Members of the Virginia House: I cannot fully express my absolutely heart-wrenching disappointment in the voting down of bills that are only meant to keep us safer here in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Your lack of awareness around how we here in VA feel day in and day out living in the communities you were elected to support is appalling. Guns have no business on our streets. Especially those designed for war and senseless murder. Our children go to school every day and have to practice lockdown drills because mass murders have tripled in this country over the last five years, many taking place in schools where our babies go every day to learn -- not to fear for their lives. Say that to yourself out loud: MASS MURDERS HAVE TRIPLED IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS. In AMERICA. Does that sound American? Does that make you proud of this country? To me, it feels like a lie. How can that reality apply to the great United States of America? How bout that - UNITED States? That isn't even valid today is it -- we have never been so divided. As a mother, I have never felt such unrelenting nagging anxiety. Why are you so hell-bent on keeping guns on our streets? Have enough lives not been lost? Despite the incessant violence taking place and destroying lives and communities every single day, you do nothing - and point fingers at mental health. Do you know what doesn't help someone mentally ill? Access to guns. You know that this problem is not fixed with one solution. You know that if we invest in mental health, public schools, AND enact common sense gun laws, we would see a huge difference - paying attention to just one piece of this will never get anywhere. I, and every single person I know, is begging you to stand up and do what is right by the American people – ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines WHILE ALSO looking for ways to improve public schooling and mental health. Work together for once. Haven’t we had enough? Give us a fighting chance at peace and civility. How many more innocent lives must be stolen before elected officials yourself especially see the error of their ways? You are part of the problem if you are not working towards a solution that benefits EVERYONE, including law-abiding gun owners. PLEASE. I pray every night that those who are vehemently against passing measures that only stand to help have a change of heart and finally do what is right for the entire Virginia community so that fewer innocent lives are stolen thanks to shockingly - and dangerously - weak gun laws. ------ Maggie Van Arsdell (703) 485-6551 margaretmvanarsdell@gmail.com

I am a volunteer with Moms Demand Action and I oppose this bill.

I'm a volunteer with and the state legislative lead of the Virginia chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, and I oppose this bill.

Members of the Virginia House: I cannot fully express my absolutely heart-wrenching disappointment in the voting down of bills that are only meant to keep us safer here in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Your lack of awareness around how we here in VA feel day in and day out living in the communities you were elected to support is appalling. Guns have no business on our streets. Especially those designed for war and senseless murder. Our children go to school every day and have to practice lockdown drills because mass murders have tripled in this country over the last five years, many taking place in schools where our babies go every day to learn -- not to fear for their lives. Say that to yourself out loud: MASS MURDERS HAVE TRIPLED IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS. In AMERICA. Does that sound American? Does that make you proud of this country? To me, it feels like a lie. How can that reality apply to the great United States of America? How bout that - UNITED States? That isn't even valid today is it -- we have never been so divided. As a mother, I have never felt such unrelenting nagging anxiety. Why are you so hell-bent on keeping guns on our streets? Have enough lives not been lost? Despite the incessant violence taking place and destroying lives and communities every single day, you do nothing - and point fingers at mental health. Do you know what doesn't help someone mentally ill? Access to guns. You know that this problem is not fixed with one solution. You know that if we invest in mental health, public schools, AND enact common sense gun laws, we would see a huge difference - paying attention to just one piece of this will never get anywhere. I, and every single person I know, is begging you to stand up and do what is right by the American people – ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines WHILE ALSO looking for ways to improve public schooling and mental health. Work together for once. Haven’t we had enough? Give us a fighting chance at peace and civility. How many more innocent lives must be stolen before elected officials yourself especially see the error of their ways? You are part of the problem if you are not working towards a solution that benefits EVERYONE, including law-abiding gun owners. PLEASE. I pray every night that those who are vehemently against passing measures that only stand to help have a change of heart and finally do what is right for the entire Virginia community so that fewer innocent lives are stolen thanks to shockingly - and dangerously - weak gun laws. ------ Maggie Van Arsdell (703) 485-6551 margaretmvanarsdell@gmail.com

Members of the Virginia House: I cannot fully express my absolutely heart-wrenching disappointment in the voting down of bills that are only meant to keep us safer here in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Your lack of awareness around how we here in VA feel day in and day out living in the communities you were elected to support is appalling. Guns have no business on our streets. Especially those designed for war and senseless murder. Our children go to school every day and have to practice lockdown drills because mass murders have tripled in this country over the last five years, many taking place in schools where our babies go every day to learn -- not to fear for their lives. Say that to yourself out loud: MASS MURDERS HAVE TRIPLED IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS. In AMERICA. Does that sound American? Does that make you proud of this country? To me, it feels like a lie. How can that reality apply to the great United States of America? How bout that - UNITED States? That isn't even valid today is it -- we have never been so divided. As a mother, I have never felt such unrelenting nagging anxiety. Why are you so hell-bent on keeping guns on our streets? Have enough lives not been lost? Despite the incessant violence taking place and destroying lives and communities every single day, you do nothing - and point fingers at mental health. Do you know what doesn't help someone mentally ill? Access to guns. You know that this problem is not fixed with one solution. You know that if we invest in mental health, public schools, AND enact common sense gun laws, we would see a huge difference - paying attention to just one piece of this will never get anywhere. I, and every single person I know, is begging you to stand up and do what is right by the American people – ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines WHILE ALSO looking for ways to improve public schooling and mental health. Work together for once. Haven’t we had enough? Give us a fighting chance at peace and civility. How many more innocent lives must be stolen before elected officials yourself especially see the error of their ways? You are part of the problem if you are not working towards a solution that benefits EVERYONE, including law-abiding gun owners. PLEASE. I pray every night that those who are vehemently against passing measures that only stand to help have a change of heart and finally do what is right for the entire Virginia community so that fewer innocent lives are stolen thanks to shockingly - and dangerously - weak gun laws. ------ Maggie Van Arsdell (703) 485-6551 margaretmvanarsdell@gmail.com

We OPPOSE this bill. I'm a mom and a volunteer lead with Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense.

