We MUST have stricter gun laws. At this point its common sense. Please protect our children and have stricter gun laws in order to keep our children safe at school and beyond.

I support this common-sense bill which would expand the definition of family or household member to afford greater protections following an assault and would make it a misdemeanor to purchase, possess, or transport a firearm after being convicted of assault and battery against an intimate partner. This bill affords further protections to victims of domestic abuse.

I support this common-sense bill which would expand the definition of family or household member to afford greater protections following an assault and would make it a misdemeanor to purchase, possess, or transport a firearm after being convicted of assault and battery against an intimate partner. This bill affords further protections to victims of domestic abuse.

As a sexual and domestic violence advocate and violence prevention practitioner, I urge you to support this bill to expand the definition of family or household member and close the potential loophole that allows dating or sexual partners convicted of domestic violence-related misdemeanors to legally own or possess firearms. Simply the presence of a firearm in a domestic violence situation increases the risk of homicide by 500%. With this bill, we could improve public safety and prevent further violence to survivors of domestic violence. This will not only keep survivors safe, but communities at large by keeping firearms out of the hands of people who shouldn't have them. Thank you.

Hoping for common sense policies from democrats who think of all Virginia citizens first. Please keep the hard working people in mind because we are the ones paying for it.

Please oppose HB1869. Virginians shouldn't lose constitutional rights due to misdemeanors for assault in battery. If it was a felony, yes, but not for misdemeanors.

As a mom, former social worker, and gun owner, I believe in supporting gun legislation that underscores the responsibility of gun ownership and provides protection for our children and loves ones in our communities. I support HB 1869, HB 2064, and HB 2241. I oppose HB 1559, HB 2412 and HB 2414.

HB1559 (SUPPORT) clarifies that you don't need to furnish proof of training when renewing your CHP HB1869 (OPPOSE) expands the prohibition of rights for people convicted of *misdemeanor* assault and battery HB2064 (OPPOSE) requires dealers to post warnings and supply warnings with firearms, as well as supply locking devices HB2145 (SUPPORT) would remove the 30-day wait to purchase for those with new VA driver's licenses that are Real IDs HB2242 (OPPOSE) would prohibit the rights of someone convicted of a *misdemeanor* "hate" crime HB2412 (SUPPORT) would remove the carry ban in VA rest areas and ABC stores HB2414 (SUPPORT) would define in-person training for CHP to include online platforms like Zoom, etc., where the instructor and student can see each other and interact in real time

I am a clinical psychologist who has worked in forensic and correctional mental health for over forty years in Virginia. As such, I have extensive experience evaluating and treating both juveniles and adults who have engaged in gun violence, including mass murder. I have also worked as a police psychologist and have been trained to use firearms. I can confidently assure you that a “good guy with a gun” can at any moment become a danger to society, and laws that limit access to firearms do indeed deter both self-harm and harm to others. For that reason, I support each of these bills that provide for greater ‘good sense’ gun safety. Perhaps more to the point is the fact that most individuals who kill are not interested in nor are they amenable to mental health treatment- regardless of how much this would appear to make sense. Unfortunately, portraying gun violence as a mental health issue will do nothing to reduce the problem. Controlling access to weapons, mandating thoughtful training and registration, and placing safety and the sanctity of life above all else is the only reasonable, respectful and PROVEN response to the threat of impulsivity, entitlement and rage. After spending my professional lifetime with violent offenders, let me assure you that the vast majority of folks who are viewed as “crazy,” still remain very much aware of credibly serious and consistent consequences for bad behavior. Gun violence is NOT a mental health issue but good sense laws and human life are a right above all others.

I support expanding critical protections to additional relationship categories. As a mom to two young girls. I hope that if they ever have an abusive boyfriend, we'll be able to work with law enforcement to ensure that person does not have access to a gun so we can try to save my child's life.

