Citizens of all races bought there firearms in a legal manner.Now with a stroke of a pen possibly made illegal..Oppressing and infringement laws are a racist act..The legislators are infringing on rights of different ethnicities, color,culture.The majority of the authors who wrote the bills are white..Some have come from other countries where there rights were oppressed. Now in turn they are the oppressors of American citizens..Citizens are brothers and sisters..And you decide Are the legislators racist in writing these bills..? Sad to see..This will be in record for future generations to see..Let's hope they learn from history and not repeat it .

Why are you discriminating against people of different races and ethnicity. ,? And for a person who is poor? Imposing the bills will make it expensive ,less affordable for someone to purchase a firearm for self defense..

Why discriminate against the constituency whom voted you into office? Vote against the bills..

Firearms were used to free slaves, And self defense..This mantra of self defense carries on ..A hundred years later..You would attempt to limit a constituents right to self defense.. Illegal discrimination ..Do the right thing Vote against the bills..

This critique is true. Will one of you legislators have the courtesy to step out of the groupthink and vote against the gun bills ..? The challenge is to have the guts to do it..Firearms are used for self defense..Freeing citizens from slavery. Sport shooting creates tax revenue and jobs.

The authors of the bills know they cannot ban guns outright..Create hardship bills so a constituent will not want to carry..Delegate, because you possibly do like firearms ..Is it your role ,to treat constituents in a discriminating way..? Against a class of citizens..? Liberals own gun too Not just conservatives..Vote against the bills.

The second amendment is a right not a privilege that can be taken away or will be taken away. Our right or sovereign under the constitution second amendment shall not be in French. Why don’t y’all work on making punishments more harsh for the criminals that rape people moles, children murder, and so on. Instead of trying to make hard-working, taxpaying citizens criminals

Good morning, As a lifelong Virginia resident I can’t believe what bills are even being considered. My name is Chandler Cobb and I currently reside in Isle of Wight County in Smithfield, VA. I’m a Christian, a disabled Veteran, a husband, and I am against any bills that take away our God-given, govt protected, Second Amendment rights. I’ve been a concealed weapons licensee for over 20 years and have never had to fire my weapon in defense of myself or another. That is the story with 99% of Virginian concealed weapons license holders. We also prevent harm without having to fire a single round. The recent Supreme Court precedent set in Bruen and Heller, makes every anti-second amendment bill written UNCONSTITUTIONAL and will eventually be overturned by SCOTUS. Please do not support any bills that take away our rights. These bills will do absolutely nothing nothing to make VA safer and will actually make us less safe. Legal gun owners in this country and this state follow the laws, but criminals don’t care what laws you write banning firearms as they don’t follow laws. These bills only hurt us law abiding concealed weapons license holders and gun owners in VA. Furthermore, there are millions of standard capacity magazines and AR15 sporting rifles and handguns that carry standard capacity magazines. You all are making instant criminals out of not only every Virginian, but anyone driving through our great state. I ask you all to vote NO on EVERY gun bill that infringes on our rights and that’s any bill adding regulations and restrictions on the firearms millions of us own. Thank you and God bless, Chandler Cobb Soli Deo Gloria~ Sic Semper Tyranis~

I stand with the VCDL's position on the firearms related bills. I oppose all Gun Control.

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.

I am writing in support of Virginia House Bill 361. My perspective comes from personal experience. My loved one has been incarcerated within the Virginia Department of Corrections for 17 years. During that time, he has spent long periods confined under conditions and policies that offered no opportunity to earn sentence credits — despite consistent effort, good behavior, and personal growth. HB 361 is not about excusing past mistakes. It is about fairness. Time served is time lived, and individuals should not be denied earned sentence credits simply because of when their incarceration occurred or circumstances beyond their control. After 17 years, I have seen how denying earned credits deepens hopelessness while recognizing effort encourages accountability and rehabilitation. I respectfully urge you to support HB 361 and help ensure Virginia’s sentencing system reflects fairness, humanity, and modern justice principles.

We thought this ombudsman would be an answer to our prayers . December 2024 we met with the general assembly who stated red onion be priority it still has not been investigated by the ombudsman and waiting on 13 members I guess we should just can it because these people are getting paid to not do anything we need complete outside oversight with powers to be able to do complete investigations inside and out . We all know the grievance process is a failure but yet to investigate it has to be completed my son has severe mental health issues from being in solitary confinement for so long he is unable to complete any forms but yet continues to be mistreated and no investigations because he didn't file the grievance process this is just another smoke and mirror situation which is costing the tax payers a fortune for nothing .

Citizens of all races bought there firearms in a legal manner.Now with a stroke of a pen possibly made illegal..Oppressing and infringement laws are a racist act..The legislators are infringing on rights of different ethnicities, color,culture.The majority of the authors who wrote the bills are white..Some have come from other countries where there rights were oppressed. Now in turn they are the oppressors of American citizens..Citizens are brothers and sisters..And you decide Are the legislators racist in writing these bills..? Sad to see..This will be in record for future generations to see..Let's hope they learn from history and not repeat it .

Why are you discriminating against people of different races and ethnicity. ,? And for a person who is poor? Imposing the bills will make it expensive ,less affordable for someone to purchase a firearm for self defense..

Why discriminate against the constituency whom voted you into office? Vote against the bills..

Firearms were used to free slaves, And self defense..This mantra of self defense carries on ..A hundred years later..You would attempt to limit a constituents right to self defense.. Illegal discrimination ..Do the right thing Vote against the bills..

This critique is true. Will one of you legislators have the courtesy to step out of the groupthink and vote against the gun bills ..? The challenge is to have the guts to do it..Firearms are used for self defense..Freeing citizens from slavery. Sport shooting creates tax revenue and jobs.

The authors of the bills know they cannot ban guns outright..Create hardship bills so a constituent will not want to carry..Delegate, because you possibly do like firearms ..Is it your role ,to treat constituents in a discriminating way..? Against a class of citizens..? Liberals own gun too Not just conservatives..Vote against the bills.

The second amendment is a right not a privilege that can be taken away or will be taken away. Our right or sovereign under the constitution second amendment shall not be in French. Why don’t y’all work on making punishments more harsh for the criminals that rape people moles, children murder, and so on. Instead of trying to make hard-working, taxpaying citizens criminals

Good morning, As a lifelong Virginia resident I can’t believe what bills are even being considered. My name is Chandler Cobb and I currently reside in Isle of Wight County in Smithfield, VA. I’m a Christian, a disabled Veteran, a husband, and I am against any bills that take away our God-given, govt protected, Second Amendment rights. I’ve been a concealed weapons licensee for over 20 years and have never had to fire my weapon in defense of myself or another. That is the story with 99% of Virginian concealed weapons license holders. We also prevent harm without having to fire a single round. The recent Supreme Court precedent set in Bruen and Heller, makes every anti-second amendment bill written UNCONSTITUTIONAL and will eventually be overturned by SCOTUS. Please do not support any bills that take away our rights. These bills will do absolutely nothing nothing to make VA safer and will actually make us less safe. Legal gun owners in this country and this state follow the laws, but criminals don’t care what laws you write banning firearms as they don’t follow laws. These bills only hurt us law abiding concealed weapons license holders and gun owners in VA. Furthermore, there are millions of standard capacity magazines and AR15 sporting rifles and handguns that carry standard capacity magazines. You all are making instant criminals out of not only every Virginian, but anyone driving through our great state. I ask you all to vote NO on EVERY gun bill that infringes on our rights and that’s any bill adding regulations and restrictions on the firearms millions of us own. Thank you and God bless, Chandler Cobb Soli Deo Gloria~ Sic Semper Tyranis~

I stand with the VCDL's position on the firearms related bills. I oppose all Gun Control.

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.

Citizens of all races bought there firearms in a legal manner.Now with a stroke of a pen possibly made illegal..Oppressing and infringement laws are a racist act..The legislators are infringing on rights of different ethnicities, color,culture.The majority of the authors who wrote the bills are white..Some have come from other countries where there rights were oppressed. Now in turn they are the oppressors of American citizens..Citizens are brothers and sisters..And you decide Are the legislators racist in writing these bills..? Sad to see..This will be in record for future generations to see..Let's hope they learn from history and not repeat it .

Why are you discriminating against people of different races and ethnicity. ,? And for a person who is poor? Imposing the bills will make it expensive ,less affordable for someone to purchase a firearm for self defense..

Why discriminate against the constituency whom voted you into office? Vote against the bills..

Firearms were used to free slaves, And self defense..This mantra of self defense carries on ..A hundred years later..You would attempt to limit a constituents right to self defense.. Illegal discrimination ..Do the right thing Vote against the bills..

This critique is true. Will one of you legislators have the courtesy to step out of the groupthink and vote against the gun bills ..? The challenge is to have the guts to do it..Firearms are used for self defense..Freeing citizens from slavery. Sport shooting creates tax revenue and jobs.

The authors of the bills know they cannot ban guns outright..Create hardship bills so a constituent will not want to carry..Delegate, because you possibly do like firearms ..Is it your role ,to treat constituents in a discriminating way..? Against a class of citizens..? Liberals own gun too Not just conservatives..Vote against the bills.

The second amendment is a right not a privilege that can be taken away or will be taken away. Our right or sovereign under the constitution second amendment shall not be in French. Why don’t y’all work on making punishments more harsh for the criminals that rape people moles, children murder, and so on. Instead of trying to make hard-working, taxpaying citizens criminals

Good morning, As a lifelong Virginia resident I can’t believe what bills are even being considered. My name is Chandler Cobb and I currently reside in Isle of Wight County in Smithfield, VA. I’m a Christian, a disabled Veteran, a husband, and I am against any bills that take away our God-given, govt protected, Second Amendment rights. I’ve been a concealed weapons licensee for over 20 years and have never had to fire my weapon in defense of myself or another. That is the story with 99% of Virginian concealed weapons license holders. We also prevent harm without having to fire a single round. The recent Supreme Court precedent set in Bruen and Heller, makes every anti-second amendment bill written UNCONSTITUTIONAL and will eventually be overturned by SCOTUS. Please do not support any bills that take away our rights. These bills will do absolutely nothing nothing to make VA safer and will actually make us less safe. Legal gun owners in this country and this state follow the laws, but criminals don’t care what laws you write banning firearms as they don’t follow laws. These bills only hurt us law abiding concealed weapons license holders and gun owners in VA. Furthermore, there are millions of standard capacity magazines and AR15 sporting rifles and handguns that carry standard capacity magazines. You all are making instant criminals out of not only every Virginian, but anyone driving through our great state. I ask you all to vote NO on EVERY gun bill that infringes on our rights and that’s any bill adding regulations and restrictions on the firearms millions of us own. Thank you and God bless, Chandler Cobb Soli Deo Gloria~ Sic Semper Tyranis~

I stand with the VCDL's position on the firearms related bills. I oppose all Gun Control.

