of Rights recognized the inherent right of citizens to keep and bear arms, which the Second Amendment later affirmed. Tools evolve; the need for self-defense does not. Nothing in this statement minimizes the reality of violence or the responsibility of government to address it. But effective public safety requires honesty about what laws can accomplish - and restraint in preserving rights that do not come from government and cannot be withdrawn by it. For these reasons, I respectfully urge the Committee to reject these proposals.

Last Name: Atkison Locality: Virginia Beach

Hi, I just wanted to speak on HB1015 and HB1525. In regards to HB1015, the stripping of one of the constitutions major amendments over a minor infraction/misdemeanor is already unconstitutional via NYSRPA vs Bruen. With HB1525 there's the issue of young adults being able to join the military but in the same vain they can't own a firearm. Its utterly unfair. I'd rather see bills that hurt local gang activity than bills that whittle down the rights of citizens. If the first amendment was restricted to the degree the second amendment is we'd look like the UK(no thats not a good thing)

Last Name: Usener Locality: Stafford

As a constituent, I stand with the Virginia Citizen Defense League and Gun Owners of America and I urge you to OPPOSE: HB 1015, Misdemeanors should never take away a person’s civil rights. Please find me another constitutional right that a misdemeanor results in the loss of that right. There are none. Additionally, the bill is unconstitutional under the U.S. Supreme Court’s New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen decision. HB 1525, This bill denies the constitutional rights of young adults, 18 to 20-years-old. They can do everything else including die for their country, but this bill would keep them from owning a firearm. It does not matter how old you are if you are in the age of the majority, you should have full rights to everything. No exceptions. As a constituent, I urge you to support: HB 1427, repeals the unconstitutional One Handgun a Month law.

Last Name: Mooneyhan Locality: Pennington Gap

These are simply put treason. I do not know how it is where you are but people of the forgotten southwest Virginia raise their children with understanding and training about firearms. All Richmond does is turn a blind eye to the hard working people of this area. You think you can simply take a God given right away. Who do you think you are you don't represent me . You can trust 16 year olds with an automobile that kills a lot more people per year. You (TRY) to impose your will for your donors, so you can please them. I know some of this doesn't pertain to some of these bills here but while I am here why does 10 rounds in a magazine mean so much to you'll? Guess it's cause every town just regergitates your talking points for you to fall in line so you get your perks. You think all the counties doing the 2a sanctuary would be a sign that your ideas are not wanted.

Last Name: Mace Locality: SPOTSYLVANIA

HB1015- Vote No A misdemeanor should not prevent 2A right. HB1427 Vote Yes Should repeal purchase of one a month, hamstrings avid collectors. HB1525 Vote NO 18-20 yr old are adults and their 2A rights should not be denied.

Last Name: Murray Locality: Rappahannock

To whom it may concern, I humbly and respectfully request that any and all forms of gun control legislation be completely dropped. If guns were an issue, we would have had thousands of dead people by now....but we do not. Law abiding citizens are not going around shooting people. Crime is low because we have firearms to protect ourselves and criminals don't won't to take a chance on us to find out that we will defend ourselves. GUN FREE zones are the problem. They invite those with evil intentions....because they know there will NOT be a good guy there with a gun to STOP them. The courts, the U.S. Constitution, and the Virginia Constitution is on the side of law abiding citizens when it comes to the Second Amendment. Any gun control law is INFRINGEMENT and UNCONSTITUTIONAL. Are you actually going to put hundreds of thousands of Virginians in jail? Not sure how you will get all your new tax money this way! Not one person I have talked with says they are going to comply with these laws. Law Enforcement says they will not enforce any unconstitutional law as well. Are you really trying to start a war? Do you not understand that thousands of people right here in Virginia are willing to die for their second amendment rights? Without the second amendment, we can not ensure any of our other rights. That's why we have the 2nd Amendment anyway. Have you even read the Constitution? Do you not understand history? This is not California and it never will be. You can pass a law if you want to.....but it will be challenged to the fullest extent on every level. Stop wasting your time on stupid things and help make Virginia affordable and a great place to live. The more stupid laws you make.....the less people are going to want to come make their home in Virginia. All you're going to do is destroy this state. You swore an oath to uphold our rights. Did you lie to your fellow citizens? If you fail in your task to uphold the Constitution and PROTECT the second amendment, it is TREASON on your part. Take a look at the Virginia state flag and remind yourself what that symbol actually means. Do you even know? I ask you to do your research, study history, and learn why Virginia and its law abiding citizens must always be armed....and yes, that includes WITH AR-15 rifles with 30 round magazines. These are common, everyday use firearms. If you are scared of them or don't like the way they look. Buy one for yourself. Get educated. Go to the range and shoot them. Learn and understand why the Constitution wants YOU to have the right to bear arms. It's not us against you. We are all in this together. You won't be in office forever, but one day you may need a firearm to defend yourself or your family from a criminal or Tyranny. Thank you for your time.

