Hello, lifelong Virginian, father, veteran, and law abiding citizen who will face jailtime over these items despite hopefully not being the target (yet). SB496 - I oppose this. this item will result in victims of theft electing to let a crime against their property to go unreported, which in turn will result in more unknown weapons on the streets, as well as reducing the chance that the actual criminal is apprehended. SB727/SB749 - I oppose these items. These items target the most commonly used firearms for sporting and security purposes by Virginians. In particular, Virginia has suffered close to NO criminal homicides with standard capacity centerfire rifles in 2025. The features listed also provided no advantage to these few offenders. This is a fairly transparent attempt by its supporters to reduce the access to Virginian's 2nd amendment rights by way of creating new criminal charges via a convoluted system based upon what it's writers find the most cosmetically offensive.

I oppose SB496, SB727 and SB749

I'm a registered Democratic voter and even I oppose SB496, SB727, SB749. If these pass I will be switching my party affiliation and voting against redistricting. The AWB, SB749, is clearly a violation of the 2nd amendment. Standard capacity for regular full size pistols is 17, this would criminalize or make it impossible to access basic home defense weapons like Glock 17s, Springfield Eschelons, M&Ps, etc. And, this is going to trigger lawsuit after lawsuit until every state level AWB is overturned across the nation. Now isn't the time to poke that bear. Speaking of bears, I am worried that SB727 would prevent co-owners of our tree farm from carrying their rifles or pistols for bear and coyote defense, and possibly affect currently legal rifles used for deer population control efforts - these are typically semi auto as quick follow up shots are useful in all these scenarios. This directly affects Farmers and could lead to more motor vehicle accidents with deer due to unchecked deer population in some areas. And SB496 would catch many farmers unaware - becoming criminals overnight due to their "truck gun" or tractor gun getting them in trouble. Tools like a handy AR Pistol with a barrel length between 10.5" and 14.5" are preferred for protecting livestock from predators as they are compact and reliable. And, we're not really seeing much out-of-vehicle theft happening in these rural areas. Again, these bills are overreach, don't do it guys. Virginia is different from California or New Jersey, just look at our flag. You will make a lot of new, motivated Republicans if these pass, including me.

As a resident of Lake Monticello, I am writing to strongly urge you to oppose Senate Bills 496, 727, and 749. My primary responsibility in life is the safety and well-being of my family, especially with my newborn daughter, Sophia, at home. These bills collectively undermine my ability to protect my loved ones while placing unnecessary, unconstitutional burdens on law-abiding Virginians. Senate Bill 496's vehicle storage mandates are entirely impractical for everyday life. Forcing gun owners to use specialized, hard-sided containers that must be bolted or cabled to a vehicle's frame makes it nearly impossible to quickly access a firearm in a self-defense emergency. Furthermore, threatening a victim of a vehicle break-in with a misdemeanor simply because a criminal managed to bypass a lock is a deeply misguided approach to public safety. Similarly, Senate Bill 727 effectively creates sprawling gun-free zones out of our public streets, sidewalks, and parks. By restricting the lawful public carry of firearms in these shared spaces, the state is leaving responsible citizens defenseless against violent offenders who will simply ignore the law. Finally, I strongly oppose Senate Bill 749's ban on commonly owned firearms and standard-capacity magazines. Prohibiting the future sale of these items and arbitrarily restricting magazine capacities amounts to a direct infringement on our Second Amendment rights and ignores the fact that these items are in common use for lawful self-defense. Rather than stripping away the rights and property of responsible citizens who are just trying to keep their families safe, I ask that you focus on measures that hold actual criminals accountable.

I oppose SB496, SB727 and SB749. They are contrary to our constitution as well as our 2nd amendment. SB496 requiring securing a hand gun in a vehicle would not be necessary if there were so many limitations as to where even with the proper permit you are not allowed to carry. If the vehicle is locked then the hand gun is secure. SB727 is unconstitutional. Finally SB749 is unconstitutional as expressed by the Supreme Court

I strongly oppose HB40, HB217, HB1524, SB323, SB496, SB727, SB749. History shows the enforcement of gun control disproportionately targets minorities and marginalized populations, and adding these additional restrictions to our constitutional right will do nothing to address the socioeconomic conditions that contribute to the antisocial and violent behavior. Instead of further criminalizing the means of accessible and modern/innovative forms of self-defense, gun violence should be addressed by focusing on the root of the socioeconomic issues such as funding universal healthcare and mental healthcare access, funding accessible education for all Virginians, and focusing on rehabilitation for offenders rather than only punishment.

I am fully opposed to this bill. I and many other virginians view this as very obviously unconstitutional on both a state and federal level. An "assault weapon" could be anything. A car for example could be classified as an "assault weapon". It seems that what some legislators view as "assault weapons" is based off of fear and ignorance of firearms. Humans naturally fear what they don't understand and that's understandable, however when those with the power to affect those around them on a large scale like this have a moral responsibility to looks pas their own personal fears and biases. And if that's not something you as legislators can do, I believe you are not fit to be in the position you are now. I once again argue that this bill is obviously unconstitutional on both a state and federal level.

I oppose SB496. SB727, and SB749.

I oppose SB496, SB727, and SB749. These laws will not make our Commonwealth of Virginia safer. They will impose more restrictions that will turn citizens into criminals while doing nothing to address gun violence.

I oppose SB496, SB727 and SB749.

I oppose SB496 as written. The current wording applies to any firearm with a barrel of less than 16 inches which includes alot of firearms that are too large to fit into any of the commercially available gun safes for your car. I attached a picture of a rifle that has a 14.5 inch barrel. According to this law somehow if I have to go to the bathroom on the way to the range I have to figure out how to stuff it in my glovebox? I don't think this is the intention of the bill and the wording needs to be cleaned up to not make criminals of ordinary gun owners.

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.