Delegate Tony Wilt and the Valley Justice Coalition believe that those who have committed crimes and are eligible for parole should meet measurable criteria for release. The Virginia Parole Board’s mission is to “release (those) compatible with public safety.” Unfortunately, the Parole Board has failed to live up to its mission statement. Many citizens are unaware that the State of Virginia eliminated parole in 1995. However, there are still several thousand individuals who are grandfathered under the old parole laws and continue to be eligible to earn parole. Of those 2,000 potential parolees, only 26 were granted parole in 2025. That is a grant rate of less than 1%. This bill includes a checklist of 10 measurable criteria for parole release. Inclusions may include major and minor infractions, length of time served, age at time of offense, and verified home and work plans. Those who are parole eligible, gain or lose points based on their individual incarceration histories. Anyone who has a total score of 25 points or less receives no hearing and a negative consideration. Anyone who has a total score of 50+ points, is guaranteed a hearing and positive consideration. But they are not guaranteed to be released. However, the Parole Board must provide an individualized written explanation for the Board’s failure to follow the recommendation indicated by the checklist score. With the passage of HB1030, the Parole Board would finally be held accountable for a release rate of less than 1%. Their current explanations for a parole denial often include “release at this time would diminish the seriousness of the crime” and “extensive criminal record.” These are subjective assessments. They are not based on the clear data that a checklist of 10 criteria would generate. No matter how extensive or serious their crime(s), the crimes can never be changed. The changes, after 20 or 30 years of incarceration, must be changes in the individual. What have they done, or not done, to show they are no longer a danger to public safety? Only by examining their carceral history through the completion of an objective checklist of 10 criteria, can the Parole Board justify their decision to grant or not to grant parole. Virginia is facing a period of fiscal challenge that will require bipartisan cooperation. Our economy has suffered tremendous loss of income after the elimination of 24,000 federal jobs. We will need to economize in every area possible to mitigate this lost revenue. There are currently 1200 eligible for geriatric parole; many being sixty years old or older. Due to over sentencing and an aging prison population, this number is expected to rise by more than 40% in the coming years. The independent watchdog group, JLARC reports that 2% of Virginia’s prison population uses nearly 20% of the Department of Correction’s healthcare funds. This aging population needs specialized health care that costs the taxpayer as much as $70,000 per person per year. The cost is enormous and will only continue to grow. Virginia cannot continue to morally and financially support a system that warehouses individuals. The Valley Justice Coalition would like to thank Delegate Wilt for attempting to improve this system by filing HB1030 Discretionary Parole Eligibility Guidelines. Vote YES for HB1030.

Please do not support less restrictive guidelines for criminals in Virginia while other delegates are restricting rights of law abiding citizens. That is a recipe for injustice.

Citizens of all races bought there firearms in a legal manner.Now with a stroke of a pen possibly made illegal..Oppressing and infringement laws are a racist act..The legislators are infringing on rights of different ethnicities, color,culture.The majority of the authors who wrote the bills are white..Some have come from other countries where there rights were oppressed. Now in turn they are the oppressors of American citizens..Citizens are brothers and sisters..And you decide Are the legislators racist in writing these bills..? Sad to see..This will be in record for future generations to see..Let's hope they learn from history and not repeat it .

Why are you discriminating against people of different races and ethnicity. ,? And for a person who is poor? Imposing the bills will make it expensive ,less affordable for someone to purchase a firearm for self defense..

Why discriminate against the constituency whom voted you into office? Vote against the bills..

Firearms were used to free slaves, And self defense..This mantra of self defense carries on ..A hundred years later..You would attempt to limit a constituents right to self defense.. Illegal discrimination ..Do the right thing Vote against the bills..

This critique is true. Will one of you legislators have the courtesy to step out of the groupthink and vote against the gun bills ..? The challenge is to have the guts to do it..Firearms are used for self defense..Freeing citizens from slavery. Sport shooting creates tax revenue and jobs.

The authors of the bills know they cannot ban guns outright..Create hardship bills so a constituent will not want to carry..Delegate, because you possibly do like firearms ..Is it your role ,to treat constituents in a discriminating way..? Against a class of citizens..? Liberals own gun too Not just conservatives..Vote against the bills.

The second amendment is a right not a privilege that can be taken away or will be taken away. Our right or sovereign under the constitution second amendment shall not be in French. Why don’t y’all work on making punishments more harsh for the criminals that rape people moles, children murder, and so on. Instead of trying to make hard-working, taxpaying citizens criminals

Good morning, As a lifelong Virginia resident I can’t believe what bills are even being considered. My name is Chandler Cobb and I currently reside in Isle of Wight County in Smithfield, VA. I’m a Christian, a disabled Veteran, a husband, and I am against any bills that take away our God-given, govt protected, Second Amendment rights. I’ve been a concealed weapons licensee for over 20 years and have never had to fire my weapon in defense of myself or another. That is the story with 99% of Virginian concealed weapons license holders. We also prevent harm without having to fire a single round. The recent Supreme Court precedent set in Bruen and Heller, makes every anti-second amendment bill written UNCONSTITUTIONAL and will eventually be overturned by SCOTUS. Please do not support any bills that take away our rights. These bills will do absolutely nothing nothing to make VA safer and will actually make us less safe. Legal gun owners in this country and this state follow the laws, but criminals don’t care what laws you write banning firearms as they don’t follow laws. These bills only hurt us law abiding concealed weapons license holders and gun owners in VA. Furthermore, there are millions of standard capacity magazines and AR15 sporting rifles and handguns that carry standard capacity magazines. You all are making instant criminals out of not only every Virginian, but anyone driving through our great state. I ask you all to vote NO on EVERY gun bill that infringes on our rights and that’s any bill adding regulations and restrictions on the firearms millions of us own. Thank you and God bless, Chandler Cobb Soli Deo Gloria~ Sic Semper Tyranis~

I stand with the VCDL's position on the firearms related bills. I oppose all Gun Control.

School Resource Officers: Essential Members of Our Educational Community School Resource Officers (SROs) play a crucial role in our schools. They are not just law enforcement; they build relationships with students, their families, and the staff at their assigned institutions. Trust and Support: Students depend on their SROs, knowing they can approach them at any time and receive kindness and compassion. Familiarity with the Environment: SROs are expected to be well-acquainted with the school building and its layout. Crisis Preparedness: In times of crisis or emergencies, SROs are trained to handle lockdown situations effectively. As a parent of children in public school, I am truly grateful for our SROs and the invaluable contributions they make to our community.

1035 Keep SRO in school 1441 Let local and state LEO enforce federal laws on immigration.

How about making sure school systems consistently follow their own code of conduct policies? There is a double standard in school discipline that has been going on for decades. It has become worse the last five years-10 years. Be fair and follow the rules.

Citizens of all races bought there firearms in a legal manner.Now with a stroke of a pen possibly made illegal..Oppressing and infringement laws are a racist act..The legislators are infringing on rights of different ethnicities, color,culture.The majority of the authors who wrote the bills are white..Some have come from other countries where there rights were oppressed. Now in turn they are the oppressors of American citizens..Citizens are brothers and sisters..And you decide Are the legislators racist in writing these bills..? Sad to see..This will be in record for future generations to see..Let's hope they learn from history and not repeat it .

With respect to HB 1162, I want to say that I think completing a High School Equivalency test is a good step toward having people reintegrate with society if for some reason they have not to that point managed to achieve their high school diploma. I do think it's beneficial to reorient prisons toward reintegration, and educating people in them so hopefully once they are back in society they can amend their behavior and choose a better path.

Why are you discriminating against people of different races and ethnicity. ,? And for a person who is poor? Imposing the bills will make it expensive ,less affordable for someone to purchase a firearm for self defense..

Why discriminate against the constituency whom voted you into office? Vote against the bills..

Firearms were used to free slaves, And self defense..This mantra of self defense carries on ..A hundred years later..You would attempt to limit a constituents right to self defense.. Illegal discrimination ..Do the right thing Vote against the bills..

This critique is true. Will one of you legislators have the courtesy to step out of the groupthink and vote against the gun bills ..? The challenge is to have the guts to do it..Firearms are used for self defense..Freeing citizens from slavery. Sport shooting creates tax revenue and jobs.

The authors of the bills know they cannot ban guns outright..Create hardship bills so a constituent will not want to carry..Delegate, because you possibly do like firearms ..Is it your role ,to treat constituents in a discriminating way..? Against a class of citizens..? Liberals own gun too Not just conservatives..Vote against the bills.

The second amendment is a right not a privilege that can be taken away or will be taken away. Our right or sovereign under the constitution second amendment shall not be in French. Why don’t y’all work on making punishments more harsh for the criminals that rape people moles, children murder, and so on. Instead of trying to make hard-working, taxpaying citizens criminals

Good morning, As a lifelong Virginia resident I can’t believe what bills are even being considered. My name is Chandler Cobb and I currently reside in Isle of Wight County in Smithfield, VA. I’m a Christian, a disabled Veteran, a husband, and I am against any bills that take away our God-given, govt protected, Second Amendment rights. I’ve been a concealed weapons licensee for over 20 years and have never had to fire my weapon in defense of myself or another. That is the story with 99% of Virginian concealed weapons license holders. We also prevent harm without having to fire a single round. The recent Supreme Court precedent set in Bruen and Heller, makes every anti-second amendment bill written UNCONSTITUTIONAL and will eventually be overturned by SCOTUS. Please do not support any bills that take away our rights. These bills will do absolutely nothing nothing to make VA safer and will actually make us less safe. Legal gun owners in this country and this state follow the laws, but criminals don’t care what laws you write banning firearms as they don’t follow laws. These bills only hurt us law abiding concealed weapons license holders and gun owners in VA. Furthermore, there are millions of standard capacity magazines and AR15 sporting rifles and handguns that carry standard capacity magazines. You all are making instant criminals out of not only every Virginian, but anyone driving through our great state. I ask you all to vote NO on EVERY gun bill that infringes on our rights and that’s any bill adding regulations and restrictions on the firearms millions of us own. Thank you and God bless, Chandler Cobb Soli Deo Gloria~ Sic Semper Tyranis~

I stand with the VCDL's position on the firearms related bills. I oppose all Gun Control.

Citizens of all races bought there firearms in a legal manner.Now with a stroke of a pen possibly made illegal..Oppressing and infringement laws are a racist act..The legislators are infringing on rights of different ethnicities, color,culture.The majority of the authors who wrote the bills are white..Some have come from other countries where there rights were oppressed. Now in turn they are the oppressors of American citizens..Citizens are brothers and sisters..And you decide Are the legislators racist in writing these bills..? Sad to see..This will be in record for future generations to see..Let's hope they learn from history and not repeat it .