Last Name: BROWN Locality: Broad Run

Anti-constitutional bills should be struck down, along with the massive tax hike Democrats are pushing on us. Expect citizens to respond in the next election, and in the courts.

Last Name: Billings Locality: Haymarket

As a constituent of the Commonwealth of VA, the proposed bills HB1015, HB1525, HB916 effects the lives of every day law abiding gun owners. I oppose the bills listed and am imploring a vote of no.

Last Name: Huber Locality: Newport News

I urge you to OPPOSE HB 1015 (Tran), which would prohibit firearm possession for those convicted of a misdemeanor assault and battery hate crime. Misdemeanors should never strip a person of their civil rights, and this bill is unconstitutional under the U.S. Supreme Court’s NYSRPA v. Bruen decision. I urge you to SUPPORT HB 1427 (Griffin), which repeals Virginia’s unconstitutional One Handgun a Month law. I urge you to OPPOSE HB 1525 (McGuire), which removes the right of young adults aged 18–20 to possess a handgun or so-called “assault firearm,” except in narrow circumstances on family property. This bill unconstitutionally denies young adults their Second Amendment rights. If an 18-20 year old can vote and join the armed forces then they should be able to possess a handgun(s), plus this activity is protected by the 2nd amendment. "A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED." Thank you for your time!

Last Name: Heyse Organization: Myself, Women for Gun Rights, and VCDL Locality: James City County

I oppose HB916. Putting more roadblocks in the way of citizens who are trying to exercise their rights does nothing to prevent crime. I oppose HB1015. No misdemeanor conviction should result in the loss of a right protected by the Constitution. I oppose HB1525. Young adults are adults. They have the right to keep and bear arms just like every other adult American citizen. I support HB1427. American citizens' right to acquire arms is not subject to the interest-balancing test used to justify handgun rationing. "One Handgun a Month" must be relegated to the dustbin of history.

Last Name: Teel Locality: Stafford

I appose all anti gun unconstitutional bills. The bill of rights says the second amendment. A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." Shall not be infringed stands by our fore fathers. It's a God given right. So you do not have any rights to infringe on. The second amendment.

Last Name: Mooradian Locality: Fairfax

I oppose this bill.

Last Name: Sullivan Locality: Ashburn

Please vote affirmative, "YEA" on HB 1427-Griffin. Law abiding Virginian should not be restricted on how many handguns they purchase at any time. As long as we pass the background check, the amount of firearm purchases should not be in question. It is our Second Amendment right and it shall not be infringed! Please vote against HB 1015-Tran. this bill is unconstitutional and was further confirmed under the U.S. Supreme Court's NYSRPA v. Bruen decision.

