SB115 could cause less visitors and their money from attractions in the state. If the National Parks allows legal carry without issues, I see no valid reason to restrict out of state visitors from legal carry of their firearms for protection or sporting purposes. Regards.

A friendly amendment to SB115 Please change the wording as show below The Superintendent of State Police, in consultation with the Attorney General, (add)SHALL (remove) may also enter into agreements for reciprocal recognition with any state qualifying for recognition under this subsection.

I am strongly opposed to SB115 and SB643. For SB115, I believe the bill creates unnecessary barriers for responsible gun owners by complicating the recognition of out-of-state concealed carry permits. The current system already ensures that only LAWFUL permit holders are allowed to carry in Virginia, and the proposed changes would just add more bureaucracy and make it more difficult for law-abiding citizens to exercise their rights. As for SB643, I’m deeply concerned about the bill’s restrictions on firearm possession and purchase for individuals under 21. Many young adults between 18 and 21 are legally considered adults and should not be penalized for wanting to exercise their Second Amendment rights. This bill unfairly targets responsible, law-abiding citizens, especially those in the military or with legitimate self-defense needs, by preventing them from purchasing or possessing firearms. The penalties proposed are also excessive and could criminalize young people for honest mistakes. Both bills would unnecessarily restrict the rights of Virginians, and I urge you to table these bills.

I oppose these bills for the same reasons put forth by the VCDL. SB 115 hobbles Virginians ability to defend themselves while traveling out of state. SB 643 is an unconstitutional limit on the rights of adults who otherwise are allowed to vote and serve in the military.

The right to own firearms is a core American freedom that must be protected. Gun control measures don’t solve the problem of violence; they only punish law-abiding citizens who are simply exercising their constitutional rights. More restrictions on gun ownership leave responsible people in danger and unable to protect themselves and their families. Instead of focusing on disarming the public, we should tackle the real issues like mental health and crime. The Second Amendment was created to ensure that citizens can defend themselves and safeguard their liberty

These bills are obviously unconstitutional and should not be passed!

I am absolutely against both SB115 and SB643 and am requesting as a law abiding citizen in the commonwealth of Virginia to vote NO on both of these bill. Both bills criminalize law abiding citizens for executing their constitutional rights to protect themselves. These are totalitarian laws that have no place in Virginia.

SB115-I oppose this bill. This will do nothing except limit our ability to carry a concealed firearm in states that we may travel to. I do not think that concealed carry holders from out of state have ever caused an issue here in the commonwealth. I don't understand why our representatives in the General Assembly can not pass laws that actually target criminals who commit crimes with firearms. SB643-I oppose this bill. If an 18-20 year old can not be trusted with firearms then they should not be trusted to drive cars, they should not be allowed to vote, they shouldn't be allowed to be considered adults. If a 18 year old can join the military and be trusted to handle weapon systems to defend this country then they should be able to purchase and possess firearms that they want. Once again pass laws that target actual criminals and not law-abiding citizens!

My name is Scott Karas, and I am a resident of Alexandria, VA. I am writing to express concerns regarding SB 115 and SB 643. Comments on SB 115 Bottom line: I do not support SB 115 and ask that this bill be voted NO. I do not believe it should pass out of committee. Virginia currently recognizes concealed carry permits from all states, and reciprocity is often mutual. If Virginia restricts recognition of permits from other states, many of those states may withdraw recognition of Virginia’s permit in response. This raises important questions: • What problem is SB 115 intended to solve? • Does the Commonwealth no longer trust other states’ permitting standards, training, or background checks? • What is the intended goal of reducing reciprocity? SB 115 would limit the ability of current and future Virginia concealed carry permit holders to carry legally while traveling. Published data from multiple states show that concealed carry permit holders have a very low rate of criminal offense. These individuals are already vetted through background checks and are generally law-abiding citizens. Comments on SB 643 Bottom line: I do not support SB 643 and ask that this bill be voted NO. I do not believe it should pass out of committee. In both Virginia and the United States, 18-year-olds are legally recognized as adults. They are old enough to vote and to serve in the military, including in combat roles. Under SB 643, they would not be allowed to purchase a firearm. This raises a basic disconnect: individuals who are trusted with voting and national defense would be unable to legally purchase a firearm for lawful purposes. Recent court decisions are also relevant. Under the 2022 Supreme Court Bruen decision, firearm regulations must be “consistent with the Nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation.” Since Bruen, federal courts have repeatedly ruled that 18–20-year-olds fall within “the people” protected by the Second Amendment. Examples include: • Jones v. Bonta (9th Cir. 2022 panel decision), striking down California’s ban on semiautomatic rifle purchases by adults under 21, finding no historical tradition of denying arms to young adults. • Hirschfeld v. ATF (4th Cir. 2021), concluding that 18–20-year-olds have Second Amendment rights. • Reese v. ATF (N.D. Tex. 2023), ruling that the federal 21+ handgun purchase restriction is unconstitutional, citing a lack of historical analogues for age-based bans. Based on these historical and judicial analyses, SB 643 raises constitutional concerns. Adults aged 18 and older are protected under the Second Amendment, and therefore should be able to purchase and own firearms.