Why are you discriminating against people of different races and ethnicity. ,? And for a person who is poor? Imposing the bills will make it expensive ,less affordable for someone to purchase a firearm for self defense..

Why discriminate against the constituency whom voted you into office? Vote against the bills..

Firearms were used to free slaves, And self defense..This mantra of self defense carries on ..A hundred years later..You would attempt to limit a constituents right to self defense.. Illegal discrimination ..Do the right thing Vote against the bills..

This critique is true. Will one of you legislators have the courtesy to step out of the groupthink and vote against the gun bills ..? The challenge is to have the guts to do it..Firearms are used for self defense..Freeing citizens from slavery. Sport shooting creates tax revenue and jobs.

The authors of the bills know they cannot ban guns outright..Create hardship bills so a constituent will not want to carry..Delegate, because you possibly do like firearms ..Is it your role ,to treat constituents in a discriminating way..? Against a class of citizens..? Liberals own gun too Not just conservatives..Vote against the bills.

The second amendment is a right not a privilege that can be taken away or will be taken away. Our right or sovereign under the constitution second amendment shall not be in French. Why don’t y’all work on making punishments more harsh for the criminals that rape people moles, children murder, and so on. Instead of trying to make hard-working, taxpaying citizens criminals

Good morning, As a lifelong Virginia resident I can’t believe what bills are even being considered. My name is Chandler Cobb and I currently reside in Isle of Wight County in Smithfield, VA. I’m a Christian, a disabled Veteran, a husband, and I am against any bills that take away our God-given, govt protected, Second Amendment rights. I’ve been a concealed weapons licensee for over 20 years and have never had to fire my weapon in defense of myself or another. That is the story with 99% of Virginian concealed weapons license holders. We also prevent harm without having to fire a single round. The recent Supreme Court precedent set in Bruen and Heller, makes every anti-second amendment bill written UNCONSTITUTIONAL and will eventually be overturned by SCOTUS. Please do not support any bills that take away our rights. These bills will do absolutely nothing nothing to make VA safer and will actually make us less safe. Legal gun owners in this country and this state follow the laws, but criminals don’t care what laws you write banning firearms as they don’t follow laws. These bills only hurt us law abiding concealed weapons license holders and gun owners in VA. Furthermore, there are millions of standard capacity magazines and AR15 sporting rifles and handguns that carry standard capacity magazines. You all are making instant criminals out of not only every Virginian, but anyone driving through our great state. I ask you all to vote NO on EVERY gun bill that infringes on our rights and that’s any bill adding regulations and restrictions on the firearms millions of us own. Thank you and God bless, Chandler Cobb Soli Deo Gloria~ Sic Semper Tyranis~

I stand with the VCDL's position on the firearms related bills. I oppose all Gun Control.

Citizens of all races bought there firearms in a legal manner.Now with a stroke of a pen possibly made illegal..Oppressing and infringement laws are a racist act..The legislators are infringing on rights of different ethnicities, color,culture.The majority of the authors who wrote the bills are white..Some have come from other countries where there rights were oppressed. Now in turn they are the oppressors of American citizens..Citizens are brothers and sisters..And you decide Are the legislators racist in writing these bills..? Sad to see..This will be in record for future generations to see..Let's hope they learn from history and not repeat it .

Why are you discriminating against people of different races and ethnicity. ,? And for a person who is poor? Imposing the bills will make it expensive ,less affordable for someone to purchase a firearm for self defense..

Why discriminate against the constituency whom voted you into office? Vote against the bills..

Firearms were used to free slaves, And self defense..This mantra of self defense carries on ..A hundred years later..You would attempt to limit a constituents right to self defense.. Illegal discrimination ..Do the right thing Vote against the bills..

This critique is true. Will one of you legislators have the courtesy to step out of the groupthink and vote against the gun bills ..? The challenge is to have the guts to do it..Firearms are used for self defense..Freeing citizens from slavery. Sport shooting creates tax revenue and jobs.

The authors of the bills know they cannot ban guns outright..Create hardship bills so a constituent will not want to carry..Delegate, because you possibly do like firearms ..Is it your role ,to treat constituents in a discriminating way..? Against a class of citizens..? Liberals own gun too Not just conservatives..Vote against the bills.

The second amendment is a right not a privilege that can be taken away or will be taken away. Our right or sovereign under the constitution second amendment shall not be in French. Why don’t y’all work on making punishments more harsh for the criminals that rape people moles, children murder, and so on. Instead of trying to make hard-working, taxpaying citizens criminals

Good morning, As a lifelong Virginia resident I can’t believe what bills are even being considered. My name is Chandler Cobb and I currently reside in Isle of Wight County in Smithfield, VA. I’m a Christian, a disabled Veteran, a husband, and I am against any bills that take away our God-given, govt protected, Second Amendment rights. I’ve been a concealed weapons licensee for over 20 years and have never had to fire my weapon in defense of myself or another. That is the story with 99% of Virginian concealed weapons license holders. We also prevent harm without having to fire a single round. The recent Supreme Court precedent set in Bruen and Heller, makes every anti-second amendment bill written UNCONSTITUTIONAL and will eventually be overturned by SCOTUS. Please do not support any bills that take away our rights. These bills will do absolutely nothing nothing to make VA safer and will actually make us less safe. Legal gun owners in this country and this state follow the laws, but criminals don’t care what laws you write banning firearms as they don’t follow laws. These bills only hurt us law abiding concealed weapons license holders and gun owners in VA. Furthermore, there are millions of standard capacity magazines and AR15 sporting rifles and handguns that carry standard capacity magazines. You all are making instant criminals out of not only every Virginian, but anyone driving through our great state. I ask you all to vote NO on EVERY gun bill that infringes on our rights and that’s any bill adding regulations and restrictions on the firearms millions of us own. Thank you and God bless, Chandler Cobb Soli Deo Gloria~ Sic Semper Tyranis~

I stand with the VCDL's position on the firearms related bills. I oppose all Gun Control.

I am advocating support for this bill. Fire Marshals with law enforcement powers are subject to the same hazards and must abide by the same rules of conduct in the scope of their duty as any other law enforcement officer, but are not always afforded the same protections that are provided to police and other law enforcement officers that are defined under Title 9. This bill will ensure that fire marshals are provided the same levels of protection and benefits as other law enforcement officers.

Citizens of all races bought there firearms in a legal manner.Now with a stroke of a pen possibly made illegal..Oppressing and infringement laws are a racist act..The legislators are infringing on rights of different ethnicities, color,culture.The majority of the authors who wrote the bills are white..Some have come from other countries where there rights were oppressed. Now in turn they are the oppressors of American citizens..Citizens are brothers and sisters..And you decide Are the legislators racist in writing these bills..? Sad to see..This will be in record for future generations to see..Let's hope they learn from history and not repeat it .

With respect to HB 1459, I am in favor of this bill. Cooperation with federal authorities shouldn't need to be legislated, but we live in strange times where some people seem to have forgotten we share a country and should be on the same team rather than adversarial to one another.

With respect to HB 1453, I am in favor of this bill. I think it would also be beneficial to expand it to include firefighters and police officers.

With respect to HB 1333, while I think it is commendable to seek to limit the hours a firefighter HAS to work, as someone who works an hourly job overtime hours are very much beneficial. I think it should be taken into account that some firefighters might WANT to work more hours. And I think that option should remain available to the ones that want to pull the extra shifts.

Why are you discriminating against people of different races and ethnicity. ,? And for a person who is poor? Imposing the bills will make it expensive ,less affordable for someone to purchase a firearm for self defense..

Why discriminate against the constituency whom voted you into office? Vote against the bills..

Firearms were used to free slaves, And self defense..This mantra of self defense carries on ..A hundred years later..You would attempt to limit a constituents right to self defense.. Illegal discrimination ..Do the right thing Vote against the bills..

This critique is true. Will one of you legislators have the courtesy to step out of the groupthink and vote against the gun bills ..? The challenge is to have the guts to do it..Firearms are used for self defense..Freeing citizens from slavery. Sport shooting creates tax revenue and jobs.

The authors of the bills know they cannot ban guns outright..Create hardship bills so a constituent will not want to carry..Delegate, because you possibly do like firearms ..Is it your role ,to treat constituents in a discriminating way..? Against a class of citizens..? Liberals own gun too Not just conservatives..Vote against the bills.

The second amendment is a right not a privilege that can be taken away or will be taken away. Our right or sovereign under the constitution second amendment shall not be in French. Why don’t y’all work on making punishments more harsh for the criminals that rape people moles, children murder, and so on. Instead of trying to make hard-working, taxpaying citizens criminals

Good morning, As a lifelong Virginia resident I can’t believe what bills are even being considered. My name is Chandler Cobb and I currently reside in Isle of Wight County in Smithfield, VA. I’m a Christian, a disabled Veteran, a husband, and I am against any bills that take away our God-given, govt protected, Second Amendment rights. I’ve been a concealed weapons licensee for over 20 years and have never had to fire my weapon in defense of myself or another. That is the story with 99% of Virginian concealed weapons license holders. We also prevent harm without having to fire a single round. The recent Supreme Court precedent set in Bruen and Heller, makes every anti-second amendment bill written UNCONSTITUTIONAL and will eventually be overturned by SCOTUS. Please do not support any bills that take away our rights. These bills will do absolutely nothing nothing to make VA safer and will actually make us less safe. Legal gun owners in this country and this state follow the laws, but criminals don’t care what laws you write banning firearms as they don’t follow laws. These bills only hurt us law abiding concealed weapons license holders and gun owners in VA. Furthermore, there are millions of standard capacity magazines and AR15 sporting rifles and handguns that carry standard capacity magazines. You all are making instant criminals out of not only every Virginian, but anyone driving through our great state. I ask you all to vote NO on EVERY gun bill that infringes on our rights and that’s any bill adding regulations and restrictions on the firearms millions of us own. Thank you and God bless, Chandler Cobb Soli Deo Gloria~ Sic Semper Tyranis~

I stand with the VCDL's position on the firearms related bills. I oppose all Gun Control.

As fire chief I ask you to please support HB1333, The work schedule for the American fire service is no longer sustainable. Cancer, injuries, substance abuse, mental health challenges, are all increased due to our current work cycle over average 56 hours a week. Fire fighters are not receiving enough recovery time between shifts and this bill would help start conversations across the fire service to address the negative health implications of the current norm. Firefighters on average work 800+ additional hours over the rest of the worlds workforce.