I am vehemently opposed to the proposed amendment that would remove the requirement for individuals renewing their concealed handgun permits to provide proof of training or demonstrate competence. 1. Public Safety Concerns: Removing the necessity for proof of ongoing competence or training at renewal times undermines public safety. The Supreme Court in District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) recognized the right to bear arms but also emphasized the importance of regulations that promote safety. 2. Deterioration of Skills: Firearm handling skills require regular practice to maintain. Without mandatory retraining or re-demonstration, permit holders might not keep up with best practices in firearm safety, leading to a potential decline in their ability to handle firearms responsibly. In discussions around Castle Rock v. Gonzales (2005) regarding the enforcement of protective orders, where ongoing training could ensure better public protection. 3. Legal and Regulatory Awareness: The case of McDonald v. City of Chicago (2010) highlighted the importance of understanding the legal framework around gun ownership. Without updated training, individuals might inadvertently break laws, leading to legal issues and potential public endangerment. 4. Risk of Complacency: This complacency can lead to negligence, as seen in cases like United States v. Miller (1939), where the regulation of firearms was discussed in the context of maintaining order and safety, suggesting that ongoing vigilance through training is necessary. 5. Undermining the Principle of Continuous Education: The amendment goes against the principle of continuous education. Just as professionals like doctors or pilots must undergo periodic recertification, gun owners should also be required to refresh their knowledge and skills. This principle was upheld in Buck v. Bell (1927) in a different context, where the court supported the state's interest in public welfare through regulated professional standards. 6. Precedent for Other Regulated Activities: Allowing this amendment sets a dangerous precedent for other regulated activities Contradicts United States v. Carolene Products Co. (1938), where the court supported regulatory measures for public safety. 7. Accountability and Trust: Holds permit holders accountable and builds public trust in the concealed carry system. Trust in regulatory systems was a factor in Wyeth v. Levine (2009), where the Supreme Court considered public trust in safety regulations. 8. Potential for Abuse: There's a potential for abuse where individuals might renew their permits without maintaining the necessary skills or knowledge, especially if their life circumstances change significantly (e.g., health issues affecting their ability to handle firearms safely). This concern aligns with the reasoning in United States v. Salerno (1987) about preventive detention, emphasizing the need for measures to ensure public safety. In conclusion, this amendment jeopardizes public safety, leads to skill deterioration, reduces legal awareness, encourages complacency, undermines the value of continuous education, sets a poor precedent, diminishes accountability, and opens the door for potential abuse. I strongly urge the rejection of this amendment to maintain the integrity, safety, and responsibility inherent in the concealed handgun permit system in Virginia.

My husband and i FULLY SUPPORT this and all common sense gun safety laws. We are gun owners and he is a retired military member. PLEASE pass this bill!

It is critical to extend the same protections to additional relationship categories. Intimate partner or dating relationships also need to to be part of domestic violence and firearms prohibitions.

People who are carrying a concealed weapon into our state should be subject to the laws we have set up to address this issue in Virginia!

These bills allow for those that wish to have guns to still have them, yet put safeguards in place so that the guns do not get into the wrong hands, are misused or changed into weapons meant to kill many people in a short amount of time. Please vote for these common sense gun laws so that children can live safely in our community with gun owners who prioritize safety.

I write as a taxpayer, a mother, a resident, a voter and a citizen of the Commonwealth of Virginia is strong SUPPORT of these bills. Our federal government refuses to do anything to save our children and make our country a safer place because they have all sold out to the NRA so the states is where is going to be so important! I am thankful for the efforts of our elected officials to do the right thing and high encourage passage of these bills.

I support all of these bills that will make our Commonwealth safer, adding critical protections for all.