Last Name: McCartney Locality: N. Chesterfield, Va

Oppose HB916: I can not recall any situation where a concealed carry holder misused his firearm. This is a bill looking for a problem that does not exist. This will add costs and time that most people do not have to obtain a CHP. The purpose of this bill is to lower the number of people that want to carry concealed. Oppose HB1015: Again this is a bill looking for a problem that does not exist. Hate crime legislation is meaningless. Any crime committed by a criminal against an innocent person is a hate crime. Strictly and harshly punish the perpetrators for any crimes committed against others. Hate crime laws tend to unfairly target one group of people over other groups. Hate crime laws tend to get more and more vague over time. Support HB1427: Allow people to buy more than one gun a month. Oppose HB1525: 18 year olds are considered adults. 18 year olds can join the military and use weapons that most civilians do not have access to. If you don't trust 18-20 year olds to be able to exercise their 2nd Amendment rights, then they should not be able to vote. What needs to be done is to make hunter/gun safety classes mandatory in high school.

Last Name: guest Locality: Amelia

I vehemently oppose these bills and all of the other unconstitutional attacks against our Second Amendment here in Virginia. I do not wish to be ruled by an Elite Class of people who will not be subject to these overreaching laws. I am Law Abiding and have done everything right to exercise my second amendment and with the stroke of a pen many Virginians will be subject to criminal charges for legally purchased lawfully possessed items

Last Name: Wirt Organization: GOA Locality: Montvale

ALL These Gun Control Bills are Unconstitutional and Will Be Struck Down By The Courts And Will Not Be Complied With

Last Name: Soulios Locality: Glen Allen

Please do not pass any additional anti-Second Amendment legislation.

Last Name: Krupacs Locality: Mechanicsville

Each of these bills is unconstitutional in their own way. Stop distorting the constitution through absurd and emotional "feel good" legislation attempts on behalf of special interest gun control organizations funded by $$ coming from foreign countries like George Soros and sons and US universities, like Johns Hopkins which is in MARYLAND, and their affiliates like Moms Demand Action, not run by moms. Leave Virginia and the second amendment alone.

Last Name: Roe Locality: Staunton

In each of the gun control bills reaching the Virginia legislature for 2026, I find that there are 2 questions that need to be answered by lawmakers that are repeatedly glanced over and not addressed., almost as if lawmakers fear the answer: 1) How do these bills prevent crime or make the public safer when those committing crimes *do not* check current gun laws to ensure they are in compliance? Each of these bills only affects the common citizen. 2) Why is it so important for Virginia lawmakers to ensure the common citizen is unable to defend themselves, in light of lawmakers, at the same time, reducing heinous crime sentences and hampering law enforcement activities? Every locality that chooses these draconian type of gun bills turns into a hellscape, which in turn, increases crime and the exodus rate of the common citizen (e.g., California, New York and Illinois). These bills are not an address to "public safety" and only serve to remove the ability of the common citizen to say "no". Please address the 2 questions I have presented, and for the record, I adamantly oppose all of these gun restriction bills. Every leader around the globe who attempts to disarm the average citizen has no good intention in mind. Randy Roe Staunton, VA

Last Name: Meiners Locality: Burke

If you would like to pursue this line of infringement on 2nd ammendment, please take the proper course of action. The only legal way to enact and enforce these proposed infringements on the 2nd ammendment to propose a constitutional ammendment to abolish the 2nd ammendment. If you are able to accomplish this and it is ratified, I will of course support the voice of America. Then you may re-introduce the subject legislation and you have my full support with the backing of the ammended Constitution. "...the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed" DEFINITION OF INFRINGE: "to wrongly limit or restrict (something, such as another person's rights)" I cannot believe the VA constituancy elected officials that do not understand english. No matter how you want to reconcile your actions in your "political mind," you know in your "right mind" that you are indeed wrongly restricting the RIGHT granted to US Citizens by the Constitution.

Last Name: Brini Locality: Montpelier

The fact that there are any bills concerning any of our constitutional rights are an affront to my faithful citizenship to the Commonwealth of Virginia and The United States over the last 66 years. If you do not strictly adhere to the constitution which you swore under oath to protect and defend, then I will continue to fight against you in word and financial deeds.

Last Name: Vayda Locality: Spotsylvania

I OPPOSE this bill!!