Chair and Members of the Committee, Thank you for the opportunity to send comments to support of House Bill 1333. I offer these comments from the perspective of a fire chief responsible for maintaining public safety while managing limited resources and a demanding workforce. The typical fire department schedule is killing our employees, it is reducing interest in the profession, and lack of recovery time is leading to mental health challenges. Reducing the number of hours worked by firefighters directly improves safety—both for the public and for the firefighters themselves. Firefighting is physically and mentally demanding work. Extended shifts and excessive hours contribute to fatigue, slower reaction times, increased injury rates, and long-term health issues. By reducing hours, HB 1333 helps ensure that firefighters are rested, alert, and able to perform at the highest level when responding to emergencies. A healthier workforce also reduces burnout and turnover, which strengthens continuity, experience, and service quality across our departments. While schedule adjustments require careful planning, reducing excessive hours can generate meaningful cost savings. Lower overtime expenditures, fewer workers’ compensation claims, reduced injury-related leave, and improved retention all translate into long-term financial benefits. These savings can be redirected to help fund the transition to more sustainable schedules, invest in training, and support recruitment efforts. HB 1333 promotes a model that is fiscally responsible while protecting the local government & the Commonwealth’s investment in its first responders. Over the length of a 25 year career firefighters will work the equivalent of nine additional years of service for the same pension benefits. Firefighters often earn a reduced hourly rate because they work more hours per pay period. Most of Virginia’s workforce operates on an average 40-hour workweek. Firefighters routinely work far beyond that standard, often exceeding 56 hours per week as a baseline. HB 1333 addresses this disparity and moves fire service scheduling closer to the norms applied to other public employees. Providing greater parity is not only a matter of fairness, but also one of workforce competitiveness. To continue attracting and retaining qualified firefighters, we must offer working conditions that reflect modern employment standards. HB 1333 supports safer operations, smarter use of public funds, and fair treatment of firefighters who serve their communities every day. I respectfully urge the committee to advance this legislation and recognize the long-term benefits it provides to public safety, fiscal stewardship, and workforce equity across the Commonwealth. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully, Fire Chief Kenneth Pravetz

Comments Document

I am writing in strong support of HB 1333. I have served for over 23 years as a firefighter and paramedic in Arlington County, and I currently reside in Springfield, Virginia. I am also a member of IAFF Local 2800 and am submitting this testimony in my personal capacity. I currently work a 24-hour shift schedule (24 on, 24 off, 24 on, 24 off, 24 on, followed by four days off, with a Kelly day approximately every ten days). While this schedule is common in the fire service, it is also common for firefighters to be held over beyond scheduled shifts due to call volume, delayed relief, or staffing shortages. These additional hours are often unpredictable and occur at the end of already demanding shifts. Fatigue is not just uncomfortable — it directly affects public safety. In my experience, fatigue contributes to reduced reaction time, impaired judgment, and diminished situational awareness. These factors affect critical tasks such as emergency driving, patient care, and on-scene decision-making. Even when no single dramatic incident occurs, the cognitive and physical effects of fatigue accumulate and increase the risk of errors and injuries. Fatigue also increases the likelihood of physical injury. Firefighters routinely lift patients, operate in hazardous environments, and work on roadways under stressful conditions. When combined with extended hours and insufficient recovery time, fatigue raises the risk of strains, falls, and other preventable injuries that remove experienced responders from the workforce. HB 1333 takes an appropriate and balanced approach by directing the Department of Fire Programs to encourage schedules that reduce excessive hours and fatigue, while preserving flexibility for overtime calculations and operational needs. Many departments are already exploring improved schedules through collective bargaining or pilot programs, but statewide policy guidance would provide important support for safer, more sustainable staffing practices across the Commonwealth. Encouraging healthier schedules is not only about protecting firefighters — it is about ensuring that the public receives emergency response from professionals who are alert, capable, and able to perform at their highest level when lives are on the line. For additional context on this bill and related firefighter safety priorities, I have attached a one-page policy brief for your reference. I respectfully ask the committee to report HB 1333 favorably and allow it to advance.

Citizens of all races bought there firearms in a legal manner.Now with a stroke of a pen possibly made illegal..Oppressing and infringement laws are a racist act..The legislators are infringing on rights of different ethnicities, color,culture.The majority of the authors who wrote the bills are white..Some have come from other countries where there rights were oppressed. Now in turn they are the oppressors of American citizens..Citizens are brothers and sisters..And you decide Are the legislators racist in writing these bills..? Sad to see..This will be in record for future generations to see..Let's hope they learn from history and not repeat it .

Why are you discriminating against people of different races and ethnicity. ,? And for a person who is poor? Imposing the bills will make it expensive ,less affordable for someone to purchase a firearm for self defense..

Why discriminate against the constituency whom voted you into office? Vote against the bills..

Firearms were used to free slaves, And self defense..This mantra of self defense carries on ..A hundred years later..You would attempt to limit a constituents right to self defense.. Illegal discrimination ..Do the right thing Vote against the bills..

This critique is true. Will one of you legislators have the courtesy to step out of the groupthink and vote against the gun bills ..? The challenge is to have the guts to do it..Firearms are used for self defense..Freeing citizens from slavery. Sport shooting creates tax revenue and jobs.

The authors of the bills know they cannot ban guns outright..Create hardship bills so a constituent will not want to carry..Delegate, because you possibly do like firearms ..Is it your role ,to treat constituents in a discriminating way..? Against a class of citizens..? Liberals own gun too Not just conservatives..Vote against the bills.

The second amendment is a right not a privilege that can be taken away or will be taken away. Our right or sovereign under the constitution second amendment shall not be in French. Why don’t y’all work on making punishments more harsh for the criminals that rape people moles, children murder, and so on. Instead of trying to make hard-working, taxpaying citizens criminals

Good morning, As a lifelong Virginia resident I can’t believe what bills are even being considered. My name is Chandler Cobb and I currently reside in Isle of Wight County in Smithfield, VA. I’m a Christian, a disabled Veteran, a husband, and I am against any bills that take away our God-given, govt protected, Second Amendment rights. I’ve been a concealed weapons licensee for over 20 years and have never had to fire my weapon in defense of myself or another. That is the story with 99% of Virginian concealed weapons license holders. We also prevent harm without having to fire a single round. The recent Supreme Court precedent set in Bruen and Heller, makes every anti-second amendment bill written UNCONSTITUTIONAL and will eventually be overturned by SCOTUS. Please do not support any bills that take away our rights. These bills will do absolutely nothing nothing to make VA safer and will actually make us less safe. Legal gun owners in this country and this state follow the laws, but criminals don’t care what laws you write banning firearms as they don’t follow laws. These bills only hurt us law abiding concealed weapons license holders and gun owners in VA. Furthermore, there are millions of standard capacity magazines and AR15 sporting rifles and handguns that carry standard capacity magazines. You all are making instant criminals out of not only every Virginian, but anyone driving through our great state. I ask you all to vote NO on EVERY gun bill that infringes on our rights and that’s any bill adding regulations and restrictions on the firearms millions of us own. Thank you and God bless, Chandler Cobb Soli Deo Gloria~ Sic Semper Tyranis~

I stand with the VCDL's position on the firearms related bills. I oppose all Gun Control.

When did our state government decide that they do not have to follow our Constitution of the United States of America? The 2nd Amendment is an individual right under the Constitution that states clearly that it shall not be infringed on which in simple terms means that no government official or group has the ability to take a person's right to keep and bear arms in the United States of America. This Amendment was so important to our forefathers that it is the second thing they wrote to establish that the government does not have the ability to take your right to defend yourself against all enemies and this includes a tyrannical state government that doesn't understand plain text that our country was founded on. It doesn't matter what others opinions or feelings on the subject of the right to bear arms is because it is my right and not their's that we are talking about at this time. As a society of individuals in our country that have never agreed on things of this nature since the invention of the modern firearm we have to look no farther than our own Constitution to see that this is not a collective right of certain people that agree or disagree with the principle of firearms but infact a Constitutional right of an individual to determine there views of their personal right to bear arms. With the world in the state it is in at our present time this Constitutional right is needed more then ever because we are facing people that think that the can completely ignore the Constitution and its not even on a national level but a state level. This is also a truly sad moment of our state that is the founding place for our country as it exists from the time that we settled in this new land of an unknown world at the time but to disrespect our founding Document that started it all on top of it is the worst thing that could happen in our state for these elected officials to look at the Bill of Rights and say to themselves that those Amendment are not worth following because I have a different opinion, belief or feeling on that Amendment that I am personally going to take the individual right of every person in Virginia just because I don't want to follow these Amendments as they are written. Do you understand how this is being a tyrannical government just like the British were when they were trying to control the entire population at the time that we had the Revolution in this great land to start this great country. When people say that the 2nd Amendment is dated and need to be revised but can see the actual beauty in how our forefathers predicted that this Amendment would be necessary throughout time to even to the year 2026 were we have a government that is looking at this exact Amendment and saying no we don't have to follow that anymore because we have all these people that don't like the fact that a free person of the United States of America can purchase anything that has to do with their ability to not only protect themselves in self defense but also to protect themselves from the tyrannical government that is before us today. I'm sorry but as a person that has no affiliation to a political party or any other organization on this subject in our country I believe in our Constitution and the Amendments that were written in the Bill of Rights to protect myself, my family and my friends from people that think that they know what is best for everyone in our country on the basis that they either think they are smarter, richer or elected.

Citizens of all races bought there firearms in a legal manner.Now with a stroke of a pen possibly made illegal..Oppressing and infringement laws are a racist act..The legislators are infringing on rights of different ethnicities, color,culture.The majority of the authors who wrote the bills are white..Some have come from other countries where there rights were oppressed. Now in turn they are the oppressors of American citizens..Citizens are brothers and sisters..And you decide Are the legislators racist in writing these bills..? Sad to see..This will be in record for future generations to see..Let's hope they learn from history and not repeat it .

Why are you discriminating against people of different races and ethnicity. ,? And for a person who is poor? Imposing the bills will make it expensive ,less affordable for someone to purchase a firearm for self defense..

Why discriminate against the constituency whom voted you into office? Vote against the bills..

Firearms were used to free slaves, And self defense..This mantra of self defense carries on ..A hundred years later..You would attempt to limit a constituents right to self defense.. Illegal discrimination ..Do the right thing Vote against the bills..

This critique is true. Will one of you legislators have the courtesy to step out of the groupthink and vote against the gun bills ..? The challenge is to have the guts to do it..Firearms are used for self defense..Freeing citizens from slavery. Sport shooting creates tax revenue and jobs.

The authors of the bills know they cannot ban guns outright..Create hardship bills so a constituent will not want to carry..Delegate, because you possibly do like firearms ..Is it your role ,to treat constituents in a discriminating way..? Against a class of citizens..? Liberals own gun too Not just conservatives..Vote against the bills.