SUPPORT: HB 1427: this bill would align Virginia law with the US Supreme Court's Bruen decision and save localities from their own unconstitutional ordinances. The equivalent Senate bill (SB 1236) was defeated in committee after a discussion in which the Democratic committee members demonstrated a poor understanding of Bruen. The end result on this issue is foreordained by the Supreme Court decision; it's just a question of whether politicians are willing to admit that without wasting time and money on litigation. HB 1570: this is a gun safety bill--it eliminates the need for someone who is lawfully carrying a firearm to handle their gun when going to the bathroom at a highway rest area. Current law does not protect against armed criminals at rest areas, since someone intent on harm would not obey the gun ban. OPPOSE: HB 2240 & HB 2288: these bills would add severe restrictions based on an arbitrary list of firearm features and accessories that are in common use. Standard capacity magazines on many common handguns are 17 rounds. Such restrictions are presumptively unconstitutional under the US Supreme Court's Bruen decision. HB 2350: the people who recklessly leave loaded guns accessible to young children are not going to change their behavior based on a stricter law. There are many teenagers who know how to handle a weapon safely and some have used firearms to stop home invasions when their parents weren't home. Requiring ammunition to be stored in a locked container is absurd--it can't do much harm to anyone unless it is placed in a firearm, and storing ammo in a closed container could result in moisture damage.

I'm a volunteer with and the state legislative lead of the Virginia chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, and I oppose this bill.

Members of the Virginia House: I cannot fully express my absolutely heart-wrenching disappointment in the voting down of bills that are only meant to keep us safer here in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Your lack of awareness around how we here in VA feel day in and day out living in the communities you were elected to support is appalling. Guns have no business on our streets. Especially those designed for war and senseless murder. Our children go to school every day and have to practice lockdown drills because mass murders have tripled in this country over the last five years, many taking place in schools where our babies go every day to learn -- not to fear for their lives. Say that to yourself out loud: MASS MURDERS HAVE TRIPLED IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS. In AMERICA. Does that sound American? Does that make you proud of this country? To me, it feels like a lie. How can that reality apply to the great United States of America? How bout that - UNITED States? That isn't even valid today is it -- we have never been so divided. As a mother, I have never felt such unrelenting nagging anxiety. Why are you so hell-bent on keeping guns on our streets? Have enough lives not been lost? Despite the incessant violence taking place and destroying lives and communities every single day, you do nothing - and point fingers at mental health. Do you know what doesn't help someone mentally ill? Access to guns. You know that this problem is not fixed with one solution. You know that if we invest in mental health, public schools, AND enact common sense gun laws, we would see a huge difference - paying attention to just one piece of this will never get anywhere. I, and every single person I know, is begging you to stand up and do what is right by the American people – ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines WHILE ALSO looking for ways to improve public schooling and mental health. Work together for once. Haven’t we had enough? Give us a fighting chance at peace and civility. How many more innocent lives must be stolen before elected officials yourself especially see the error of their ways? You are part of the problem if you are not working towards a solution that benefits EVERYONE, including law-abiding gun owners. PLEASE. I pray every night that those who are vehemently against passing measures that only stand to help have a change of heart and finally do what is right for the entire Virginia community so that fewer innocent lives are stolen thanks to shockingly - and dangerously - weak gun laws. ------ Maggie Van Arsdell (703) 485-6551 margaretmvanarsdell@gmail.com

I'm a volunteer with and the state legislative lead of the Virginia chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, and I oppose this bill.

I'm a volunteer with and the state legislative lead of the Virginia chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, and I support this bill.

Members of the Virginia House: I cannot fully express my absolutely heart-wrenching disappointment in the voting down of bills that are only meant to keep us safer here in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Your lack of awareness around how we here in VA feel day in and day out living in the communities you were elected to support is appalling. Guns have no business on our streets. Especially those designed for war and senseless murder. Our children go to school every day and have to practice lockdown drills because mass murders have tripled in this country over the last five years, many taking place in schools where our babies go every day to learn -- not to fear for their lives. Say that to yourself out loud: MASS MURDERS HAVE TRIPLED IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS. In AMERICA. Does that sound American? Does that make you proud of this country? To me, it feels like a lie. How can that reality apply to the great United States of America? How bout that - UNITED States? That isn't even valid today is it -- we have never been so divided. As a mother, I have never felt such unrelenting nagging anxiety. Why are you so hell-bent on keeping guns on our streets? Have enough lives not been lost? Despite the incessant violence taking place and destroying lives and communities every single day, you do nothing - and point fingers at mental health. Do you know what doesn't help someone mentally ill? Access to guns. You know that this problem is not fixed with one solution. You know that if we invest in mental health, public schools, AND enact common sense gun laws, we would see a huge difference - paying attention to just one piece of this will never get anywhere. I, and every single person I know, is begging you to stand up and do what is right by the American people – ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines WHILE ALSO looking for ways to improve public schooling and mental health. Work together for once. Haven’t we had enough? Give us a fighting chance at peace and civility. How many more innocent lives must be stolen before elected officials yourself especially see the error of their ways? You are part of the problem if you are not working towards a solution that benefits EVERYONE, including law-abiding gun owners. PLEASE. I pray every night that those who are vehemently against passing measures that only stand to help have a change of heart and finally do what is right for the entire Virginia community so that fewer innocent lives are stolen thanks to shockingly - and dangerously - weak gun laws. ------ Maggie Van Arsdell (703) 485-6551 margaretmvanarsdell@gmail.com

SUPPORT: HB 1427: this bill would align Virginia law with the US Supreme Court's Bruen decision and save localities from their own unconstitutional ordinances. The equivalent Senate bill (SB 1236) was defeated in committee after a discussion in which the Democratic committee members demonstrated a poor understanding of Bruen. The end result on this issue is foreordained by the Supreme Court decision; it's just a question of whether politicians are willing to admit that without wasting time and money on litigation. HB 1570: this is a gun safety bill--it eliminates the need for someone who is lawfully carrying a firearm to handle their gun when going to the bathroom at a highway rest area. Current law does not protect against armed criminals at rest areas, since someone intent on harm would not obey the gun ban. OPPOSE: HB 2240 & HB 2288: these bills would add severe restrictions based on an arbitrary list of firearm features and accessories that are in common use. Standard capacity magazines on many common handguns are 17 rounds. Such restrictions are presumptively unconstitutional under the US Supreme Court's Bruen decision. HB 2350: the people who recklessly leave loaded guns accessible to young children are not going to change their behavior based on a stricter law. There are many teenagers who know how to handle a weapon safely and some have used firearms to stop home invasions when their parents weren't home. Requiring ammunition to be stored in a locked container is absurd--it can't do much harm to anyone unless it is placed in a firearm, and storing ammo in a closed container could result in moisture damage.