Is it too late to adresss the home build firearms legislation. I went to see Rick at TTI and its going to cost 125.00 per firearms to serialize them. Seems like its a TAKING CLAUSE ISSUE to me unless Virginia wants to give a tax credit if we are forced to do this before July 1 Show quoted text If you hurry, you can send an email to your delegate and senator. It is very, very close to being too late. Show quoted text

Is it too late to adresss the home build firearms legislation. I went to see Rick at TTI and its going to cost 125.00 per firearms to serialize them. Seems like its a TAKING CLAUSE ISSUE to me unless Virginia wants to give a tax credit if we are forced to do this before July 1 Show quoted text If you hurry, you can send an email to your delegate and senator. It is very, very close to being too late. Show quoted text

Please vote NO. Instead of helping us to be in compliance with other states, you seem to make it harder to be a legal law abiding citizen.

SB115 only affects one of the most law abiding set of citizens in Virginia. This bill only serves to punish a group of people who are less likely to commit a crime than a police officer. Rather than punitive bills of this nature, I would encourage the General Assembly to focus on criminals rather than law aboding citizens. SB643 represents a new form of age discrimination. Either a person is an adult or not. This bill is a waste of time given the questions regarding constitutionality of this bill.

I urge you to reject the unconstitutional senate bills, SB115 and SB643. SB115 would greatly hinder interstate travel for Virginians who now enjoy the second amendment freedom of carrying firearms for self defense to most states. It would also diminish tourism for people out of state who wish to carry for defense in Virginia, thereby damaging our economy. We have a God given right as seen in nature to protect ourselves. SB643 is just as overreaching constitutionally. Adults at the age of 18, 19, and 20 should also be able to defend themselves with life saving handguns or so called “assault firearms “. They are big people. Vote down SB115 and SB643.

SB 115 and SB 643 - Both of these bills have a lot in common. They target law abiding citizens, they do not solve real problems with a measurable solution, they do not penalize criminals, and finally they are unconstitutional infringements on our right to keep and bear arms. - OPPOSE

Please vote No, these bills clearly violate constitutional rights of the people who put you in office.

Oppose SB 115, This bill is an unjust and demeaning slap in the face to law-abiding Virginia gun owners, it will reduce the number of states where a Virginia permit holder can carry a handgun for self-defense. This bill makes Virginians who are traveling less safe! It will also discourage gun owners outside of Virginia from visiting the Commonwealth, effecting the state’s economy. Oppose SB 643, Eliminating the purchase of firearms by young adults is unconstitutional. Adults are protected by the Second Amendment.

Hello. It is important to share with you that I believe in the fundamental principle that our constitutional rights do NOT end at state lines, nor are they subject to arbitrary age-based restrictions that lack historical precedent. As a law-abiding citizen, I am deeply concerned that SB 115 and SB 643 prioritize political optics over the core protections of the Second Amendment. These bills represent a direct departure from our nation's heritage of self-defense and the equal application of rights to all legal adults. I encourage you to listen to the plethora of individuals across the state writing you in the same tenor. Do not disregard our opinion by punishing us for being law-abiding citizens and believing in our second amendment freedoms. I look forward to hearing more about your decision and how you came to it. Amanda Gauldin

SB115 is a demeaning slap in the face to concealed carry permit holders outside of Virginia. It could adversely affect tourism and our economy. If other states do not recognize Virginia’s concealed carry permits, Virginians will be vulnerable when they travel. SB643 is unconstitutional. If an 18, 19, or 20 year old can fight for their country, vote, and be prosecuted as an adult, they should be able to buy a gun.

There is no logical purpose to remove the current reciprocal arrangements. A political dislike of firearms and self defense is understandable but not a reason to change legislation in a way that will make the lives of Democrats, Republicans and independents more difficult to remain lawful. Please focus on other legislation that targets criminals, specially criminals with firearms, that we are trying to protect ourselves from.