The second amendment is a right not a privilege that can be taken away or will be taken away. Our right or sovereign under the constitution second amendment shall not be in French. Why don’t y’all work on making punishments more harsh for the criminals that rape people moles, children murder, and so on. Instead of trying to make hard-working, taxpaying citizens criminals

Good morning, As a lifelong Virginia resident I can’t believe what bills are even being considered. My name is Chandler Cobb and I currently reside in Isle of Wight County in Smithfield, VA. I’m a Christian, a disabled Veteran, a husband, and I am against any bills that take away our God-given, govt protected, Second Amendment rights. I’ve been a concealed weapons licensee for over 20 years and have never had to fire my weapon in defense of myself or another. That is the story with 99% of Virginian concealed weapons license holders. We also prevent harm without having to fire a single round. The recent Supreme Court precedent set in Bruen and Heller, makes every anti-second amendment bill written UNCONSTITUTIONAL and will eventually be overturned by SCOTUS. Please do not support any bills that take away our rights. These bills will do absolutely nothing nothing to make VA safer and will actually make us less safe. Legal gun owners in this country and this state follow the laws, but criminals don’t care what laws you write banning firearms as they don’t follow laws. These bills only hurt us law abiding concealed weapons license holders and gun owners in VA. Furthermore, there are millions of standard capacity magazines and AR15 sporting rifles and handguns that carry standard capacity magazines. You all are making instant criminals out of not only every Virginian, but anyone driving through our great state. I ask you all to vote NO on EVERY gun bill that infringes on our rights and that’s any bill adding regulations and restrictions on the firearms millions of us own. Thank you and God bless, Chandler Cobb Soli Deo Gloria~ Sic Semper Tyranis~

I stand with the VCDL's position on the firearms related bills. I oppose all Gun Control.

Mr. Chairman and members of the Subcommittee, I write in support of HB1388, as a voting executive board member of the local FOP Lodge and a 25 year resident of the Town of Purcellville, VA.. This bill does one narrow but important thing: it ensures that before a locality removes its chief law enforcement officer, there is notice, a process, and a review panel with citizen participation. Communities invest significantly in their police leadership. Citizens deserve to know why that leadership is being changed. HB 1388 creates transparency around that decision. It does not prevent removal for cause. It does not override local governing authority. It simply requires that the decision be made openly and for stated reasons — the same standard we expect of every other consequential government action. This is good governance, and I respectfully ask for your support. Our Interim Police Chief has been threatened by a former subordinate and is now a sitting town council member who has conveyed retaliatory action against her for doing her job, under his own delusions of being politically targeted and not accepting responsibility for his own actions. This TC member is currently under investigation by the VSP and has been charged with 6 separate special grand jury felony indictments after his actions and questionable behavior caused multiple internal and external investigations. All police chiefs across the commonwealth should be protected and not have to work in fear of losing their job for doing their job. Respectfully and thank you!

Mr. Chairman, I submit these comments as President of the Southwest Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police, representing approximately 40 Chiefs across Southwest Virginia. We support HB 1388. This bill establishes three important safeguards before a chief may be removed: written notice, a fair and defined process, and review by a panel that includes citizen representation. These provisions promote accountability and transparency while ensuring our communities have a voice in decisions regarding the retention of their Chief of Police. Chiefs who are committed to providing the highest level of professional service to their communities may not always align with an administration’s preferences. HB 1388 ensures that any decision to remove a chief is conducted through a transparent process and, at minimum, provides a clear explanation for that action. This legislation protects the public’s investment in experienced, professional police leadership. I respectfully ask for your support of HB 1388.

Mr. Chairman, I support HB 1388. The bill requires three things before a chief is removed: written notice, a fair process, and review by a panel that includes citizens. It does not impede accountability — it ensures transparency. Chiefs who implement difficult reforms, including the reforms this General Assembly has rightly enacted, should not face removal without explanation. This bill protects the public's investment in professional police leadership. I ask for your support. Angela Comer Associate VP for Public Safety and Chief of Police Longwood University Police Department

Mr. Chairman and members of the Subcommittee, I write in support of HB 1388. This bill does one narrow but important thing: it ensures that before a locality removes its chief law enforcement officer, there is notice, a process, and a review panel with citizen participation. Communities invest significantly in their police leadership. Citizens deserve to know why that leadership is being changed. HB 1388 creates transparency around that decision. It does not prevent removal for cause. It does not override local governing authority. It simply requires that the decision be made openly and for stated reasons — the same standard we expect of every other consequential government action. I am the Chief of Police for the Rocky Mount Police Department with over 30 years of service as both a deputy sheriff and a police officer. I am one of the most community engaged Chief's in the State. If you don't believe me, take a look at our Facebook page. It would be a shame if I could be removed from office without reason and without cause. All I ask is that you support a fair chance, the same chance my officers get. This is good governance, and I respectfully ask for your support.

The proposed legislation aims to address a fitting omission in current Virginia code, an effort I endorse. However the language of this bill has several issues I find lacking or possibly troubling. The definition of "Chief of Police" or "police chief" means the highest-ranking sworn law enforcement officer who is the head of a police department.. This language does not take into account acting chief's or a Chief Deputy in case a chief steps down. By strict interpretation this legislated process would have to take place to then put in place a new Chief. I suggest the need to identify an "Acting Chief" as exempt from this process and define that they would fall under the existing Law Enforcement Officer Bill of Rights. In the case of a Campus Police Chief, I would see it more appropriate that the Virginia Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators pick a member rather than the Virginia Municipal League. With regard to the third member picked by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia, I would think it appropriate that this individual be picked from the active voter roles of the jurisdiction involved.

Mr. Chairman and members of the Subcommittee, I write in support of HB 1388. This bill does one narrow but important thing: it ensures that before a locality removes its chief law enforcement officer, there is notice, a process, and a review panel with citizen participation. Communities invest significantly in their police leadership. Citizens deserve to know why that leadership is being changed. HB 1388 creates transparency around that decision. It does not prevent removal for cause. It does not override local governing authority. It simply requires that the decision be made openly and for stated reasons — the same standard we expect of every other consequential government action. This is good governance, and I respectfully ask for your support.

Mr. Chairman and members of the Subcommittee, I support HB 1388. Virginia rightly expects professional, reform-minded police leadership. Achieving that goal requires chiefs who can make hard decisions — implementing body camera programs, revising use-of-force policies, and holding officers accountable — without fear of arbitrary removal for doing so. HB 1388 does not guarantee any chief's job. It guarantees only three things: written notice of the reasons for termination, a defined process, and review by a panel that includes citizen members. These are the same basic procedural safeguards Virginia already extends to the officers chiefs supervise. A chief who cannot meet professional standards will not survive this process. A chief who is implementing difficult reforms will not be silenced by it. I urge your support.

Mr. Chairman, I support HB 1388. The bill requires three things before a chief is removed: written notice, a fair process, and review by a panel that includes citizens. It does not prevent accountability — it ensures transparency. Chiefs who implement difficult reforms, including the reforms this General Assembly has rightly enacted, should not face removal without explanation. This bill protects the public's investment in professional police leadership. I ask for your support.

Citizens of all races bought there firearms in a legal manner.Now with a stroke of a pen possibly made illegal..Oppressing and infringement laws are a racist act..The legislators are infringing on rights of different ethnicities, color,culture.The majority of the authors who wrote the bills are white..Some have come from other countries where there rights were oppressed. Now in turn they are the oppressors of American citizens..Citizens are brothers and sisters..And you decide Are the legislators racist in writing these bills..? Sad to see..This will be in record for future generations to see..Let's hope they learn from history and not repeat it .

Why are you discriminating against people of different races and ethnicity. ,? And for a person who is poor? Imposing the bills will make it expensive ,less affordable for someone to purchase a firearm for self defense..

Why discriminate against the constituency whom voted you into office? Vote against the bills..

Firearms were used to free slaves, And self defense..This mantra of self defense carries on ..A hundred years later..You would attempt to limit a constituents right to self defense.. Illegal discrimination ..Do the right thing Vote against the bills..

This critique is true. Will one of you legislators have the courtesy to step out of the groupthink and vote against the gun bills ..? The challenge is to have the guts to do it..Firearms are used for self defense..Freeing citizens from slavery. Sport shooting creates tax revenue and jobs.

The authors of the bills know they cannot ban guns outright..Create hardship bills so a constituent will not want to carry..Delegate, because you possibly do like firearms ..Is it your role ,to treat constituents in a discriminating way..? Against a class of citizens..? Liberals own gun too Not just conservatives..Vote against the bills.

The second amendment is a right not a privilege that can be taken away or will be taken away. Our right or sovereign under the constitution second amendment shall not be in French. Why don’t y’all work on making punishments more harsh for the criminals that rape people moles, children murder, and so on. Instead of trying to make hard-working, taxpaying citizens criminals

Good morning, As a lifelong Virginia resident I can’t believe what bills are even being considered. My name is Chandler Cobb and I currently reside in Isle of Wight County in Smithfield, VA. I’m a Christian, a disabled Veteran, a husband, and I am against any bills that take away our God-given, govt protected, Second Amendment rights. I’ve been a concealed weapons licensee for over 20 years and have never had to fire my weapon in defense of myself or another. That is the story with 99% of Virginian concealed weapons license holders. We also prevent harm without having to fire a single round. The recent Supreme Court precedent set in Bruen and Heller, makes every anti-second amendment bill written UNCONSTITUTIONAL and will eventually be overturned by SCOTUS. Please do not support any bills that take away our rights. These bills will do absolutely nothing nothing to make VA safer and will actually make us less safe. Legal gun owners in this country and this state follow the laws, but criminals don’t care what laws you write banning firearms as they don’t follow laws. These bills only hurt us law abiding concealed weapons license holders and gun owners in VA. Furthermore, there are millions of standard capacity magazines and AR15 sporting rifles and handguns that carry standard capacity magazines. You all are making instant criminals out of not only every Virginian, but anyone driving through our great state. I ask you all to vote NO on EVERY gun bill that infringes on our rights and that’s any bill adding regulations and restrictions on the firearms millions of us own. Thank you and God bless, Chandler Cobb Soli Deo Gloria~ Sic Semper Tyranis~

I stand with the VCDL's position on the firearms related bills. I oppose all Gun Control.

Citizens of all races bought there firearms in a legal manner.Now with a stroke of a pen possibly made illegal..Oppressing and infringement laws are a racist act..The legislators are infringing on rights of different ethnicities, color,culture.The majority of the authors who wrote the bills are white..Some have come from other countries where there rights were oppressed. Now in turn they are the oppressors of American citizens..Citizens are brothers and sisters..And you decide Are the legislators racist in writing these bills..? Sad to see..This will be in record for future generations to see..Let's hope they learn from history and not repeat it .

With respect to HB 1453, I am in favor of this bill. I think it would also be beneficial to expand it to include firefighters and police officers.

Why are you discriminating against people of different races and ethnicity. ,? And for a person who is poor? Imposing the bills will make it expensive ,less affordable for someone to purchase a firearm for self defense..