I'm a volunteer with and the state legislative lead of the Virginia chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, and I oppose this bill.

I'm a volunteer with and the state legislative lead of the Virginia chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, and I support this bill.

Please support HB1729 and HB2350 to prevent gun violence; Virginia has seen enough of it!

I am a parent, former educator and a volunteer with Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense and I strongly support this bill as it will help decrease injuries and death from firearms.

I'm a mom and a volunteer lead with Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense and we support this bill because it will save lives and prevent firearm injury.

I'm a mom and a volunteer lead with Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense and we support this bill because it will save lives and prevent firearm injury.

I support HB1729 to disarm known domestic abusers from obtaining firearms. This bill can save the lives of folks in abusive relationships. Why would we want someone with a documented abusive history to have easy access to a weapon to cause even more harm? I also support HB2350, which requires secure storage of guns. As a new mom, I’m already terrified of sending my son to school at the risk of him never coming home due to gun violence. We unfortunately have dozen of examples where a lack of safe gun storage has led to school shootings. This law also keeps families safe in their own homes and can prevent accidents from happening. I know there will be an argument of “I need quick access to my guns in the case of an intruder” — guns are used less than 1% of the time when it comes to contact crimes. However, gun violence in schools and other public spaces have continued to rise, leading to senseless deaths. Please support and pass these two measures.

I'm a volunteer with and the state legislative lead of the Virginia chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, and I support this bill.

Members of the Virginia House: I cannot fully express my absolutely heart-wrenching disappointment in the voting down of bills that are only meant to keep us safer here in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Your lack of awareness around how we here in VA feel day in and day out living in the communities you were elected to support is appalling. Guns have no business on our streets. Especially those designed for war and senseless murder. Our children go to school every day and have to practice lockdown drills because mass murders have tripled in this country over the last five years, many taking place in schools where our babies go every day to learn -- not to fear for their lives. Say that to yourself out loud: MASS MURDERS HAVE TRIPLED IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS. In AMERICA. Does that sound American? Does that make you proud of this country? To me, it feels like a lie. How can that reality apply to the great United States of America? How bout that - UNITED States? That isn't even valid today is it -- we have never been so divided. As a mother, I have never felt such unrelenting nagging anxiety. Why are you so hell-bent on keeping guns on our streets? Have enough lives not been lost? Despite the incessant violence taking place and destroying lives and communities every single day, you do nothing - and point fingers at mental health. Do you know what doesn't help someone mentally ill? Access to guns. You know that this problem is not fixed with one solution. You know that if we invest in mental health, public schools, AND enact common sense gun laws, we would see a huge difference - paying attention to just one piece of this will never get anywhere. I, and every single person I know, is begging you to stand up and do what is right by the American people – ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines WHILE ALSO looking for ways to improve public schooling and mental health. Work together for once. Haven’t we had enough? Give us a fighting chance at peace and civility. How many more innocent lives must be stolen before elected officials yourself especially see the error of their ways? You are part of the problem if you are not working towards a solution that benefits EVERYONE, including law-abiding gun owners. PLEASE. I pray every night that those who are vehemently against passing measures that only stand to help have a change of heart and finally do what is right for the entire Virginia community so that fewer innocent lives are stolen thanks to shockingly - and dangerously - weak gun laws. ------ Maggie Van Arsdell (703) 485-6551 margaretmvanarsdell@gmail.com

SUPPORT: HB 1427: this bill would align Virginia law with the US Supreme Court's Bruen decision and save localities from their own unconstitutional ordinances. The equivalent Senate bill (SB 1236) was defeated in committee after a discussion in which the Democratic committee members demonstrated a poor understanding of Bruen. The end result on this issue is foreordained by the Supreme Court decision; it's just a question of whether politicians are willing to admit that without wasting time and money on litigation. HB 1570: this is a gun safety bill--it eliminates the need for someone who is lawfully carrying a firearm to handle their gun when going to the bathroom at a highway rest area. Current law does not protect against armed criminals at rest areas, since someone intent on harm would not obey the gun ban. OPPOSE: HB 2240 & HB 2288: these bills would add severe restrictions based on an arbitrary list of firearm features and accessories that are in common use. Standard capacity magazines on many common handguns are 17 rounds. Such restrictions are presumptively unconstitutional under the US Supreme Court's Bruen decision. HB 2350: the people who recklessly leave loaded guns accessible to young children are not going to change their behavior based on a stricter law. There are many teenagers who know how to handle a weapon safely and some have used firearms to stop home invasions when their parents weren't home. Requiring ammunition to be stored in a locked container is absurd--it can't do much harm to anyone unless it is placed in a firearm, and storing ammo in a closed container could result in moisture damage.

I'm a volunteer with and the state legislative lead of the Virginia chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, and I oppose this bill.

I am a parent, former educator and volunteer with Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense and I support this bill.

I'm a volunteer with and the state legislative lead of the Virginia chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, and I support this bill.

I Oppose HB 2164.n The NRA has a great firearms safety program!