Last Name: Campbell Locality: Prince William County

My family and I expect you to OPPOSE HB 1015 and HB 1525….. and to SUPPORT HB 1427. We are not going to tolerate even the slightest (additional) infringement of our 2A rights.

Last Name: Kleis Locality: NORTH CHESTERFIELD

Regarding HB 1015 and 1525 as well as a lifetime Citizen of the Commonwealth of Virginia and as your constituent, I strongly Oppose the above Bills and any and all Bills that violate the Second Amendments of the United States Constitution as well as Article 1Section 13 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Virginia. I ask that you Vote no on any such Bills.

Last Name: Gillespie Locality: Mechanicsville

Any laws that infringe on anyone’s Constitutional rights granted by the Second Amendment are acts of tyranny. Your agenda does not represent all your constituents, therefore you should not support any of these bills.

Last Name: Garcia-Jaime Locality: Fredericksburg

I definitely oppose the bills HB1015 and HB1525. If a person is 18 years and older it is considered an adult and be able to fight for our country. Hence it should be able to maintain the privilege and rights as all the adults. The right and responsibility is their to exercise. Also a misdemeanor should not be a cause just lose your right to self defense with the best tools available.

Last Name: Winkle Locality: Dinwiddie

VOTE NO ON HB 1015 - It is unconstitutional under Supreme Court Ruling NYSRPA v. Bruen decision. VOTE YES on HB 1427 - Repeal the unconstitutional statute! VOTE NO on HB 1525 - Adults 18-20 are adults! They carry the weight of responsibility just like all other Virginia citizens and should not be carved out in any way from the rest of the populace. Sub-classing voters who pay taxes and serve in the communities as workers and students should NEVER be considered for any reason.

Last Name: Bacon Locality: Fairfax

❌ HB 1015 (Tran) prohibits firearm possession for those convicted of a misdemeanor assault and battery hate crime. Misdemeanors should never strip a person of their civil rights, and this bill is unconstitutional under the U.S. Supreme Court’s NYSRPA v. Bruen decision. Please kill this bill. ✔️ HB 1427 (Griffin) repeals Virginia’s unconstitutional One Handgun a Month law. Please support! ❌ HB 1525 (McGuire) removes the right of young adults aged 18–20 to possess a handgun or so-called “assault firearm,” except in narrow circumstances on family property. This bill unconstitutionally denies young adults their Second Amendment rights. Please kill this bill.

Last Name: Race Organization: All Virginia that’s not Northern Va Locality: Halifax county

I am opposed to any and all anti gun legislation. Out 2nd amendment is a right that you can not or will be allowed to to take away!

Last Name: SMITHKIN Locality: AUGUSTA COUNTY

I am opposed to HB 1015 (Tran), which prohibits firearm possession for those convicted of a misdemeanor assault and battery hate crime. Misdemeanors should never strip a person of their civil rights, and this bill is unconstitutional under the U.S. Supreme Court’s NYSRPA v. Bruen decision. I am opposed to HB 1525 (McGuire), which removes the right of young adults aged 18–20 to possess a handgun or so-called “assault firearm,” except in narrow circumstances on family property. This bill unconstitutionally denies young adults their Second Amendment rights. I am for HB 1427 (Griffin), which repeals Virginia’s unconstitutional One Handgun a Month law.

Last Name: Vanella Locality: Virginia Beach

Regarding HB916 - As a concealed carry permit holder, while this bill seems agreeable on the surface (who wouldn't want better trained citizens?), this same language has been used in other states (such as NY) to restrict the rights of law abiding, peaceful, rational citizens. For that reason I do not support this bill. Regarding HB1015 - This strips people of their constitutional rights. There are far too many possibilities for hate crimes to occur that do not actually meet with real hate crimes, especially for misdemeanors. Therefore, I do not support this bill.

Last Name: Mathews Locality: Gloucester

I oppose HB916, HB1015, HB1525 because they unconstitutionally infringe Second Amendment rights I favor HB1427 as it repeals a previous unconstitutional infringement of Second Amendment rights Key words of The Second Amendment “shall not be infringed “

Last Name: Dunn Locality: Mechanicsville

I support HB 1427. I am opposed to the remaining three bills (916, 1015, and 1525)

Last Name: Farrington Locality: Vinton

I oppose this bill.