Why discriminate against the constituency whom voted you into office? Vote against the bills..

Firearms were used to free slaves, And self defense..This mantra of self defense carries on ..A hundred years later..You would attempt to limit a constituents right to self defense.. Illegal discrimination ..Do the right thing Vote against the bills..

This critique is true. Will one of you legislators have the courtesy to step out of the groupthink and vote against the gun bills ..? The challenge is to have the guts to do it..Firearms are used for self defense..Freeing citizens from slavery. Sport shooting creates tax revenue and jobs.

The authors of the bills know they cannot ban guns outright..Create hardship bills so a constituent will not want to carry..Delegate, because you possibly do like firearms ..Is it your role ,to treat constituents in a discriminating way..? Against a class of citizens..? Liberals own gun too Not just conservatives..Vote against the bills.

The second amendment is a right not a privilege that can be taken away or will be taken away. Our right or sovereign under the constitution second amendment shall not be in French. Why don’t y’all work on making punishments more harsh for the criminals that rape people moles, children murder, and so on. Instead of trying to make hard-working, taxpaying citizens criminals

Good morning, As a lifelong Virginia resident I can’t believe what bills are even being considered. My name is Chandler Cobb and I currently reside in Isle of Wight County in Smithfield, VA. I’m a Christian, a disabled Veteran, a husband, and I am against any bills that take away our God-given, govt protected, Second Amendment rights. I’ve been a concealed weapons licensee for over 20 years and have never had to fire my weapon in defense of myself or another. That is the story with 99% of Virginian concealed weapons license holders. We also prevent harm without having to fire a single round. The recent Supreme Court precedent set in Bruen and Heller, makes every anti-second amendment bill written UNCONSTITUTIONAL and will eventually be overturned by SCOTUS. Please do not support any bills that take away our rights. These bills will do absolutely nothing nothing to make VA safer and will actually make us less safe. Legal gun owners in this country and this state follow the laws, but criminals don’t care what laws you write banning firearms as they don’t follow laws. These bills only hurt us law abiding concealed weapons license holders and gun owners in VA. Furthermore, there are millions of standard capacity magazines and AR15 sporting rifles and handguns that carry standard capacity magazines. You all are making instant criminals out of not only every Virginian, but anyone driving through our great state. I ask you all to vote NO on EVERY gun bill that infringes on our rights and that’s any bill adding regulations and restrictions on the firearms millions of us own. Thank you and God bless, Chandler Cobb Soli Deo Gloria~ Sic Semper Tyranis~

I stand with the VCDL's position on the firearms related bills. I oppose all Gun Control.

I have watched the news and live feeds from Minneapolis, and today I watched testimonies of violations, physical abuse and murder by ICE. It is hard to not see we are in a Constitutional and humanitarian crisis at a scale I never thought could happen here. Please do not bring this to VA. As Virginia is the birthplace of our Constitution, can we make the choice to refuse this standing army, search and seizures? the beatings and destruction of property and disruption of freedom peace and commerce ICE and similar agencies leave in their wake? We are not being protected by them, but living in terror of them. The trust is gone. And, every decent law enforcement officer carries the massive burden of association with these violent, incompetent, sadistic, rogue, racist hypocrites. Ice must be abolished NOW. Humane reform to immigration law, the justice system, detention conditions (including medical care, oversight without notice, access to lawyers without being shipped out, family visits, and provisions for the safety of people who trusted our country as asylum seekers .) As for actual ,violent criminals- we have a system in place and none of this is necessary if we have trust between communities and law enforcement. Ice needs to be scrapped first for something new - for the people, with the consent of the people , to take its place. What are they but roving patrols racial profiling? I am PROUD of our civil rights legacy in our state. We can take a stand and refuse funding and quartering. We should all be able to look to law enforcement as heroes- the people we could call for help. Every act by ICE... The stalking in the streets, the threats to peaceful protestors and Constitutional recorders, and the fear so many goo community members, citizens snd non-citizens live with every day does not even feel like our country. To think we spend this massive amount of money to torment people working hard and doing their best? I'd rather the money go to give a family a shot at the American Dream, instead of paying someone to try to turn guns on them for pay. Our immigrants- They are our heart. They love this country and its promise. They are strong and brave and they work hard and have strong families and faith. They are full of love and share art, culture, dance, music, food and traditions, a love for community many of us can learn from. It is a terrible thing to not embrace and love these people who give so much and ask for so little. I cannot understand how these people are treated like an object to kick, hold down, choke, gun down, jail or murder, without so much as looking at paperwork. Please end this now, for the love of God. If you do not abolish ICE, remove funding and contracts and don't allow masks or lack of badges. Help prosecute when THEY are the violent criminals. But really, get them out and keep them out. Let our own trained police officers handle the crime. Thank you.

I am a resident in the city of Richmond and I demand the restriction and removal of ICE agents from our communities. I support the bills put forth that seek to limit the access and activities of immigration and law enforcement agents. Thank you

My name is Lillian Komarow. I am a resident of District 12. I am submitting this testimony in support of HB 1441, HB 1440, HB 1442, HB 650, HB 1260, HB 1262, HB 1265, HB 1438, HB 1482, and HB 1492. I am also writing in opposition to HB 1459. I grew up in the extremely diverse Northern Virginia area and I know that immigrants are a huge part of what makes Virginia the beautiful melting pot that it is. I know that immigrants have a wide array of reasons to come to Virginia, but ultimately my personal experience has shown me that immigrants want to live and work in peace. They contribute to Virginia in many positive ways economically and culturally– not that that should be a requirement to be treated humanely. Even if I did not have this background, I would know that the terror we are seeing ICE indiscriminately inflict on undocumented immigrants and US citizens alike across the country is abhorrent. It is imperative that Virginia citizens are able to freely access community services without fear of harassment from federal agents. Across the country we are seeing ICE and CBP agents deliberately terrorize families simply trying to take their children to school or to the doctor. There have been stories on the news of domestic violence victims being too afraid of ICE terrorization to show up to their court dates. Ultimately the actions of ICE are deterring people from accessing important services, and this creates ripple effects into the community by making us ALL less safe. Please protect Virginia citizens by passing HB 1440, HB 650, HB 1260, through. The Commonwealth has both the right and the duty to ensure free and fair election for its citizens. Elections cannot be free and fair when people are afraid of being detained at polling places solely due to their appearance. ICE agents’ presence at polling places would be nothing short of voter intimidation. Please protect the sanctity of our elections by passing HB 1442 through. The responsibility of local and state law enforcement should be to protect and serve Virginia citizens, not waste our resources and create mistrust by collaborating with increasingly hostile federal immigration operations. In addition to sapping limited state and local resources, collaboration blurs accountability for racial profiling and other abusive tactics federal agents take, and opens Virginia police departments up to lawsuits. Both law enforcement leaders and crime victim advocacy organizations alike have spoken out against Virginia law enforcement participating in immigration enforcement, citing eroded trust between police and victims, and even described instances of domestic violence and sexual assault survivors being unwilling to seek assistance. Please pass HB 1442 to prevent this mistrust and wasting of resources, as well as HB 1262 so that Virginians can trust that they are not falling into a trap when seeking immigration assistance services, HB 1264 so that Virginia citizens know they have an Accountability Commission keeping watch on federal agents conducting military style operations in the Commonwealth, and HB 1482 so that federal agents can further be held accountable by not concealing their identity. For the purpose of protecting Virginians, our resources, and our right to free and fair elections, I respectfully urge this committee to support HB 1441, HB 1440, HB 1442, HB 650, HB 1260, HB 1262, HB 1265, HB 1438, HB 1482, and HB 1492 and oppose HB 1459.

Dear Virginia House of Delegates, I am writing in support of all bills in this Block 1 subcommittee (HB650; HB1260; HB1262; HB1264; HB1265; HB1438; HB1440; HB1441; HB1442; HB1453; HB1459; HB1482; and HB1492). Each bill has the same underlying principles, in my view, that undergird each one and is worthy of widespread support and consideration. 1) Greater accountability for any abuses of power - something our government is supposedly predicated upon from its foundations of checks and balances. 2) Respect of human dignity - lest we forget another person's humanity and spiral into forms of depravity experienced on widespread scale even within our lifetimes, our parents' lifetimes, or our grandparents' lifetimes, anytime dehumanization becomes the norm and public opinion becomes apathetic we ought to have sirens blaring warning signals. As a conflict prevention and response professional, I have thorough knowledge of human rights abuses at widespread scale at the hands of unchecked power -- the enslavement of Africans and brutality of the chattel slave trade and its legacy of abuses through the Jim Crow Era onward, the forced disappearances of Argentina and Chile, the Holocaust, forced kidnappings and assimilations of First Nations and Native American children at Indian Boarding Schools in Canada and the United States, and more. These bills hold that some places ought to be preserved to honor the humanity in our neighbors, even those who may be undocumented - polling places, courthouses, schools. These bills provide guardrails that Virginia needs to both maintain the humanity of all people, even those who are undocumented. It serves to safeguard the hearts and minds of those citizens and legal residents who have been continuously profiled based on their perceived or actual national origin, and provides more psychological safety for those in our communities who are being targeted from the national stage to local actors dispatched from ICE who have done nothing unlawful. These forcible, unchecked, and brute forces of strength have brought about unnecessary and widespread fear, school absences, medical inattention for fear of being targeted in public, and traumatic experiences for young children and youth. Virginia House of Delegates must provide a healthy check and balance and honor its constituents. Vote in support of these bills. Sincerely, Jena Kitchen

I support this bill and am in favor of the increased safety it will provide for our communities and for my neighbors. I support banning face coverings for federal officers, restricting immigration enforcement officers to 40 feet from polling places, and prohibiting immigration enforcement from schools, hospitals and other above mentioned safe spaces. Limits need to be placed on rogue federal agents, due process upheld and American communities protected.

Any even mildly engaged Virginian ought be alarmed at the slow civil war being carried out on the people of Minneapolis. That is why I fully support HB1264 and HB1482 as critical societal checks on the administration's unfettered military force. Additionally, I support HB650/HB1260 (aren't these the same bill?), HB1265, HB1438, HB1440, and HB1441 for creating safe places and walling off our own government and enforcement agencies from this radical influence. Lastly, steps taken in HB1442 could become extremely important to protecting our democracy as the administration would spiritually invert the Second and Third Enforcement Acts, using the same federal authority that stopped the KKK from harassing black voters in 1870 to instead perform the same kind of intimidation on brown voters in 2026. I oppose HB1459's mandate of cooperation with ICE to snatch untried people out of custody, circumvent the consequences of convicted people by our own justice system, or enact additional punitive measures post incarceration. There is additional alarming language that might imply "going after the families". If state and local PD have a case where they want to cooperate, they already can do so. This bill removes that choice and puts it into a provably untrustworthy institution. I generally support HB1262 and HB1492 for cracking down on bad actors that would take advantage of these troubling times. However, I question the necessity of HB1492: while the long imagined scenario is extremely troubling, we have already seen what evils actual ICE officers are capable of, and how low the bar for entry is. Would this actually help? I mislike HB1453, which goes against our rights as American citizens and good Samaritans to non-violently oppose the actions of federal terrorists.