Members of the Virginia House: I cannot fully express my absolutely heart-wrenching disappointment in the voting down of bills that are only meant to keep us safer here in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Your lack of awareness around how we here in VA feel day in and day out living in the communities you were elected to support is appalling. Guns have no business on our streets. Especially those designed for war and senseless murder. Our children go to school every day and have to practice lockdown drills because mass murders have tripled in this country over the last five years, many taking place in schools where our babies go every day to learn -- not to fear for their lives. Say that to yourself out loud: MASS MURDERS HAVE TRIPLED IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS. In AMERICA. Does that sound American? Does that make you proud of this country? To me, it feels like a lie. How can that reality apply to the great United States of America? How bout that - UNITED States? That isn't even valid today is it -- we have never been so divided. As a mother, I have never felt such unrelenting nagging anxiety. Why are you so hell-bent on keeping guns on our streets? Have enough lives not been lost? Despite the incessant violence taking place and destroying lives and communities every single day, you do nothing - and point fingers at mental health. Do you know what doesn't help someone mentally ill? Access to guns. You know that this problem is not fixed with one solution. You know that if we invest in mental health, public schools, AND enact common sense gun laws, we would see a huge difference - paying attention to just one piece of this will never get anywhere. I, and every single person I know, is begging you to stand up and do what is right by the American people – ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines WHILE ALSO looking for ways to improve public schooling and mental health. Work together for once. Haven’t we had enough? Give us a fighting chance at peace and civility. How many more innocent lives must be stolen before elected officials yourself especially see the error of their ways? You are part of the problem if you are not working towards a solution that benefits EVERYONE, including law-abiding gun owners. PLEASE. I pray every night that those who are vehemently against passing measures that only stand to help have a change of heart and finally do what is right for the entire Virginia community so that fewer innocent lives are stolen thanks to shockingly - and dangerously - weak gun laws. ------ Maggie Van Arsdell (703) 485-6551 margaretmvanarsdell@gmail.com

I'm a volunteer with and the state legislative lead of the Virginia chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, and I oppose this bill.

I am a parent, former educator and volunteer with Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense. I support this bill as I believe it will help increase safety in our community and decrease needless deaths.

In regards to HB 2240: I am a proponent of the safe and responsible use of firearms. Due to that fact, I appreciate the spirit in which this bill was written. However, I believe the contents of this bill do not support its ultimate purpose. I want Virginia to be a safe place for all its citizens. That being stated, I do not believe that the vast majority of restrictions on the purchase and use of firearms does anything truly constructive to make our communities safter. Firearms restrictions will only be obeyed by law-abiding citizens. The violent criminals who use firearms to harm others will not follow these laws. Additionally, their malicious activities will only be aided by the restrictions placed on the citizens who obey these laws and so are left less armed and at a disadvantage. Assault rifles are the great equalizers when it comes to self defense. If someone's home is being invaded by a criminal and the homeowner only has a handgun to defend themselves with, they are at a huge disadvantage. The attacker has the advantage in that they initiated the intrusion and so are catching the homeowner unaware. In addition, many criminals will conduct research of homes before they break in and become a threat. Those criminals have the advantage of time for proper planning and for appropriate armament. Another important point of consideration is that it's not uncommon for criminals to work in pairs or groups in order to outnumber & overwhelm their targets. Situations with multiple-attackers require something more effective than a handgun for self defense. A shotgun would provide better protection. Unfortunately, their strong recoil and ammo limitations make them difficult to effectively use, especially for those who are most at risk of being targets: women and the elderly. An assault rifle has more ammo capacity than a shotgun and less recoil. They allow law-abiding citizens to stand a chance at preserving their own safety, even against multiple, armed, attackers. I live in Fairfax County. As of November 2022 our County was "down" approximately 200 police officers and our County's crime rate has continued to drastically increase since at least 2018. Fairfax County also suffers from gang activity, to include the notoriously violent gang: "MS-13". With a lack of police officers and an increase in crime, many of the residents of the County are aware that it is up to us to ensure our own safety. I ask that you do not take away one of the most effective tools we can legally use to protect ourselves and our loved ones: the assault rifle. I am an advocate for assault rifles, but I will not ignore the danger they pose when used in mass shootings & specifically in school shootings. When they are in the wrong hands, they can enable a lot of evil. However, it should be noted that they are a tool. They are not the cause, nor perpetrators, of violent acts. I ask that in the spirit of this bill: the desire to ensure the safety of Virginia's many residents, that you all focus on investigating & preventing the causes of mass shootings, instead of simply restricting one of the tools used. I ask that you invest our State's resources in researching past shootings and their perpetrators. I firmly believe that if we focus on finding commonalities amongst the shooters' personal history & their motives, then learn to identify and care for similar individuals before they become violent, that we will better ensure the safety of our communities.

NextGen America is the leading national organization for engaging young people in the democratic process through civic education, registration and mobilization. We invite 18-to-35 year olds — the largest and most diverse generation in American history — into our democracy to ensure our government works for them and to advocate for legislative solutions to the dire challenges facing our society and the world. Thank you for allowing us to submit testimony in support of HB2350, HB2240 and HB2365. Each of these bills is critically important to addressing gun violence in Virginia and NextGen America encourages the committee to vote FAVORABLY on all three bills. Firearms are the leading cause of death for children in the United States, and every day 321 people are shot in the United States. This is not normal. This is an epidemic that need not continue and you have the legislative tools available to make real, live-saving change in Virginia. HB2350 requires gun owners to safely store their firearms in a storage device separate from ammunition in a residence where the owner could reasonably expect a minor to have access. Safely storing firearms is a common-sense gun violence prevention method, yet the availability of storage devices on the market is not enough to encourage safe storage practices. In fact, every day, eight children and teens are injured or killed due to an unlocked or unsupervised gun in the home. Further, the presence of an unlocked gun in a home increases the chances that it may be used in a school shooting; 76% of school shootings are facilitated by kids having access to unsecured and/or unsupervised guns at home. Delegate Simon’s bill would create much needed behavioral change that will prevent countless firearm homicides and suicides. States with laws that aim to prevention child access to firearms saw an 8 percent decrease in overall suicide rates, and an 11 percent decrease in firearm suicide rates, among adolescents aged 14 to 17. This monumental, life-saving change can happen here in Virginia with the passage of HB2350. HB2240 bans the sale and possession of assault firearms and large-capacity firearm magazines. In shootings where assault weapons or high-capacity magazines are used, 155 percent more people are shot, and 47 percent more people are killed. These firearms are weapons of war and have no place on Virginia’s streets. By enacting Delegate Helmer’s bill, Virginia would join nine other states (California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and, most recently, Illinois) in taking major strides to protect public safety. HB2365 prohibits the possession of firearms and explosives on public universities. In the face of countless tragedies on campuses – including the Virginia Tech massacre and the recent shooting at the University of Virginia in which three young Black men had their lives tragically cut short – legislation prohibiting firearms on campus is long overdue. Virginia already prohibits these weapons in K-12 schools and other state-owned buildings. It is time to add our esteemed universities. No student should ever fear for their life upon walking on campus or entering a classroom. We thank this Committee for seeking solutions to end the epidemic of gun violence in VA.