Last Name: HOLLAR Organization: USA COMMON SENSE CITIZEN Locality: MIDLOTHIAN

I SUPPORT THIS BILL

Last Name: Mahoney Organization: Self Locality: Churchville

With the exception of HB1427 - Griffin, these proposed bills are simply unconstitutional. After the issues we've seen in Minneapolis, I've noticed a obvious uptick in the number of left leaning people buying firearms. As I see it, our right to bear arms is becoming more of a bipartisan issue. Don't let your constituents down by tuning Virginia into a police state and making criminal of those who were not one by only the stroke of a pen. Remember, criminals don't follow the law, these bills will not lower gun crime. This is no different than Clinton's gun bans and we all know those failed miserably.

Last Name: Vayda Locality: Spotsylvania

I oppose this bill

Last Name: Vince Locality: Richmond

Allowing someone convicted of a hate based offense to have access to a firearm places real people in danger. As a minority, I think about the threat this creates for me, for my baby brothers, and for families who already live with fear rooted in bias and violence. When someone has shown hate toward others based on identity, access to weapons raises the risk of serious harm. This bill reflects common sense. Hate based violence is intentional, and when paired with firearms, the consequences become more severe and more deadly. Communities targeted by hate already face intimidation and harm, and policies should reduce those risks rather than ignore them. Limiting weapon access for people convicted of hate driven crimes helps protect lives and prevent escalation. Supporting this bill means choosing safety, protecting vulnerable communities, and affirming that violence rooted in hate has no place in Virginia.

Last Name: Oppel Locality: Virginia Beach

Taking away someone's constitutional right for a misdemeanor, and such a conviction that is open to such broad interpretation as "hate crimes" always have been, is one of the most blatant moves of tyranny this assembly could push for. Oppose this bill!

Last Name: Olcott Organization: Virginians For Change Locality: Henrico

I support HB1015 because it constitutes common sense gun regulation which is necessary to reduce the significant number of preventable gun related deaths in the Commonwealth. Conviction of a hate crime must and should preclude legal ownership of a deadly weapon.

Last Name: Ponader Locality: Fort Belvoir

I am against these proposed bills to impededany sort of restriction on the carry of firearms, banning any sort of accessory, type or feature of a firearm, or any law that adds additional penalties, burdens, fees, or taxes on firearms. The punishment the law abiding citizen with burdensome laws and infringe upon their constitutional rights. The 2nd ammendment is very clear in "shall not be infringed," yet these bills infringe on the freedom of people to bear arms. The propososers of these bills know they're illegal bills and are not constitutional. Virginia has long been a beacon of freedom, and was instrumental in in the American Revolution to secure that freedom. It is disguisting seeing its politicians try to forcibly take that freedom away from its people. I am opposed to these bills and urge the legislature to throw them out, with prejudice.

Last Name: Freeman Organization: Virginians for Change Locality: Midlothian VA

As a pediatrician I have long been appalled that firearms are the number one cause of death of our children- and having lived thru both mass shootings in Pittsburgh and Buffalo, I immersed myself in the data to understand the problem- we know FIrearm licensing , and concealed carry licensing that incorporates safe storage training saves lives. We know that the access to assault weapons so easily , especially in people with prior threats or concerning obsessions is a reason for most of our mass shootings in America. We know that in domestic violence access to firearms , even in dating relationships , is why women continue to die even with protective orders in place. As a physician I strongly feel concealed carry , especially assault weapons has no place in hospitals , colleges , schools and public buildings. In Virginia we can have laws that really protect people without infringing on the right of sane citizens to own guns. Brief waiting periods, safe storage education for all gun owners, safe storage requirements for all gun owners and a strong emergency protective order system will save many lives and I urge you to support them.