I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills protect sensitive spaces such as courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places, and hospitals from intimidation by federal immigration enforcement. They strengthen public trust and improve accountability by restricting law enforcement officers from obscuring their identities. I oppose HB1459, which would force state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would seriously damage public trust in local law enforcement.

My name is Susan Kohn. I am a resident of District 15. I am submitting this testimony in support of HB 650,1260, 1262,1264,1265,1438,1440,1441,1453,1492 and in opposition of HB 1459 and 1482. As a pediatrician I am horrified to see my immigrant patients and their families living in fear. I work with children through a non-profit organization that helps to provide access to medical and dental care in Fairfax County. We see hardworking families who are afraid to access health care or even to send their children to school. They worry when someone leaves the house. Will they come back from work, the grocery store, court or school- or be taken by ICE? How can they continue to provide for their children? The children and teens I see were brought to the United States for a better life. Many experienced violence, political upheaval and uncertainty or severe poverty in their countries of origin, which led their parents to seek a place of safety, where they could thrive. My grandparents came to this country in the face of pogroms that terrorized our families in Eastern Europe. They worked hard, as our current immigrants do, to make a future for their children. Our Jewish sacred texts obligate us to care for the stranger and treat all with respect and kindness. They are part of the fabric of a great society. Our neighbors must be able to testify in court if they have been victimized or if they have requested asylum, without the fear of being deported when they show up. All Virginians, whether they are citizens or not, must have the right to access schools, hospitals, places of worship and polling places without fear of intimidation or deportation. All must be able to clearly see the identity of law enforcement personnel and have their day in court with proper representation if accused. Local police should be doing the work of maintaining safety for all residents- not helping ICE deport people without due process. As a Virginian I believe we have a duty to protect those who are most vulnerable in our community. At this time it is our immigrant neighbors who need our help. I respectfully urge this committee to support HB 650, 1260, 1262, 1264, 1265,1438, 1440, 1441,1442, 1453,1492 and oppose HB1459 and HB1482.

My comment refers to all bills on the agenda. The Commonwealth of Virginia must take any and all legal action to prevent ICE from terrorizing any Virginia individual or community. This includes all people who come to this country seeking a better life for themselves and their families, just as the many millions before them have done throughout America’s history.

We want public safety, not public abductions and executions. We have learned that ICE does not respect rule of law or human rights, so support these bills to keep Virginians safe. Every child deserves an education. Every child deserves to be safe at school. Every sick or injured person deserves medical care. So keep ICE out of our school, hospitals, and courthouses. No judicial warrant should mean no entry- and limit what civil arrests can take place in courthouses. We want police to protect, not persecute. So eliminate 287g agreements in Virginia. Allow our local law enforcement to do their job of keeping communities safe, instead of doing ICE's dirty work for them. We want rule of law, not rule by masked mobs. Do not allow law enforcement to cover their faces. That's not community policing- that's KKK tactics. We want free and fair elections, not a return to Jim Crow era intimidation at the polls. Citizens are not safe from ICE, either. Do not allow the federal government to use "immigration enforcement" as a rouse to silence eligible voters through fear and profiling. Support: HB650 - Callsen HB1260 - Shin HB1262 - Glass HB1264 - Shin HB1265 - Glass HB1438 - Guzman HB1440 - Lopez HB1441 - Lopez HB1442 - Lopez HB1453 - Williams HB1459 - Zehr HB1482 - Schmidt HB1492 - Shin

I’m very concerned with the overreaching of ICE. They have terrorized communities, broken apart families, disrupted children’s education, wrongfully detained people and even murdered American citizens. Please keep all safeguards in place to protect our citizens. Warrants should be in place before they come after people. ICE agents should follow the same laws and training that police officers are required to. ICE should not be allowed to wait outside or enter courthouses. They should not be wearing masks. This is leading to more dangerous escalations as we have seen in Minneapolis. Please vote to protect the rights of our people, maintain a safe community, and honor the laws and Constitution of our once great country. Please listen to your constituents. We are a country of immigrants and we are all humans. Do what is right.

I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.

SUPPORT: HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, HB1482, HB1492. OPPOSE: HB1459 Our communities deserve protection from the overreach of the federal government. At a minimum, this means putting strong boundaries on the activity of federal immigration officers and requiring them to follow existing laws and those that are enacted by this general assembly. We need to protect sensitive spaces like schools, courtrooms, places of worship, hospitals and polling places from ICE/CBP intimidation. All officers - including local law enforcement - should be prohibited from wearing masks or face coverings and ID should be required. In addition, local law enforcement should be prohibited from entering agreements with federal immigration officers and judicial warrants for enforcement should be required. Currently our communities are less safe. We need to stop the unchecked abusive activity by ICE/CBP.

This is an opportunity for the Commonwealth to respect and protect the riaghts of ALL Virginia citizens. I strongly I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482.

My name is Rachel Waldstein. I am a resident of District #1. I am submitting this testimony in support of the following bills: • HB 650 Callsen Courthouses • HB 1260 Shin Public elementary/secondary schools, etc; federal immigration investigation and enforcement activities • HB 1262 Glass Va Consumer Protection Act • HB 1264 Shin Virginia Accountability Commission • HB 1265 Glass Courthouses • HB 1438 Guzman 287g • HB 1440 Lopez Protected Areas • HB 1441 Lopez 287g • HB 1442 Lopez Polling Place Protections • HB 1482 Schmidt facemasks • HB 1492 Shin Impersonating federal law enforcement officer I oppose the following bills: • HB 1453 Williams Approaching a first responder with specified intent after a warning; penalty • HB 1459 Zehr Ice-Free Communities Act; notification to federal immigration authorities of pending release of certain prisoners from custody I am a member of Congregation Etz Hayim in Arlington and spent a large part of my career representing the U.S. government in the protection of human rights around the world. I support HB 650, 1260, 1262, 1264, 1265, 1438, 1440, 1441, 1442, 1482, and 1492 based on my Jewish values and my life’s work. Jewish tradition and law recognize the equality and dignity of all people and respect their right to life, bodily integrity, health, housing, education, and due process. The Jewish people have been refugees many times in the past and have often experienced mistreatment by authoritarian governments. It is thus my duty to stand in support of marginalized communities and against government abuses. Law enforcement authorities should not deprive anyone--even those in this country illegally--of life, liberty, or property without following established legal procedures that respect their rights. Since the Federal government has abdicated its responsibilities before the law and Constitution, it is up to the States to uphold national and international human rights law. Passing the above listed bills will make our communities to be safer and will give Commonwealth officials a legal basis to push back on Federal law enforcement officials who break the law. I strongly believe HB 650, 1260, 1262, 1264, 1265, 1438, 1440, 1441, 1442, 1482, and 1492 will improve the lives of all Virginians by allowing us to return our focus to strengthening our economy, education and healthcare systems, and by returning a sense of humanity to our Commonwealth. I oppose HB 1453 and 1459, which I believe will create more fear in our communities and impede Virginians’ ability to express their First Amendment rights. I respectfully urge this committee to support HB 650, 1260, 1262, 1264, 1265, 1438, 1440, 1441, 1442, 1482, and 1492 and to oppose HB 1453 and 1459.

I strongly support the following bills and urge the committee members to pass them on so they can make their way to the House in order to be discussed by all the Delegates: HB1492, HB1482, HB1453, HB1442, HB1441, HB1440, HB1438, HB1265, HB1264, HB1262, HB1260, and HB650. These bills provide much needed limits on ICE agents, and life-saving protections for tens of thousands of people in our commonwealth. Please do the right thing and keep these bills alive and moving through our legislative system.

I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.

I support all these bills which, to my reading of them, extend protections of the law to people attending court appointments so that they cannot be detained by immigration enforcement authorities (or people impersonating immigration enforcement authorities). I support requiring law enforcement officials to not wear masks and to have visible identification, and also not to engage in immigration enforcement activities. I also support bills which protect schools, churches, and private workplaces from immigration enforcement activities, and require judicial warrants (warrants signed by a judge) for any immigration enforcement operation. I would like to see bills requiring due process for any persons detained, including but not limited to access to a lawyer, ability to make phone calls, and right to be treated with dignity and humanity.

I fully support every bill that safeguards and protects our immigrant neighbors from the lawless, cruel, immoral and shameful acts committed by federal agents and DHS.

I am a resident of Reston, VA. I am a US Army veteran and Federal retiree with almost 30 years of service to the US. My father’s side of my family immigrated to this country from England sometime in the 1630s. My mother’s side of the family immigrated from Scotland in the late 1750s. To the best of my knowledge, they were undocumented. I believe strongly that I have a right to stay in this country. I have met, heard about, read about, and studied people who have been here longer than my family, and some who have come very recently. If we examine the accomplishments and potential of these folks who arrived before or after my family, none are less deserving of a right to be here. As you study our history and our culture, one realizes that the contributions of immigrants are what makes this country so unique and wonderful. It isn’t how big our Army is, it’s the fact that you can find a taco truck, an Ethiopian restaurant, pottery from Poland, and fashion from France on the same block. It’s in the fact that nearly 100 languages are spoken as mother tongues in Fairfax County Schools. It’s in knowing that this country was built on the backs of African slaves and immigrants from every continent in the world, and the cultures of those immigrants have mixed into the most wonderful stew that we are allowed to enjoy every day. Now, let’s get real. Undocumented people can’t vote, aren’t eligible for benefits, and pay taxes into our system. They work very hard for low wages. Immigrants, much less those who are undocumented, commit crimes at SIGNIFICANTLY lower rates than white men. In short, immigrants are a net gain for our society. The images and stories we are seeing regarding ICE and CBP untrained, unprofessional paramilitary wreaking havoc in Minneapolis is like watching footage from another country. I keep asking myself how we got here, while unfortunately, people of color are saying it has been this way all along. Given that we weren’t aware of the total number of people ICE and CBP killed until they murdered two white people, I am concluding they must be correct. In 2025/26, 40 people have died at the hands of ICE. That is 40 too many. I am in favor of any legislation that hinders the ability of ICE to murder more people regardless of race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual preference, genetic information, immigration status, or whether or not they are exercising their 1st, 2nd, 4th, or 14th Amendment rights. I am in favor of any legislation that allows immigrants a path to citizenship. While a small minority of people may disagree with me, this is NOT a white nation, and I am against any legislation that tries to turn it into one — even if it is couched in pretty language like “protecting our ‘heritage,’ or ‘our women.’” Please pass any legislation that treats our immigrant population in accordance with human rights, human dignity, civic sense, and common decency. Thank you.