SUPPORT: HB 1427: this bill would align Virginia law with the US Supreme Court's Bruen decision and save localities from their own unconstitutional ordinances. The equivalent Senate bill (SB 1236) was defeated in committee after a discussion in which the Democratic committee members demonstrated a poor understanding of Bruen. The end result on this issue is foreordained by the Supreme Court decision; it's just a question of whether politicians are willing to admit that without wasting time and money on litigation. HB 1570: this is a gun safety bill--it eliminates the need for someone who is lawfully carrying a firearm to handle their gun when going to the bathroom at a highway rest area. Current law does not protect against armed criminals at rest areas, since someone intent on harm would not obey the gun ban. OPPOSE: HB 2240 & HB 2288: these bills would add severe restrictions based on an arbitrary list of firearm features and accessories that are in common use. Standard capacity magazines on many common handguns are 17 rounds. Such restrictions are presumptively unconstitutional under the US Supreme Court's Bruen decision. HB 2350: the people who recklessly leave loaded guns accessible to young children are not going to change their behavior based on a stricter law. There are many teenagers who know how to handle a weapon safely and some have used firearms to stop home invasions when their parents weren't home. Requiring ammunition to be stored in a locked container is absurd--it can't do much harm to anyone unless it is placed in a firearm, and storing ammo in a closed container could result in moisture damage.

I'm a volunteer with and the state legislative lead of the Virginia chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, and I support this bill.

I’m a volunteer lead with Moms Demand Action in Virginia and I support this bill because it will save lives.

I'm a volunteer lead with Moms Demand Action in Virginia and we support this common sense gun safety bill because it will save lives and prevent injury.

I'm a volunteer with and the state legislative lead of the Virginia chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, and I support this bill.

SUPPORT: HB 1427: this bill would align Virginia law with the US Supreme Court's Bruen decision and save localities from their own unconstitutional ordinances. The equivalent Senate bill (SB 1236) was defeated in committee after a discussion in which the Democratic committee members demonstrated a poor understanding of Bruen. The end result on this issue is foreordained by the Supreme Court decision; it's just a question of whether politicians are willing to admit that without wasting time and money on litigation. HB 1570: this is a gun safety bill--it eliminates the need for someone who is lawfully carrying a firearm to handle their gun when going to the bathroom at a highway rest area. Current law does not protect against armed criminals at rest areas, since someone intent on harm would not obey the gun ban. OPPOSE: HB 2240 & HB 2288: these bills would add severe restrictions based on an arbitrary list of firearm features and accessories that are in common use. Standard capacity magazines on many common handguns are 17 rounds. Such restrictions are presumptively unconstitutional under the US Supreme Court's Bruen decision. HB 2350: the people who recklessly leave loaded guns accessible to young children are not going to change their behavior based on a stricter law. There are many teenagers who know how to handle a weapon safely and some have used firearms to stop home invasions when their parents weren't home. Requiring ammunition to be stored in a locked container is absurd--it can't do much harm to anyone unless it is placed in a firearm, and storing ammo in a closed container could result in moisture damage.

I'm a volunteer with and the state legislative lead of the Virginia chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, and I support this bill.

Please support HB1729 and HB2350 to prevent gun violence; Virginia has seen enough of it!

I urge all delegates to do all they can to ensure passage of HB 2350 requiring safe storage of guns in homes. Recent shootings by CHILDREN demonstrate the need for this legislation. Thank you

NextGen America is the leading national organization for engaging young people in the democratic process through civic education, registration and mobilization. We invite 18-to-35 year olds — the largest and most diverse generation in American history — into our democracy to ensure our government works for them and to advocate for legislative solutions to the dire challenges facing our society and the world. Thank you for allowing us to submit testimony in support of HB2350, HB2240 and HB2365. Each of these bills is critically important to addressing gun violence in Virginia and NextGen America encourages the committee to vote FAVORABLY on all three bills. Firearms are the leading cause of death for children in the United States, and every day 321 people are shot in the United States. This is not normal. This is an epidemic that need not continue and you have the legislative tools available to make real, live-saving change in Virginia. HB2350 requires gun owners to safely store their firearms in a storage device separate from ammunition in a residence where the owner could reasonably expect a minor to have access. Safely storing firearms is a common-sense gun violence prevention method, yet the availability of storage devices on the market is not enough to encourage safe storage practices. In fact, every day, eight children and teens are injured or killed due to an unlocked or unsupervised gun in the home. Further, the presence of an unlocked gun in a home increases the chances that it may be used in a school shooting; 76% of school shootings are facilitated by kids having access to unsecured and/or unsupervised guns at home. Delegate Simon’s bill would create much needed behavioral change that will prevent countless firearm homicides and suicides. States with laws that aim to prevention child access to firearms saw an 8 percent decrease in overall suicide rates, and an 11 percent decrease in firearm suicide rates, among adolescents aged 14 to 17. This monumental, life-saving change can happen here in Virginia with the passage of HB2350. HB2240 bans the sale and possession of assault firearms and large-capacity firearm magazines. In shootings where assault weapons or high-capacity magazines are used, 155 percent more people are shot, and 47 percent more people are killed. These firearms are weapons of war and have no place on Virginia’s streets. By enacting Delegate Helmer’s bill, Virginia would join nine other states (California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and, most recently, Illinois) in taking major strides to protect public safety. HB2365 prohibits the possession of firearms and explosives on public universities. In the face of countless tragedies on campuses – including the Virginia Tech massacre and the recent shooting at the University of Virginia in which three young Black men had their lives tragically cut short – legislation prohibiting firearms on campus is long overdue. Virginia already prohibits these weapons in K-12 schools and other state-owned buildings. It is time to add our esteemed universities. No student should ever fear for their life upon walking on campus or entering a classroom. We thank this Committee for seeking solutions to end the epidemic of gun violence in VA.