Dear Delegates, I implore you to consider not approving this bill. The consequences of issues attempting to be solved here should impact those that break the law. Not those that seek to uphold it lawfully. This applies to all people of the United States. Having lived in Virginia my entire life besides my time in the Marines, I have held a conceal carry permit (CCP) since I was 21. I have also traveled all over the world. One things always holds true no matter where I have been. There will always be those whom wish to cause harm and chaos. The rules have changed for CCP every few years for as long as I can remember. If you pass this law, it will change again someday down the road as there are no guarantees of who will always hold power and that is just reality. These changes confuse people both residents and non residents and puts law abiding citizens in a bad position of being misinformed and on the wrong side of the law. The statistics for CCP holders that commit crimes is low. These people choose to apply for a permit after receiving training and are more informed than non permit holders and when they violate those rules they are held to a higher standard in the law. Your job is to protect Virginia and its residents. Passing this law puts Virginia residents at more risk when traveling or visiting other states. There are no statistics for crimes committed by non residents that hold a CCP. Passing this law with no factual statistics of which this bill targets only puts Virginia CCP residents in a compromising position in other states. Additionally, you will end up having more people, especially out of state residents open carrying firearms. Most would prefer not to see them do this. The reality is these individuals also will just seek other means such as Virginia residents obtain Utah's non resident CCP. The same can be done by non residents utilizing other states. Virginia is better served by working on a National level to create one standard of which all will comply if they wish to carry in another state. This is a better solution than what is being brought forward and better serves the Commonwealth as a whole. No law will ever stop the ability to carry firearms. The supreme court has upheld this. The passage of this bill also puts non residents in a compromising position while traveling and staying in Virginia. We want Virginia tourism and we want a safe Virginia. These individuals again are more trained on what not to do and when it is justified than most of the general public. With law enforcement staffing numbers struggling everywhere and law enforcement being tied up more and more on simple small issues. It is more likely for a law abiding citizen to step in as a last resort. What should be talked about is applying funding for programs that begin in elementary school and continue through all levels for mental health, coping skills, anger management, de-escalation. These types of classes would change society in the long run and make a difference. Younger generations have lost touch with consequence and meaning of life. Some of these things like de-escalation are taught in some CCP courses. Perhaps Change on a national level would be more suited to the solution you seek. The reality is this bill jeopardizes the residents of Virginia in multiple ways and does not provide the solution that is being sought after by many people. The consequences of issues should impact those that break the law. Not those that seek to uphold it.

Oppose SB115 Senator Pekarsky, severely restricts concealed handgun permit reciprocity with other states. Currently, Virginia honors permits from all other states, which, in turn, allows Virginians to be able to carry in most of those states. Virginia residents may not use a permit from another state to carry in Virginia. They must have a Virginia permit. Permit holders from other states have been peacefully carrying in Virginia for years. This bill is an unjust and demeaning slap in the face to law-abiding Virginia gun owners, as it will reduce the number of states where a Virginia permit holder can carry a handgun for self-defense. This bill makes Virginians who are traveling less safe! Rest areas are open to the public 24/7. Rest areas are the most dangerous places not to carry. There is NO consistent law enforcement presence. They are located on major highways and roadways. Criminals have a higher capability of finding victims, greater opportunity of abducting, assaulting and potentially killing their victims and then escaping via the highway. There are no FLOK cameras, No consistent, viable law enforcement presence, no security, no security cameras in critical areas. There is nothing to deter heinous crimes at rest areas. This is an area where the ability to carry a firearm for self-defense is critical and essential. It is a matter of life and death. Our truck stops, rest areas, highways and parking lots in remote areas and in urban area are high risk areas for assaults, robberies and abductions. Virginians and visitors, tourists and travelers in Virginia must have the ability to defend themselves and to carry firearms for self-defense concealed and openly. They are the first responders to their situation when trouble arises and police are minutes and miles away. The ability to stop an abduction is 1 less family going through pain and the loss of their family member or child. The ability to defend yourself is 1 less Amber Alert. It is 1 less robbery, murder, Assault or sexual assault. Safer communities and safer travels are ensured by the capability to defend yourself and carry a firearm while maintaining situational awareness and being prepared to defend your family and yourself.

I am disappointed in the General Assembly’s efforts to violate my civil rights and make criminals out of millions of law abiding citizens and strip us of our constitutionally protected rights. Your efforts will do nothing but make more Virginians the victims of criminals and overzealous law enforcement alike. Buzzwords like “common sense” and “responsible” do not hide your intentions to disarm law abiding citizens. And for what? Previous national bans did nothing to stop crime. All of these bills seem to be politically and malicious motivated, but to what end?

I oppose these bills

Permit holders from other states have been peacefully carrying in Virginia for years - decades actually. This bill is unjust and demeaning slap in the face to law-abiding Virginia gun owners, as it will reduce the number of states where a Virginia permit holder can carry a handgun for self-defense. Once again, it punishes the law-abiding for no other reason than they want to protect themselves, and this bill makes Virginians who are traveling less safe. This bill would waste valuable State Police resources to fix a non-existent problem. It is yet another solution in search of a problem.

This bill (SB115) will reduce the number of states where a Virginia permit holder can carry a handgun for self-defense. This bill makes Virginians who are traveling less safe! This bill is a solution in search of a problem. Permit holders from other states have been peacefully carrying in Virginia for years. As a father of two daughters bill SB643 eliminates the purchase of handguns or assault firearms by young adults which is unconstitutional and puts them at risk.

All these gun laws are against the U.S. Constitution. The legislators passing these laws may be charged with a crime under 18USC-241 which states: 18 USC-241 If two or more persons conspire to injure, oppress, threaten, or intimidate any person in any State, Territory, Commonwealth, Possession, or District in the free exercise or enjoyment of any right or privilege secured to him by the Constitution or laws of the United States, or because of his having so exercised the same; or If two or more persons go in disguise on the highway, or on the premises of another, with intent to prevent or hinder his free exercise or enjoyment of any right or privilege so secured— They shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both; and if death results from the acts committed in violation of this section or if such acts include kidnapping or an attempt to kidnap, aggravated sexual abuse or an attempt to commit aggravated sexual abuse, or an attempt to kill, they shall be fined under this title or imprisoned for any term of years or for life, or both, or may be sentenced to death.

