Public Comments for: HB901 - Substantial risk orders; eligible petitioners, court jurisdiction, constr. possession of firearms.
Last Name: Olcott Organization: Virginians For Change Locality: Henrico

I support HB901 because those closest to a person can often be the ones who are able to spot causes for concern. We need to enact common sense gun violence prevention laws to reduce the significant number of preventable gun-related deaths in our Commonwealth.

Last Name: CCP Organization: CCP Locality: Arlington

1000% support this bill, it falls inline with our communistic view and any disarment to US citizens will be a big win for us CCP.

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

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.

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

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.

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

I agree with VCDL.

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: 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: 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: 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.

End of Comments