I support HB1729 to disarm known domestic abusers from obtaining firearms. This bill can save the lives of folks in abusive relationships. Why would we want someone with a documented abusive history to have easy access to a weapon to cause even more harm? I also support HB2350, which requires secure storage of guns. As a new mom, I’m already terrified of sending my son to school at the risk of him never coming home due to gun violence. We unfortunately have dozen of examples where a lack of safe gun storage has led to school shootings. This law also keeps families safe in their own homes and can prevent accidents from happening. I know there will be an argument of “I need quick access to my guns in the case of an intruder” — guns are used less than 1% of the time when it comes to contact crimes. However, gun violence in schools and other public spaces have continued to rise, leading to senseless deaths. Please support and pass these two measures.

SUPPORT: HB 1427: this bill would align Virginia law with the US Supreme Court's Bruen decision and save localities from their own unconstitutional ordinances. The equivalent Senate bill (SB 1236) was defeated in committee after a discussion in which the Democratic committee members demonstrated a poor understanding of Bruen. The end result on this issue is foreordained by the Supreme Court decision; it's just a question of whether politicians are willing to admit that without wasting time and money on litigation. HB 1570: this is a gun safety bill--it eliminates the need for someone who is lawfully carrying a firearm to handle their gun when going to the bathroom at a highway rest area. Current law does not protect against armed criminals at rest areas, since someone intent on harm would not obey the gun ban. OPPOSE: HB 2240 & HB 2288: these bills would add severe restrictions based on an arbitrary list of firearm features and accessories that are in common use. Standard capacity magazines on many common handguns are 17 rounds. Such restrictions are presumptively unconstitutional under the US Supreme Court's Bruen decision. HB 2350: the people who recklessly leave loaded guns accessible to young children are not going to change their behavior based on a stricter law. There are many teenagers who know how to handle a weapon safely and some have used firearms to stop home invasions when their parents weren't home. Requiring ammunition to be stored in a locked container is absurd--it can't do much harm to anyone unless it is placed in a firearm, and storing ammo in a closed container could result in moisture damage.

You often hear opponents of this bill worry that if they face an armed intruder in their home, they need easy access to their firearms and securely storing them is a barrier to that protection. I can tell you that as a parent, I worry every single day that my child will face gun violence at school. I do not worry every day that my child will face an armed intruder in my house. Earlier this month, a student at a Henrico middle school brought a gun to school. 75% of students who bring guns to school get them from the home of a family member or parent. Clearly, those guns are not stored securely. This committee's responsibility is PUBLIC safety; gun owners owe a duty to the public to ensure their guns are secured safely.

I'm a volunteer with and the state legislative lead of the Virginia chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, and I support this bill.

The Virginia Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators and the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police strongly support HB 2365. The law would strengthen the ability of campus law enforcement to quickly investigate claims of gun threats on campus and have trained law enforcement officers seize illegal firearms rather than putting university administrators at risk. This bill also would properly classify public university buildings as state buildings and include them in those buildings that already are covered by existing law.

NextGen America is the leading national organization for engaging young people in the democratic process through civic education, registration and mobilization. We invite 18-to-35 year olds — the largest and most diverse generation in American history — into our democracy to ensure our government works for them and to advocate for legislative solutions to the dire challenges facing our society and the world. Thank you for allowing us to submit testimony in support of HB2350, HB2240 and HB2365. Each of these bills is critically important to addressing gun violence in Virginia and NextGen America encourages the committee to vote FAVORABLY on all three bills. Firearms are the leading cause of death for children in the United States, and every day 321 people are shot in the United States. This is not normal. This is an epidemic that need not continue and you have the legislative tools available to make real, live-saving change in Virginia. HB2350 requires gun owners to safely store their firearms in a storage device separate from ammunition in a residence where the owner could reasonably expect a minor to have access. Safely storing firearms is a common-sense gun violence prevention method, yet the availability of storage devices on the market is not enough to encourage safe storage practices. In fact, every day, eight children and teens are injured or killed due to an unlocked or unsupervised gun in the home. Further, the presence of an unlocked gun in a home increases the chances that it may be used in a school shooting; 76% of school shootings are facilitated by kids having access to unsecured and/or unsupervised guns at home. Delegate Simon’s bill would create much needed behavioral change that will prevent countless firearm homicides and suicides. States with laws that aim to prevention child access to firearms saw an 8 percent decrease in overall suicide rates, and an 11 percent decrease in firearm suicide rates, among adolescents aged 14 to 17. This monumental, life-saving change can happen here in Virginia with the passage of HB2350. HB2240 bans the sale and possession of assault firearms and large-capacity firearm magazines. In shootings where assault weapons or high-capacity magazines are used, 155 percent more people are shot, and 47 percent more people are killed. These firearms are weapons of war and have no place on Virginia’s streets. By enacting Delegate Helmer’s bill, Virginia would join nine other states (California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and, most recently, Illinois) in taking major strides to protect public safety. HB2365 prohibits the possession of firearms and explosives on public universities. In the face of countless tragedies on campuses – including the Virginia Tech massacre and the recent shooting at the University of Virginia in which three young Black men had their lives tragically cut short – legislation prohibiting firearms on campus is long overdue. Virginia already prohibits these weapons in K-12 schools and other state-owned buildings. It is time to add our esteemed universities. No student should ever fear for their life upon walking on campus or entering a classroom. We thank this Committee for seeking solutions to end the epidemic of gun violence in VA.