SB 115, Senator Pekarsky, severely restricts concealed handgun permit reciprocity with other states. Currently, Virginia honors permits from all other states, which, in turn, allows Virginians to be able to carry in most of those states. Virginia residents may not use a permit from another state to carry in Virginia. They must have a Virginia permit. Permit holders from other states have been peacefully carrying in Virginia for years. This bill is an unjust and demeaning slap in the face to law-abiding Virginia gun owners, as it will reduce the number of states where a Virginia permit holder can carry a handgun for self-defense. This bill makes Virginians who are traveling less safe! It will also discourage gun owners outside of Virginia from visiting the Commonwealth, effecting the state’s economy. This bill is a solution in search of a problem.

I oppose SB115 and SB643.

This bill is an unjust and demeaning slap in the face to law-abiding Virginia gun owners, as it will reduce the number of states where a Virginia permit holder can carry a handgun for self-defense. This bill makes Virginians who are traveling less safe! It will also discourage gun owners outside of Virginia from visiting the Commonwealth, effecting the state’s economy. This bill is a solution in search of a problem.

Opposition to SB 115 and SB 643: Both SB 115 and SB 643 infringe upon Virginians’ Second Amendment rights and violate established constitutional principles, particularly as reinforced by the Supreme Court’s recent rulings, including New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen and District of Columbia v. Heller. Opposition to SB 115: SB 115 seeks to restrict Virginia's concealed handgun permit reciprocity with other states. Currently, Virginia honors concealed carry permits from all states, ensuring law-abiding gun owners can travel freely without violating laws in other jurisdictions. This bill undermines this principle, creating confusion for responsible gun owners. The Bruen decision requires that any restriction on the right to carry arms must be consistent with historical practices. SB 115 fails this test, as no historical tradition supports blanket bans on interstate reciprocity for lawful gun owners. It also violates the core principle of Heller, which recognized an individual’s right to carry arms for self-defense. This bill would unnecessarily limit Virginians' ability to exercise their Second Amendment rights and does not serve public safety. Opposition to SB 643: SB 643 prohibits 18- to 20-year-olds from purchasing handguns or “assault firearms.” This bill directly violates the Second Amendment rights of young adults, who are otherwise entrusted with adult responsibilities, such as voting and military service. Heller and McDonald v. City of Chicago both affirm that the right to bear arms is fundamental, and Bruen clarified that restrictions must be grounded in historical tradition. Denying young adults the right to purchase firearms is inconsistent with this standard. The broad definition of “assault firearm” in SB 643 also fails to align with historical practices and unduly restricts access to commonly owned firearms that are widely used for self-defense, hunting, and sport shooting. The bill targets responsible gun owners without evidence that such restrictions would reduce gun violence. Conclusion: Both SB 115 and SB 643 violate the constitutional protections upheld by Bruen, Heller, and McDonald. These bills unnecessarily infringe upon Virginians' Second Amendment rights, imposing broad restrictions on lawful gun ownership and carry that fail to meet historical or constitutional standards. Rather than adding more burdens on law-abiding citizens, lawmakers should focus on policies that address the root causes of violence, such as mental health and criminal justice reforms. Both bills should be rejected.

Allowing others to conceal carry for their own protection is crucial to those of us who cross state lines daily for work. If you remove reprocity then you will cause the people of your state to lose rights as well. The states we travel to will likely revoke VA as well as retaliation for this bill. Please do away with this bill. We need to be able to protect ourselves and our children when traveling.

I strongly oppose Virginia SB115 because it raises serious constitutional concerns while also undermining public safety in ways that are likely to harm law-abiding citizens more than criminals. From a constitutional standpoint, SB115 conflicts with the protections recognized by the U.S. Supreme Court in District of Columbia v. Heller and reaffirmed in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen. In Heller, the Court confirmed that the Second Amendment protects an individual right to keep and bear arms for lawful purposes such as self-defense. In Bruen, the Court held that when a law restricts conduct covered by the Second Amendment’s plain text, the government must demonstrate that the regulation is consistent with the Nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation. Broad, modern restrictions that lack clear historical analogues are constitutionally suspect. If SB115 imposes sweeping prohibitions, expansive “sensitive place” designations, or burdensome requirements that effectively prevent ordinary citizens from exercising their rights, it risks failing that constitutional test. Beyond the constitutional issues, SB115 is unlikely to enhance public safety. Concealed handgun permit holders are consistently among the most law-abiding citizens in any state. They undergo background checks, meet statutory requirements, and have strong incentives to comply with the law. Data from multiple states show that permit revocation rates for crimes are extremely low—often far lower than rates for the general population. Adding further restrictions on this group will not deter violent criminals, who by definition do not seek permits and do not follow firearm laws. Legislation that primarily burdens lawful permittees does little to address the individuals most likely to commit violent crime. Criminals obtain firearms through illegal means and ignore regulatory requirements. Expanding restrictions on those who have already demonstrated compliance diverts attention and resources away from targeting repeat offenders, illegal gun trafficking, and gang-related violence—areas where enforcement can make a measurable difference. Restricting lawful concealed carry may also have unintended consequences. Law-abiding individuals, including those who live or work in higher-crime areas, rely on their right to self-defense when immediate police protection is not available. Limiting where and how vetted permit holders may carry does not eliminate threats; it may simply leave responsible citizens defenseless while doing nothing to disarm those intent on breaking the law. Finally, SB115 risks costly litigation if challenged under the framework established in Bruen. Defending constitutionally questionable legislation imposes financial burdens on taxpayers while creating uncertainty for citizens and law enforcement alike. Public safety is best advanced through targeted, evidence-based strategies that focus on violent offenders and uphold constitutional protections. SB115 instead places additional burdens on some of the most law-abiding citizens in the Commonwealth while offering little realistic prospect of reducing crime. For these reasons, it should be rejected.