HB1607 - I SUPPORT this bill as assault weapons make it easier for a person to kill a large number of people in a very short period of time – including children in schools, families at the mall or movies, congregations in houses of worship, etc. Assault weapons have no place in civilian life. HB1608 - I SUPPORT this bill as industry accountability is a great way to force manufacturers to raise standards of safety. HB1622 - I SUPPORT this bill as it would crack down on vehicle gun thefts and make our communities safer. This should be especially important in Virginia as 2022 FBI crime data shows that Richmond, Virginia is among the top 5 cities with the highest rates of gun theft from cars HB1660 - I SUPPORT this bill as automatic and semi-automatic weapons can kill a large number of people in a very short period of time and converting more guns to function this way is terrifying for the safety of our families. HB1797 - I SUPPORT this bill as visitors wishing to carry concealed handguns in Virginia should meet the same level of safety requirements that we require of our state’s residents. In many scenarios, visitors are held to the legal requirements of the state they are visiting, and applying this to gun safety should be common sense. HB1869 - I SUPPORT this bill as it expands critical protections to additional relationship categories. Especially in a time where people marry at a later age and/or more commonly cohabitate prior to marriage, allowing intimate partner, or dating relationships, to be protected keeps Virginians safer. HB1876 - I SUPPORT extending the protection of k-12 schools to our institutions of higher education. This is very personal to me as I spent 9 years working at a university and was involved in a scary situation where a student made violent threats with a firearm. HB1960 - I SUPPORT this bill, as it strengthens protections for domestic violence survivors.

I support these bills to make our community safer

I support HB1869 as it expands critical protections to additional relationship categories. For example, this bill would include a relationship where a woman cohabitates with her boyfriend. As a mother working to keep all children safe from gun violence, I support HB1869 and reducing the number of gun-related deaths in our community and in our nation.

I support this bill because I believe it would make our Commonwealth a safer place for everyone, including our children. Gun violence must be addressed and this is one of the many common sense laws proposed this session that can do that. Please take action and vote for this bill that could save lives.

As a graduate of Virginia Tech who was on campus during the mass shooting that occured on April 16, 2007, I strongly support increased regulations on guns. Having witnessed first half the devastation on communities that guns can cause, we need to prevent high capacity automatic and semi-automatic guns from being sold and ensure that loopholes that allow guns to be sold continue to be closed. As a mother of three young school aged children now, the sense of fear at which all families deal with on a daily basis is unfathomable and shouldn't be allowed to continue.

I support HB1869 as it expands critical protections to additional relationship categories. For example, this bill would include a relationship where a woman cohabitates with her boyfriend.

Please pass these comments sense safety laws. The county desperately needs them.

I support these bills as data shows common sense gun laws save lives.

I support these eight bills, as we need to take action against the senseless violence and deaths caused by guns. We need to ban assault weapons, hold the industry more accountable, prohibit people from leaving firearms visibly unattended in cars, ban kits that create automatic weapons, tighten concealed handgun permits, expand critical protections to additional relationship categories, extend protection against firearms to higher education, and protect domestic violence survivors. As a country and a state, we cannot continue to accept gun violence and deaths as the norm.

I support HB1607 as assault weapons make it easier for a person to kill a large number of people in a very short period of time – including children in schools. I felt the impact of this at Virginia Tech on April 16, 2007 as 32 students and teachers lost their lives. I support HB1608 as industry accountability is a great way to force manufacturers to raise standards of safety. It shouldn't be easier to buy a gun than it is to rent a car. I support HB1622 as it would crack down on vehicle gun thefts and make our communities safer. I support HB1660 as automatic and semi-automatic weapons can kill a large number of people in a very short period of time. I felt the impact of this at Virginia Tech on April 16, 2007 as 32 students and teachers lost their lives. I support HB1797 as visitors wishing to carry concealed handguns in Virginia should meet the same level of safety requirements that we require of our state’s residents. I support HB1869 as it expands critical protections to additional relationship categories. For example, this bill would include a relationship where a woman cohabitates with her boyfriend. I support HB1876 as it extends the protection of k-12 schools to our institutions of higher education. I support HB1960 as it strengthens protections for domestic violence survivors.

I support this bill because I support any bill that seeks to create a safer community for our children to grow up in, that keeps guns away from schools, and that keep deadly weapons out of the hands of violent people who wish to violate our most protected right: the right to life. This is my number one issue.