I'm a volunteer with and the state legislative lead of the Virginia chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, and I support this bill.

I’m a volunteer lead with Moms Demand Action in Virginia and I support this bill because firearm raining ensures that gun owners are educated on the responsible practices for handling and using firearms, storing them securely at home, as well as carrying guns in public and will save lives.

I understand this bill's intent is to increase firearms safety in Virginia and so to reduce firearm related accidents and crimes. However, I do not support this bill because I believe it unfairly effects Virginia citizens in low-income demographics and will ultimately not keep Virginians safer. Citizens who use firearms for self defense often live in areas farther away from police stations and/or areas that are more populated & so are more difficult to police. Owning or renting a home near a police station is more expensive because those residential areas tend to be safer and have lower crime rates than residential areas farther away from police stations. Thus they are more desired, there is more competition, and the housing prices in that area go up. The distance from police stations, or living in an area that is difficult to effectively police, leaves those lower income citizens vulnerable to crime. They cannot always count on the timely arrival of law enforcement, so residents of those lower income communities must rely on self defense methods to buy time before police can come to their aid in case of violent criminal activity. Firearms and ammunition are also fairly expensive. An individual seeking to protect themselves is already investing a large amount of discretionary income into the purchase of a firearm and ammunition. They likely do not have extra money to purchase a slot in a training course. Another consideration is that many people in low income demographics have to work multiple jobs in order to make ends meet. They often have to work weekends and/or work jobs that are considered "after hours". Those individuals would find it difficult to schedule time to attend a firearms safety course. If they cannot attend a course due to scheduling issues or lack of money, they cannot obtain a certification. Without the appropriate certification, they cannot legally purchase a firearm to protect themselves with. They are then left more vulnerable to violent crime than the wealthier residents of Virginia. I understand that the many firearms restriction bills coming through the General Assembly in 2023 are meant to keep Virginia safe. However, I believe that the vast majority of these bills are short-sighted. It's not firearms that are making the choice to perpetrate these shootings, they are simply the tools being used. If you take away firearms, or restrict people's use of them, there are many other weapons and tools that can be used to cause harm at large scale. The Oklahoma City Bombing in 1995 is an example of a massacre that was not based upon firearms use. The bomb used was not overly sophisticated and was created with many items that are not difficult to purchase. It's just one example of a weapon that can be created from easily obtainable products. Even without firearms, people who want to do harm will find ways to do it. Taking away firearms will not prevent violence, even at a larger scale. I think it appropriate to point out that until the late 1950s a fair amount of schools offered marksmanship courses. There were readily available firearms (in schools, of all places) yet a lack of mass shootings. So, I think the question we need to ask isn't: "how do we restrict firearms?", but instead it should be: "what changed in our society from the 1950s through present day, that would lead to an increase in mass shootings...and how do we appropriately respond to those changes?"

I'm a mom of two and a volunteer lead for Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense and we support this lifesaving gun safety bill.

I'm a volunteer with and the state legislative lead of the Virginia chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, and I support this bill.

Members of the Virginia House: I cannot fully express my absolutely heart-wrenching disappointment in the voting down of bills that are only meant to keep us safer here in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Your lack of awareness around how we here in VA feel day in and day out living in the communities you were elected to support is appalling. Guns have no business on our streets. Especially those designed for war and senseless murder. Our children go to school every day and have to practice lockdown drills because mass murders have tripled in this country over the last five years, many taking place in schools where our babies go every day to learn -- not to fear for their lives. Say that to yourself out loud: MASS MURDERS HAVE TRIPLED IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS. In AMERICA. Does that sound American? Does that make you proud of this country? To me, it feels like a lie. How can that reality apply to the great United States of America? How bout that - UNITED States? That isn't even valid today is it -- we have never been so divided. As a mother, I have never felt such unrelenting nagging anxiety. Why are you so hell-bent on keeping guns on our streets? Have enough lives not been lost? Despite the incessant violence taking place and destroying lives and communities every single day, you do nothing - and point fingers at mental health. Do you know what doesn't help someone mentally ill? Access to guns. You know that this problem is not fixed with one solution. You know that if we invest in mental health, public schools, AND enact common sense gun laws, we would see a huge difference - paying attention to just one piece of this will never get anywhere. I, and every single person I know, is begging you to stand up and do what is right by the American people – ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines WHILE ALSO looking for ways to improve public schooling and mental health. Work together for once. Haven’t we had enough? Give us a fighting chance at peace and civility. How many more innocent lives must be stolen before elected officials yourself especially see the error of their ways? You are part of the problem if you are not working towards a solution that benefits EVERYONE, including law-abiding gun owners. PLEASE. I pray every night that those who are vehemently against passing measures that only stand to help have a change of heart and finally do what is right for the entire Virginia community so that fewer innocent lives are stolen thanks to shockingly - and dangerously - weak gun laws. ------ Maggie Van Arsdell (703) 485-6551 margaretmvanarsdell@gmail.com

I'm a volunteer with and the state legislative lead of the Virginia chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, and I oppose this bill.