I oppose SB115 and SB643, we do NOT need more gun control in VA.

I stand with VCDL on this…vote “NO” on this bill. This will not make any difference to a criminal who’s going to break the law anyway, which is why they’re a criminal in the first place.

SB 115, Senator Pekarsky: severely restricts concealed handgun permit reciprocity with other states. When I travel via personal car across multiple states I lawfully concealed carry a handgun, and I have been lawfully doing so for nearly 20 years. Currently, Virginia honors permits from all other states, which, in turn, allows Virginians to be able to carry in most of those states. Virginia residents may not use a permit from another state to carry in Virginia. They must have a Virginia permit. Permit holders from other states have been peacefully carrying in Virginia for years. This bill is unjust to law-abiding Virginia gun owners, as it will reduce the number of states where a Virginia permit holder can carry a handgun for self-defense. This bill makes Virginians who are traveling less safe! It will also discourage gun owners outside of Virginia from visiting the Commonwealth, effecting the state’s economy. This bill is a solution in search of a problem. Federal law already prohibits private transfer of firearms across state lines (without an FFL) and is a totally separate issue than lawfully concealed carrying a handgun across state lines. SB 643, Senator Surovell: prohibits 18, 19, and 20-year-olds from purchasing a handgun or “assault firearm” anywhere in the Commonwealth. The issue with this bill is that many hunting rifles in common use may already be , or temporarily, be configured in a way which meets this bill's definition of an "assault firearm", which effectively severely limits hunting tools for young adults. An additional issue is this bill makes no concessions for military members, who are trained for responsible use of firearms and who most require extensive background and security clearances. The definition of “assault firearm” in this bill is “any (i) semi-automatic centerfire rifle or handgun that expels single or multiple projectiles by action of an explosion of a combustible material and is equipped at the time of the offense with a magazine that will hold more than 20 rounds of ammunition or designed by the manufacturer to accommodate a silencer or equipped with a folding stock or (ii) shotgun with a magazine that will hold more than seven rounds of the longest ammunition for which it is chambered.” Eliminating the purchase of handguns or “assault firearms” (common use firearms) by young adults is unconstitutional.

I would like for you to vote against these two bills: SB 115, Senator Pekarsky, severely restricts concealed handgun permit reciprocity with other states. Currently, Virginia honors permits from all other states, which, in turn, allows Virginians to be able to carry in most of those states. Virginia residents may not use a permit from another state to carry in Virginia. They must have a Virginia permit. Permit holders from other states have been peacefully carrying in Virginia for years. This bill is an unjust and demeaning slap in the face to law-abiding Virginia gun owners, as it will reduce the number of states where a Virginia permit holder can carry a handgun for self-defense. This bill makes Virginians who are traveling less safe! It will also discourage gun owners outside of Virginia from visiting the Commonwealth, effecting the state’s economy. This bill is a solution in search of a problem. SB 643, Senator Surovell, prohibits 18, 19, and 20-year-olds from purchasing a handgun or “assault firearm” anywhere in the Commonwealth. The definition of “assault firearm” is “any (i) semi-automatic centerfire rifle or handgun that expels single or multiple projectiles by action of an explosion of a combustible material and is equipped at the time of the offense with a magazine that will hold more than 20 rounds of ammunition or designed by the manufacturer to accommodate a silencer or equipped with a folding stock or (ii) shotgun with a magazine that will hold more than seven rounds of the longest ammunition for which it is chambered.” Eliminating the purchase of handguns or “assault firearms” by young adults is unconstitutional.

Dear Sir, The legislation proposed has a very false premise. The supposed "assault" weapon by the proposed definition is only used for "assault" purposes. Law abiding citizens, at the appropriate time(s) will use weapons for legal and defensive purposes. The inanimate object or weapon does not commit the assault, the person yielding the weapon does. I am and have always been a law abiding citizen since purchasing weapons. Your law, if passed, will turns me and many others immediately into non-law abiding citizens and I find this act to be an affront to my God given values! Imagine if an automobile were to be defined to be an "assault vehicle." The same principle applies in that legally owning, operating, a using vehicle to conduct daily routines, now becomes unlawful to own and makes its owners law breakers at the drop of a hat. This proposed law is aimed at the wrong people and should NOT be passed.

I do not support either bill. Please vote against both SB115 and SB643.