Last Name: Pahuja Organization: Virginians for Change Locality: Henrico

This bill will not allow anyone convicted of a hate crime to own a gun, We SUPPORT this bill as we believe that hate has no place in our state and want to protect minority communities in our commonwealth.

Last Name: Doyle Organization: Virginians for Change & Moms Demand Action Locality: Richmond

This bill will not allow anyone convicted of a hate crime to own a gun, We SUPPORT this bill as we believe that hate has no place in our state and want to protect minority communities in our commonwealth.

Last Name: Lewis Organization: Virginians for Change Locality: Alexandria

✅ Safe Child Access Prevention, HB871, Del. Downey (D): This bill will create penalties for gun owners whose gun is illegally used by a minor. We SUPPORT keeping guns out of the hands of kids. ✅ Expanding ERPO Petitioners, HB901, Del. Sullivan (D): This bill will expand risk orders to include family/household members and certain licensed mental health practitioners to the list of those who can petition the courts. We SUPPORT this bill as we acknowledge that those closest to a person can often be the ones who are able to spot causes for concern. ✅ Security for Firearms Dealers, HB907, Del. Shin (D): This bill will require dealers in firearms to enact certain security measures. We SUPPORT this bill as it should help to deter “smash and grab” incidents. ✅ Virginia Gun Violence Prevention Center, HB969, Del. Price (D): This bill creates a center within the Department of Criminal Justice Services that would gather research, strategies, and best practices for Community Violence Intervention Programs and grant funds for community-based programs. We SUPPORT this bill as CVIs have proven to be incredibly effective in deterring gun violence. ✅ Disarm Hate, HB1015, Del. Tran (D): This bill will not allow anyone convicted of a hate crime to own a gun, We SUPPORT this bill as we believe that hate has no place in our state and want to protect minority communities in our commonwealth. ✅ Firearm Purchaser Licensing, HB1359, Del. Hope (D): This bill will require individuals to obtain a license before buying a firearm. We SUPPORT this bill as it would reduce gun violence by ensuring only eligible, vetted individuals can purchase firearms, and it would also help to prevent impulsive or high-risk purchases.

Last Name: Morgan Locality: Montgomery

A misdemeanor is not cause for removal of constitutional rights. How can you be in favor of reducing sentencing for violent crimes but in favor of taking away rights? Do you view hate crimes as being limited to one demographic that you plan to target? I agree with the VCDL and all gun rights organizations.

Last Name: Gray II Locality: Stanley

When did our state government decide that they do not have to follow our Constitution of the United States of America? The 2nd Amendment is an individual right under the Constitution that states clearly that it shall not be infringed on which in simple terms means that no government official or group has the ability to take a person's right to keep and bear arms in the United States of America. This Amendment was so important to our forefathers that it is the second thing they wrote to establish that the government does not have the ability to take your right to defend yourself against all enemies and this includes a tyrannical state government that doesn't understand plain text that our country was founded on. It doesn't matter what others opinions or feelings on the subject of the right to bear arms is because it is my right and not their's that we are talking about at this time. As a society of individuals in our country that have never agreed on things of this nature since the invention of the modern firearm we have to look no farther than our own Constitution to see that this is not a collective right of certain people that agree or disagree with the principle of firearms but infact a Constitutional right of an individual to determine there views of their personal right to bear arms. With the world in the state it is in at our present time this Constitutional right is needed more then ever because we are facing people that think that the can completely ignore the Constitution and its not even on a national level but a state level. This is also a truly sad moment of our state that is the founding place for our country as it exists from the time that we settled in this new land of an unknown world at the time but to disrespect our founding Document that started it all on top of it is the worst thing that could happen in our state for these elected officials to look at the Bill of Rights and say to themselves that those Amendment are not worth following because I have a different opinion, belief or feeling on that Amendment that I am personally going to take the individual right of every person in Virginia just because I don't want to follow these Amendments as they are written. Do you understand how this is being a tyrannical government just like the British were when they were trying to control the entire population at the time that we had the Revolution in this great land to start this great country. When people say that the 2nd Amendment is dated and need to be revised but can see the actual beauty in how our forefathers predicted that this Amendment would be necessary throughout time to even to the year 2026 were we have a government that is looking at this exact Amendment and saying no we don't have to follow that anymore because we have all these people that don't like the fact that a free person of the United States of America can purchase anything that has to do with their ability to not only protect themselves in self defense but also to protect themselves from the tyrannical government that is before us today. I'm sorry but as a person that has no affiliation to a political party or any other organization on this subject in our country I believe in our Constitution and the Amendments that were written in the Bill of Rights to protect myself, my family and my friends from people that think that they know what is best for everyone in our country on the basis that they either think they are smarter, richer or elected.