Members of the Virginia House: I cannot fully express my absolutely heart-wrenching disappointment in the voting down of bills that are only meant to keep us safer here in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Your lack of awareness around how we here in VA feel day in and day out living in the communities you were elected to support is appalling. Guns have no business on our streets. Especially those designed for war and senseless murder. Our children go to school every day and have to practice lockdown drills because mass murders have tripled in this country over the last five years, many taking place in schools where our babies go every day to learn -- not to fear for their lives. Say that to yourself out loud: MASS MURDERS HAVE TRIPLED IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS. In AMERICA. Does that sound American? Does that make you proud of this country? To me, it feels like a lie. How can that reality apply to the great United States of America? How bout that - UNITED States? That isn't even valid today is it -- we have never been so divided. As a mother, I have never felt such unrelenting nagging anxiety. Why are you so hell-bent on keeping guns on our streets? Have enough lives not been lost? Despite the incessant violence taking place and destroying lives and communities every single day, you do nothing - and point fingers at mental health. Do you know what doesn't help someone mentally ill? Access to guns. You know that this problem is not fixed with one solution. You know that if we invest in mental health, public schools, AND enact common sense gun laws, we would see a huge difference - paying attention to just one piece of this will never get anywhere. I, and every single person I know, is begging you to stand up and do what is right by the American people – ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines WHILE ALSO looking for ways to improve public schooling and mental health. Work together for once. Haven’t we had enough? Give us a fighting chance at peace and civility. How many more innocent lives must be stolen before elected officials yourself especially see the error of their ways? You are part of the problem if you are not working towards a solution that benefits EVERYONE, including law-abiding gun owners. PLEASE. I pray every night that those who are vehemently against passing measures that only stand to help have a change of heart and finally do what is right for the entire Virginia community so that fewer innocent lives are stolen thanks to shockingly - and dangerously - weak gun laws. ------ Maggie Van Arsdell (703) 485-6551 margaretmvanarsdell@gmail.com

Officer’s must wear a variety of hats on the job.Officer’s working with people coming out of prison,jail, and court they're helping them to find jobs, they're helping them to get connected to drug treatment. In some instances they're sort of coaches to them and teachers to them and counselors to them, they work with their families and they go to great lengths to do things to help people to re-assimilate to society after incarceration. The fact that it's law enforcement and casework is what makes it a unique position and why I believe they need more money. Officer’s provide input from a first-hand perspective. The job of probation officer is extremely difficult job, dangerous job, and we absolutely deserve more pay. Officer’s don't always have the necessary equipment to effectively monitor the people placed in their custody. We struggle with getting radios for every officer. We don't have radios in our cars at all. We also are the only community-based law enforcement agency in the state that doesn't issue tasers.

Members of the Virginia House: I cannot fully express my absolutely heart-wrenching disappointment in the voting down of bills that are only meant to keep us safer here in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Your lack of awareness around how we here in VA feel day in and day out living in the communities you were elected to support is appalling. Guns have no business on our streets. Especially those designed for war and senseless murder. Our children go to school every day and have to practice lockdown drills because mass murders have tripled in this country over the last five years, many taking place in schools where our babies go every day to learn -- not to fear for their lives. Say that to yourself out loud: MASS MURDERS HAVE TRIPLED IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS. In AMERICA. Does that sound American? Does that make you proud of this country? To me, it feels like a lie. How can that reality apply to the great United States of America? How bout that - UNITED States? That isn't even valid today is it -- we have never been so divided. As a mother, I have never felt such unrelenting nagging anxiety. Why are you so hell-bent on keeping guns on our streets? Have enough lives not been lost? Despite the incessant violence taking place and destroying lives and communities every single day, you do nothing - and point fingers at mental health. Do you know what doesn't help someone mentally ill? Access to guns. You know that this problem is not fixed with one solution. You know that if we invest in mental health, public schools, AND enact common sense gun laws, we would see a huge difference - paying attention to just one piece of this will never get anywhere. I, and every single person I know, is begging you to stand up and do what is right by the American people – ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines WHILE ALSO looking for ways to improve public schooling and mental health. Work together for once. Haven’t we had enough? Give us a fighting chance at peace and civility. How many more innocent lives must be stolen before elected officials yourself especially see the error of their ways? You are part of the problem if you are not working towards a solution that benefits EVERYONE, including law-abiding gun owners. PLEASE. I pray every night that those who are vehemently against passing measures that only stand to help have a change of heart and finally do what is right for the entire Virginia community so that fewer innocent lives are stolen thanks to shockingly - and dangerously - weak gun laws. ------ Maggie Van Arsdell (703) 485-6551 margaretmvanarsdell@gmail.com

I'm a volunteer with and the state legislative lead of the Virginia chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, and I oppose this bill.

Members of the Virginia House: I cannot fully express my absolutely heart-wrenching disappointment in the voting down of bills that are only meant to keep us safer here in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Your lack of awareness around how we here in VA feel day in and day out living in the communities you were elected to support is appalling. Guns have no business on our streets. Especially those designed for war and senseless murder. Our children go to school every day and have to practice lockdown drills because mass murders have tripled in this country over the last five years, many taking place in schools where our babies go every day to learn -- not to fear for their lives. Say that to yourself out loud: MASS MURDERS HAVE TRIPLED IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS. In AMERICA. Does that sound American? Does that make you proud of this country? To me, it feels like a lie. How can that reality apply to the great United States of America? How bout that - UNITED States? That isn't even valid today is it -- we have never been so divided. As a mother, I have never felt such unrelenting nagging anxiety. Why are you so hell-bent on keeping guns on our streets? Have enough lives not been lost? Despite the incessant violence taking place and destroying lives and communities every single day, you do nothing - and point fingers at mental health. Do you know what doesn't help someone mentally ill? Access to guns. You know that this problem is not fixed with one solution. You know that if we invest in mental health, public schools, AND enact common sense gun laws, we would see a huge difference - paying attention to just one piece of this will never get anywhere. I, and every single person I know, is begging you to stand up and do what is right by the American people – ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines WHILE ALSO looking for ways to improve public schooling and mental health. Work together for once. Haven’t we had enough? Give us a fighting chance at peace and civility. How many more innocent lives must be stolen before elected officials yourself especially see the error of their ways? You are part of the problem if you are not working towards a solution that benefits EVERYONE, including law-abiding gun owners. PLEASE. I pray every night that those who are vehemently against passing measures that only stand to help have a change of heart and finally do what is right for the entire Virginia community so that fewer innocent lives are stolen thanks to shockingly - and dangerously - weak gun laws. ------ Maggie Van Arsdell (703) 485-6551 margaretmvanarsdell@gmail.com

I'm a volunteer with and the state legislative lead of the Virginia chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, and I oppose this bill.