I stand with Virginia Citizens Defense League and Gun Owners of America SB 115, This bill is an unjust and punishes law-abiding Virginia gun owners, as it will reduce the number of states where a Virginia permit holder can carry a handgun for self-defense. People who have gone through the training, the back ground check and are on file with the state will no longer be able to lawfully carry in other states. We do not do this for drivers licenses and other certifications of the commonwealth. This will also negatively impact our relationship with the states around us with which we have a good relationship and there are no issues with Virginia permit holders. This bill is a solution in search of a problem by further restricting the 2nd amendment rights of the law abiding citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia. The criminal element do not get permits to carry, why restrict the law abiding? SB 643, This bill is just plain unconstitutional. If a young adult can drive and vote and lead men in battle for their country, there is no reason that they should not be able to fully exercise their rights under the constitution and this includes the right to own fire arms. At 18 they are legally responsible for themselves and if they are required to bear the full legal burden for their actions, then why are we restricting their rights under the constitution? Would we say that they cannot vote or speak their minds unless they are 21? The answer is no. They are adults at 18 and should be able to fully exercise their rights as protected by the constitution of the United States and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

I oppose SB115 and SB643.

SB115 and SB643 will only affect lawful citizens and do nothing to prevent criminals from conducting violent acts towards others. When SB78, which would have increased the mandatory minimum sentence for using a firearm in a violent felony from 5 years to 10 years for a second offense, was defeated by on a party line vote by Democrats, it told me all I need to know about the Democratic surge for gun control. It has nothing to do with public safety and everything to do with punitive attacks on lawful citizens based on the personal bias of the members of the Democratic Party. I oppose SB115 and SB643.

As a concealed carry permit holder in this state for over 15 years and as a father to a teenager who will be 18 in a few years I oppose both of these bills.

Removing handgun reciprocity does not make one safer nor have any effect on gun violence. It only infringes on the right to bear handguns and stop other states from recognizing Virginia's permits. This is ultimately done with the goal of eliminating or severely restricting the ability to use firearms within Virginia, which is unconstitutional, unjust and only stops Virginians from defending themselves. Prohibiting adults from buying firearms is unconstitutional and accomplishes nothing. 18-20 year olds are legal adults with full rights to bear firearms. This is being done to discourage newer generations from bearing arms and unjustly prevents them from buying the tool that they are entitled to with the second amendment. The second amendment has no age requirement.

SB 115 adds another tax on Virginia citizens who have to travel for work by forcing us to apply for a concealed carry permit in another state. It is bad enough that I already have to have a Maryland and D.C. permit, along with my home state permit. The Virginia permit is honored in most Southern and midwestern states. That won't be the case if this bill gets signed into law. SB643 is a slap in the face to the young men and women who join our military. They are trusted to handle more powerful weapon systems as well as true Assault weapons.

I wish to make my feelings and beliefs available to you as you deal with SB 115 and SB643. The world can be a dangerous place and my ability to go armed allows me to be safer here at home in Virginia and in other places in the country where I may travel. I will not comment on the issue of young adults being able to have the same rights as older citizens except to point out that young adults can and do service in our armed forces and prohibiting them from possesing the same firearms they use to defend our country seems unfair and hypocritical. A firearm upon which a silencer or folding stock has been installed is no different from one which does not have these items. It only makes them safer and easier to handle and use effectively. Thank you for your service to Virginia. Sgt. Jeffrey Weiss, Ret.

This bill is an insult to not only Virginia’s lawful and law-abiding concealed carry permit holders but also to the states with which we reciprocate. Are you trying to jeopardize the tourism industry in Virginia by affecting the safety of our visitors??? Are you trying to affect our safety when we travel??? I urge you to vote NO on this misguided piece of legislation and defeat this "solution" for a nonexistent problem.

I oppose both bill SB115 and SB463.

I oppose both of these bills. Citizens with concealed firearm permits--no matter which jurisdiction issued them--are highly unlikely to commit violent crimes. Article IV, Section 1 of the U.S. Constitution obliges the Commonwealth to give full faith and credit the public Acts, Records, and judicial Proceedings of every other State. Concealed firearm permits are documents issued by a State, so there should be no question about their validity throughout the United States. Citizens of the United States become legal adults, and as fully vested in their rights as any other adult citizen, upon reaching the age of 18. There is no "semi-adult" status in this country; the fact that this bill would help institute one is a grotesque injustice.

SB115 - Pekarsky: I strongly oppose SB115 because it strips away the rights of law-abiding Virginians to carry using valid out-of-state permits, creating unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles. By revoking our recognition of other states, this bill will likely cause those states to stop honoring Virginia permits in return, leaving our residents defenseless when they travel. Please protect our Second Amendment reciprocity and vote NO on this measure. SB643 - Surovell: I strongly oppose SB643 because it unconstitutionally bans law-abiding adults aged 18 to 20 from purchasing handguns or "assault firearms". These citizens are legal adults with the right to self-defense, yet this bill treats them as second-class citizens. Please protect the rights of all Virginians and oppose this measure.