Last Name: Blue Locality: Fairfax

I as a resident of The State of Virginia agree and stand with the positions of the VCDL, GOA, and every other gun rights organization in opposition to all of the firearm restriction bills that you have proposed ,as each are unconstitutional and violate our God given rights.

Last Name: Zerrenner Locality: Ashburn

I am a resident of Ashburn in Loudoun County. I respectfully submit this written testimony in opposition to HB101 and HB1015. I oppose HB101 because changes to concealed handgun permit application submission methods risk introducing inconsistent standards, administrative delays, or discretionary barriers for otherwise qualified applicants. Virginia’s existing permitting framework has functioned effectively by maintaining clear, uniform procedures that balance public safety with due process. Altering submission methods without clear safeguards may disproportionately burden law-abiding citizens without addressing criminal misuse of firearms. I also oppose HB1015 due to concerns regarding proportionality, due process, and the broad scope of misdemeanor hate crime classifications. Extending long-term firearm prohibitions based on misdemeanor convictions risks imposing lasting consequences without sufficient consideration of context, rehabilitation, or individualized assessment. Policies based on offense categorization rather than demonstrated ongoing risk may result in unintended or unequal impacts on individuals who have completed their sentence and are otherwise law-abiding. In both cases, I am concerned that these bills emphasize procedural or categorical restrictions rather than focusing on enforcement of existing laws, accountability for violent conduct, and protection of due process. I respectfully urge the committee to oppose HB101 and HB1015. Thank you for the opportunity to submit written testimony for the public record and for your consideration.

Last Name: Culbertson Locality: Chesapeake

I strongly oppose this bill!

Last Name: Kochard Organization: Virginians for Change Locality: Richmond

I support HB871 because keeping guns out of the hands of kids is vital. I support HB901 as I acknowledge that those closest to a person can often be the ones who are able to spot causes for concern. I support HB907 as it should help to deter “smash and grab” incidents. I support HB969 as CVIs have proven to be incredibly effective in deterring gun violence. I support HB1015 as I believe that hate has no place in our state and want to protect minority communities in our commonwealth. I support HB1359 as it would reduce gun violence by ensuring only eligible, vetted individuals can purchase firearms, and it would also help to prevent impulsive or high-risk purchases.

Last Name: Miller Locality: Lexington

A misdemeanor treated like a felony? Absolutely disgusting!

Last Name: Moulton Locality: Montgomery

I stand strongly with the VCDL on these proposed laws. VA has always been a bipartisan state on gun issues, and although the second amendment has may purposes- it must be preserved to protect the citizens of this state. Overreaching federal law enforcement, and all threats domestic and foreign are kept in line by responsible firearm ownership. Gun control also impacts lower income groups, impoverished populations, and people of color disproportionately. We must preserve the 2nd amendment.

Last Name: Leath Locality: Carroll

I strongly oppose this bill.

Last Name: Leath Locality: Carroll

A misdemeanor shouldn't cause someone to lose their civil rights.