Reciprocity has been a positive for Virginians and citizens of other states who travel. There is no problem from violence perpetrated by people visiting Virginia who have taken time, effort, and expense to legally carry a firearm for protection. This bill is designed only to restrict the rights of people who obey the laws and does nothing to address those who are illegally carrying a firearm. It is designed only to harass gun owners...nothing more. I opposed this bill

Concealed carry permit holders are the most law abiding people in this Commonwealth, and in other states. They have been vetted they have been fingerprinted. They have been background checked. Oppose these bills, as they are just an opportunity to poke fingers in the eye of the opposition across the aisle. These are affronts only serve to harm the most law, abiding persons in this Commonwealth and visitors.. for the sole purpose of one upping the other party. Disgraceful shame on those who participate in this..

For SB 115, if enacted, will disenfranchise lawful Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) holders. Persons with CHPs are trained in gun safety. This demographic overwhelmingly follows the law. Withdraw this bill. For SB 643, if enacted, will infringe the Second Amendment. There is no reason to discriminate against 18-20 year old adults. As you know, adults can vote, buy cigarettes, get married, and gamble in casinos (your pet project that Fairfax County residents also overwhelmingly disapprove of). SB 643 is unconstitutional. Withdraw this bill.

I strongly oppose SB115 and SB643.

SB115: As a Virginia CCW holder, I do not support this bill. This bill will reduce my ability to protect myself when I am carrying out of state. It also prevents law abiding out of state visitors from exercising their second amendment right. This will not have any measurable impact on decreasing gun violence. Rather than targeting law abiding CCW holders, we should be targeting the criminals who commit gun violence. SB643: I do not support this bill. Depriving 18, 19, and 20 year olds (all legally adults) of their right to bear arms is unconstitutional. It is an inconsistency with how we view legal adults in this country. They are old enough to vote, join the military, and take out massive loans to go to college, but somehow not old enough to engage in responsible firearm ownership? Besides being unconstitutional, this bill does not make sense.

I concur with VCDL; as these bills jeopardize the safety and freedoms of my family, and many other families throughout the commonwealth.

I oppose SB115 and SB643. People with permits from other states are not causing any issues in Virginia. This bill is a solution in search of a problem. The only effect this will have is burdening our state police who have to process increased out of state permit requests and Virginians who want to carry in other states. Also 18-21 year olds are adults who can be drafted to fight and risk their lives for our country. They deserve full access to their rights including the second amendment.

As a member of the military, I find it disturbing that you can easily send me to fight for you in a foreign country, but you want to take my rights here at home. People who push these bills should be ashamed.

i oppose both these bills. I do want reciprocity. We are going backwards by not allowing this. In an age when police can access other state databases, this is simply a trap for people from neighboring states and impedes Virginians ability to carry in those states, putting us at additional risk. As a combat Marine who served for 20years, our Marines (even some under 18) carried arms in defense of the nation. As adults able to be called up for service, it is hypocrisy to prohibit young men from owning a firearm. For women who are not subject to selective service, handguns offer one of the best home defenses and personal carry weapons to prevent crime. If you are an adult subject to the laws of the state. you should be able to own a firearm. I am in favor of a higher drinking age (21), but that is a privilege and not a Constitutional right. All adults have the right to defend themselves, and a shotgun is not an appropriate way to do that in most cases. Criminals get guns regardless of laws, and law-abiding Citizens must be able to do the same. Please vote against both of these bills. Respectfully, Ian Thompson Stafford, VA

The LGBTQ community is always being overlooked when it comes to our rights. These bills are a direct attack on those rights. Yes even we know the importance of protecting ourselves. These party that claims the champion, our rights is always the first ones ready to take them away!

Laws infringing upon the right to keep and bear arms are unconstitutional by both the US Constitution and Virginia’s Constitution. Criminals will commit crimes regardless of any gun law passed. Only law abiding citizens obey anti-gun laws which violate their own constitutional rights. I can’t believe legislators who are sworn to uphold constitutional law knowingly violate it to appease lobbyist.

As a Democrat I have never understood the desire to impede people’s constitutional rights, including the second amendment. Reciprocity is essential to concealed carry permits. This legislation is frivolous and quite frankly needs to be stopped here and there. We have much more important issues to deal with the restricting women’s self-defense rights.

I am a physician and law-abiding Virginia resident who has a concealed carry permit, and carry a concealed weapon for both personal and family safety. This bill would result in many states no longer honoring my concealed carry permit and therefore it would put both me and my family at increased personal risk by denying me the ability to carry a concealed weapon in many states that I visit with my family. This bill in essence is making many law-abiding Virginians less safe. I urge you to oppose it.

As a female that travels for work having a concealed carry permit is absolutely essential to my protection. Right now VA’s permit is recognized by many states I work in. As a nurse of 20 years I have saw what happens when defensive females are attacked. Having my CCP at least gives me a chance to defend myself if the unthinkable happens. It is essential for any person male or female to have this opportunity.

The history of such restrictions is clear that it only impacts those that by their nature follow the law. These types of measures have no history of preventing those that already by their nature break laws from doing so. The clear data from the Clinton era firearms restrictions showed that they not only did not deter crimes but that violent crime increased in direct contrast to the intent of those laws. It would be better to focus time, efforts and money in a direction that would actually have a tangible change in reduction of violent criminal behavior rather than simply creating a wider pool of potential criminals. We should be focused on the matters that create a pool of people that by their nature harm others and do what can be done to reduce the number of young people growing up to be a part of that group. We should focus on the outcome of the future of our youth and not on demonizing and creating criminals of those that by nature follow the law.

Greeting, SB115 is an answer in search of a problem. Allowing out of state permit holders to carry in Virginia complies with the spirit of the Bruen decision and the Constitution which explicitly protects the bearing of arms. The purported benefit to such a law is nil. Crime committed by concealed carry permit holders is actually less than that of sworn police officers making these restrictions nonsensical. I have 38 years of public safety experience to back up this assertion.

CC holders have never been an issue, being able to carry my firearm when traveling to keep my family safe should not be in question or frivolously impeded. These type of regulations & restrictions do not lessen crime they just hurt the ones who follow the laws. Anyone who makes the effort to legally attain a carry permit isn’t the problem, we just want to keep our family safe when traveling.

Please consider not infringing on the rights of citizens or our beloved state. The constitution granted these freedoms to all citizens, and i feel that everyone should have the opportunity to bear arms in accordance with the constitution. Thank you for your time on this matter.

I do not support SB 115. Concealed carry holder are all vetted by a state law enforcement agency. It is an absurd overreach not to extend the courtesy of reciprocity

SB 115, Pekarsky, severely restricts concealed handgun permit reciprocity with other states. This will make travel less safe for Virginia's permit holders, as they will no longer be able to carry a gun for self-defense in many states that currently honor Virginia permits. It will also make Virginia less attractive to visit for permit holders from other states. SB 643, Surovell, prohibits young adults from being able to purchase a handgun or an "assault firearm" anywhere in the Commonwealth. This is definitely not part of the Country's history or traditions and is therefore unconstitutional on its face.

The Constitution of Virginia and the Constitution of the United States enshrined the rights of the people. Those rights gave power to the people, not power over people. These gun control laws never stopped any determined person from committing violence, grave injury or murder. These gun control laws penalize and criminalize peaceful gun owners. Power corrupts. What is your true reason for acquiring power?

I am writing to strongly urge you to oppose SB 115. ​While the bill is framed as a safety measure, I am concerned that it will primarily penalize law-abiding citizens. By moving away from our current system of broad reciprocity and toward a restrictive "substantial similarity" standard, Virginia risks creating a legal trap for travelers and new residents who have already undergone background checks and training in their home states. ​ ​The current law already ensures that out-of-state permits are verifiable by law enforcement 24/7. Adding further bureaucratic layers and giving subjective power to the State Police to determine "similarity" does not target criminals; it complicates the lives of responsible gun owners. ​I ask that you vote "No" on SB 115 to protect the rights of law-abiding Virginians and our visitors. Thank you for your time and for your service to our Commonwealth.

This is a misguided solution in search of problem. Please list one recognized CHP holder from another state who has committed a crime in Virginia. This will only make Virginians unsafe as they travel to other states, as those states will withdraw their reciprocity for me and other citizens while traveling. Keep us safe -- vote NO on this misguided bill.

SB 115, Senator Pekarsky, severely restricts concealed handgun permit reciprocity with other states. Currently, Virginia honors permits from all other states, which, in turn, allows Virginians to be able to carry in most of those states. Virginia residents may not use a permit from another state to carry in Virginia. They must have a Virginia permit. Permit holders from other states have been peacefully carrying in Virginia for years. This bill is an unjust and demeaning slap in the face to law-abiding Virginia gun owners, as it will reduce the number of states where a Virginia permit holder can carry a handgun for self-defense. This bill makes Virginians who are traveling less safe! It will also discourage gun owners outside of Virginia from visiting the Commonwealth, effecting the state’s economy. This bill is a solution in search of a problem. SB 643, Senator Surovell, Eliminating the purchase of handguns or “assault firearms” by young adults is unconstitutional. Vote NO on these two bills.

I oppose both bills.

I’m am against both of these bills. Like most of the gun control bills, they only affect law abiding gun owners. Outlaws and criminals will not abide regardless.

This is another double standard from the Democrats who disregard the laws, but penalize everyone else. https://x.com/NoVA_Campaigns/status/2026003143083856242?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2026003143083856242%7Ctwgr%5E329ef0ab1a8561d202a3c71d5d15f70db41882c1%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.baconsrebellion.com%2Fit-helps-to-have-friends-in-high-places%2F

These bills are blatantly unconstitutional.

I stand with the Virginia Citizens Defense League on these bills.

I stand with the Virginia Citizens Defense League on these bills.

Every one of you have taken an oath to defend the constitution of the United States of America. You also took an oath to uphold the constitution of Virginia. By passing these bills, you have broken your oath. The people of the great state of Virginia will remember this.

I support this bill because although Virginia is No. 15 nationally in gun violence prevention laws, the commonwealth could do more to restrict dangerous weapons and regulate public carry.