Last Name: Black Locality: City of Richmond

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the recently proposed bills on gun control. While I understand the intent behind these bills—to enhance public safety—I firmly believe that they will have unintended consequences that infringe on the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens. The Second Amendment guarantees "the right of individuals to keep and bear arms", and it is a fundamental part of what makes this country free. These bills being proposed would place unnecessary and burdensome restrictions on responsible gun owners, making it harder for Virginians to exercise their rights in a lawful and safe manner. Rather than focusing on restricting access to firearms, I urge the General Assembly to consider measures that target criminals and illegal activities, such as enforcing stricter penalties for those who use firearms in the commission of crimes, or improving background checks for gun purchases. It is essential to address the root causes of violence, such as mental health issues and gang-related activity, rather than punishing responsible gun owners who follow the law. Furthermore, these proposed bills could create significant logistical challenges for gun owners, particularly those who rely on their firearms for self-defense, hunting, or recreational activities. The financial burden and potential legal ramifications of complying with these new regulations would be overwhelming for many Virginians. I strongly urge you to reconsider these proposals and to focus on policies that protect both our rights and our communities. I trust that you will make the best decision for all Virginians, and I sincerely hope that you will oppose these bills.

Last Name: Withers Organization: Virginians for change Locality: Richmond city

I support the presented gun laws that will improve the Commonwealth’s safety

Last Name: Lewis Organization: Virginians for Change Locality: Alexandria, Virginia

In 2021, my elderly stepmother shot through a closed door during an argument with my elderly father, striking him in the back and paralyzing him. My father has spent the past five years in extreme physical agony, unable to walk, paying caretakers out of pocket to hoist him in and out of bed, unable to care for himself. The lack of movement in his life has led to horrific bed sores, which become bone infections, which lead to extended hospital stays and a horrible quality of life. All this because my stepmother was allowed to have a gun. There are countless stories like this of the bullet's aftermath: of the lifelong physical and mental damage that comes from guns. It has been a horrific five years, full of physical pain and mental anguish for our entire family. I wouldn't wish this on anyone. The bills before you now will not only save lives, they will spare whole swaths of our neighborhoods from needing to deal with these horrors. One bullet, lodged in my father's spine, didn't kill him. Instead, it has shattered the life he had, his ability to work and care for himself, and his family. Each bullet we allow in our communities has the ability to do the same. His care has bankrupted him personally, and now he relies on state care and Medicaid, an avoidable burden on taxpayers. There are numerous reasons guns have no place in our society, and I hope my father's story is just one that helps make change. Please support all bills that make guns harder to access, harder to keep. Please do everything you can to keep guns out of the hands of our society. Thank you for the great work you are doing to keep Virginians safe.

Last Name: Kyle Locality: Quinton

I am writing to oppose the current slate of firearm restriction bills before the General Assembly. While these proposals are framed as public safety measures, in practice they disproportionately harm marginalized Virginians — including racial minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals (especially trans people), immigrants, and low-income residents — who often face higher risks of targeted violence and slower or unequal police response. These bills add costs, delays, and bureaucratic hurdles to exercising a fundamental right. Increased fees, mandatory waiting periods, feature bans, and expanded disqualifications fall hardest on people with limited financial resources, unstable work schedules, or justified concerns about their personal safety. For many vulnerable individuals, the ability to lawfully and promptly acquire a firearm is not about ideology, but about self-defense. History shows that restrictive gun laws are most aggressively enforced in minority communities, amplifying disparities in arrests, prosecution, and legal exposure — even when no harm has occurred. Expanding civil liability, criminal penalties, and subjective risk standards increases that risk. Public safety should not come at the expense of civil rights or equal access to self-protection. Policies that price people out of their rights or delay lawful self-defense do not address the root causes of violence and instead leave the most vulnerable less safe. I respectfully urge you to oppose these bills and support approaches that protect both public safety and the rights of all Virginians, regardless of income, identity, or background. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Last Name: Jervey Locality: Fairfax Co.

Such bills if passed would provide little benefit to the safety of Virginia citizens. Gun violence is not a major concern in Virginia, and criminals will neither abide nor be limited by such legislation. Instead, many responsible citizens would lose their rights. There is no reason to pass such measures. In addition, many of these bills are not written to an excellent level of clarity and will spur much confusion on what remains legal or illegal.

End of Comments