(This plea concerns all House and Senate bills that would provide greater protections for our immigrant population and stop government overreach by DHS and ICE.) Letter of Support for Policies Protecting Immigrants Dear Governor Spanberger, Virginia Delegates, and Virginia Senators, As a citizen who sees all humans as treasured and worthy of respect, I ask you, Governor Spanberger and all Virginia delegates and senators, to support all ICE OUT bills, specifically the following bills to benefit the lives of all citizens and provide specific protections for our immigrant community: HB 660 | HB 836 | HB 911 | HB 1161 | HB 1260 | HB 1265 | HB 1438 | HB 1440 | HB 1441 | HB 1442 | HB 1482 | HB 1492 SB 351 | SB 352 | SB 446 | SB 783 | What each of us has witnessed in California, Washington State, Chicago, North Carolina, and Minneapolis to include traumatization of targeted people and onlookers, great injury, and execution style killings must not become business as usual in Virginia. Please regard the humanity in each person across our Commonwealth and support the passage of these bills. Thank you, Mary Lib Morgan 12401 Dutton Road | Apt 2409 | Midlothian, VA 23113 (804) 928-2057

As a longtime Virginia resident and a person of faith, I am alarmed by ICE's and the DHS's recent gross misconduct, including murdering U.S. citizen. Therefore: I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.

I support any bill that abolishes ICE. We need to go back to a civilized nation. At the moment we are not one. Killing innocent Americans for demonstrating their first amendment rights. We need to stop rounding up people for the color of their skin. This is not a Wild West rodeo. Our government has violated numerous constitutional laws by not doing lawful procedures. We promised after the concentration camps where Japanese citizens were detained that America would not do that again. Again America has broken its promise to its citizens. They are removing people who are not criminals and people seeking a better life. Some as they appear for court hearings that they needed to do to become citizens. Let’s go back to a civilized country and start respecting both law and order and stop quotas on human beings. You are helping Americans and the world lose any respect left for America and its government. The three murders that gunned down Renee Good and Alex Pretti had YEARS on the CBP or ICE before those killings. It was like watching a firing squad executing people for no reason. Just being around people that were trigger happy and had no training from years ago. I have watched children have guns held up to their faces. CHILDREN. You are taught to never draw your weapon as a fear tactic or a control technique. It’s common knowledge. Let’s make real immigration laws that help people become American. These immigrants pay more into our treasury than Trump did for three years only paying $750 each year. Or Amazon that paid no taxes. The immigrants contribute to our country and economy unlike billionaires and corporations. Actually we have subsidized Elon more than any taxes he has paid. He has caused more harm to America and Americans safety than any immigrant. Stop this funding of this illegal under trained private police that is not protecting Americans but killing them. I question how anyone who supports this can even say they are Christian. From the brutality of humans in detention, lack of medical care, food that I would only put in my compost bin, to breaking up families, the abuse and murder I have seen and the rounding up by skin color. You do know Jesus was a dark skin Palestinian don’t you? So guess he would be rounded up if he was around today. I have never been so ashamed to be an American and I’m 72 years old. But I know it wasn’t me that made the decisions it was you. That gives me some peace. Find your soul, remember again why we were given the statue of liberty or let’s donate it to a country worthy of that beacon of light. We are distinguishing its significance. I hope you also were able to see the monks marching for peace. They are true humans with love and kindness to all. I am grateful to see so many people touched by them and their journey. In solidarity, Cindy Johnston

Please vote in favor of protecting our immigrants from ICE harm!

I SUPPORT all bills EXCEPT HB1459 I OPPOSE HB1459

I want the legislators to support the above designated bills and any bill that will cut funding, decrease, limit or completely shut down community and law enforcement support for ICE.

I strongly support all the proposed legislation for protecting my neighbors and community, providing civil causes of action, placing a 9/1/26 termination date on existing local ICE agreements. We should not be using our tax dollars and other resources to assist a law-breaking federal government that is pardoning drug traffickers, killing and detaining legal residents and citizens, and promising protection for its agents who violate our Constitutional rights. Thank you.

Citizens of all races bought there firearms in a legal manner.Now with a stroke of a pen possibly made illegal..Oppressing and infringement laws are a racist act..The legislators are infringing on rights of different ethnicities, color,culture.The majority of the authors who wrote the bills are white..Some have come from other countries where there rights were oppressed. Now in turn they are the oppressors of American citizens..Citizens are brothers and sisters..And you decide Are the legislators racist in writing these bills..? Sad to see..This will be in record for future generations to see..Let's hope they learn from history and not repeat it .

HB1459: SUPPORT HB1524: OPPOSE, both the VA and US constitutions protect the right to carry any legally owned firearms. Both the VA and US constitutions protect the right to own center-fire rifles, center-fire pistols, and shotguns that accept a magazine of greater than 10 rounds SB27: OPPOSE, this unconstitutionally, unfairly, and unjustly empowers anyone to hold the firearms industry responsible for actions of others outsides of the industry's control. SB38: OPPOSE, the language prohibiting persons under 21 is unconstitutional. The language prohibiting a cohabitant is also unconstitutional. SB86: SUPPORT SB173: OPPOSE, this violates Virginians' constitutional rights. Virginians have the right to carry a firearm for their personal protection anywhere that lacks sufficient security to assume responsibility for the safety of any disarmed persons and that lacks safe storage of firearms carried to and from such location. SB272: OPPOSE, this violates Virginians' constitutional rights. Virginians have the right to carry a firearm for their personal protection anywhere that lacks sufficient security that assumes responsibility for the safety of any disarmed persons and that lacks safe storage of firearms carried to and from such location. SB323: OPPOSE, Virginians should be free to build or customize personally owned firearms without serial numbers. SB337: OPPOSE, this language seems to attempt to legislate based only the current circumstances surrounding national guard deployments in the US. This could hinder an Adjutant General from acting responsibly and prudently under possible future circumstances currently unforeseen.

With respect to HB 1459, I am in favor of this bill. Cooperation with federal authorities shouldn't need to be legislated, but we live in strange times where some people seem to have forgotten we share a country and should be on the same team rather than adversarial to one another.

Why are you discriminating against people of different races and ethnicity. ,? And for a person who is poor? Imposing the bills will make it expensive ,less affordable for someone to purchase a firearm for self defense..

Why discriminate against the constituency whom voted you into office? Vote against the bills..

Firearms were used to free slaves, And self defense..This mantra of self defense carries on ..A hundred years later..You would attempt to limit a constituents right to self defense.. Illegal discrimination ..Do the right thing Vote against the bills..

This critique is true. Will one of you legislators have the courtesy to step out of the groupthink and vote against the gun bills ..? The challenge is to have the guts to do it..Firearms are used for self defense..Freeing citizens from slavery. Sport shooting creates tax revenue and jobs.

The authors of the bills know they cannot ban guns outright..Create hardship bills so a constituent will not want to carry..Delegate, because you possibly do like firearms ..Is it your role ,to treat constituents in a discriminating way..? Against a class of citizens..? Liberals own gun too Not just conservatives..Vote against the bills.

The second amendment is a right not a privilege that can be taken away or will be taken away. Our right or sovereign under the constitution second amendment shall not be in French. Why don’t y’all work on making punishments more harsh for the criminals that rape people moles, children murder, and so on. Instead of trying to make hard-working, taxpaying citizens criminals

Good morning, As a lifelong Virginia resident I can’t believe what bills are even being considered. My name is Chandler Cobb and I currently reside in Isle of Wight County in Smithfield, VA. I’m a Christian, a disabled Veteran, a husband, and I am against any bills that take away our God-given, govt protected, Second Amendment rights. I’ve been a concealed weapons licensee for over 20 years and have never had to fire my weapon in defense of myself or another. That is the story with 99% of Virginian concealed weapons license holders. We also prevent harm without having to fire a single round. The recent Supreme Court precedent set in Bruen and Heller, makes every anti-second amendment bill written UNCONSTITUTIONAL and will eventually be overturned by SCOTUS. Please do not support any bills that take away our rights. These bills will do absolutely nothing nothing to make VA safer and will actually make us less safe. Legal gun owners in this country and this state follow the laws, but criminals don’t care what laws you write banning firearms as they don’t follow laws. These bills only hurt us law abiding concealed weapons license holders and gun owners in VA. Furthermore, there are millions of standard capacity magazines and AR15 sporting rifles and handguns that carry standard capacity magazines. You all are making instant criminals out of not only every Virginian, but anyone driving through our great state. I ask you all to vote NO on EVERY gun bill that infringes on our rights and that’s any bill adding regulations and restrictions on the firearms millions of us own. Thank you and God bless, Chandler Cobb Soli Deo Gloria~ Sic Semper Tyranis~

I stand with the VCDL's position on the firearms related bills. I oppose all Gun Control.

I strongly encourage delegates to OPPPOSE this bill. It's a clear attempt at trolling the committee and is a deeply inappropriately titled bill. It expands access for ICE to jails and prisons and would directly conflict with 287(g) bans. The way this bill was introduced shows flagrant disrespect for the assembly and unseriousness from Zehr. Please table this.

I urge you to oppose HB1459. Federal law enforcement agencies are commiting unconstitutional acts, and Virginian law enforcement must not collaborate with them. My family knows a naturalized U.S. citizen from El Salvador who came to the United States because he married a U.S. citizen. He was arrested in Pennsylvania and held for three days, because they thought he might be an undocumented alien based on racial/ethnic profiling. He had to hire a lawyer to get out. Virginia law enforcement must not cooperate with Federal security forces that are carrying out such unconstitutional activities. In Minnesota, ICE is detaining people who are lawfully present in the United States and sending them to camps in Texas that do not have appropriate conditions for life. Virginia cannot be a part of such human rights violations. My name is Julie Schechter Torres. I am from Falls Church City. Please vote against this bill.

Elizabeth Reyna de Sorto My name is Elizabeth Reyna de Sorto, and I am a resident of Loudoun County. We arrived in this country in 2019. We came together as a family—my children, my husband, and I. From the outset, we settled here in Virginia. My husband and I began working and paying taxes. We also started the process to resolve our immigration status. We obtained our driver’s licenses, and last year we received our work permits under the protection of a U Visa. When we received the U Visa work permit, we felt that our family finally had stability. But sadly, in January of this year, everything changed. My husband was on his way to work when he was stopped in a traffic stop by Leesburg police. He showed his driver’s license and waited patiently. The officer went back to his car and stayed inside until four ICE vehicles arrived. They took my husband without saying anything to him, despite the fact that he had a valid work permit and a valid driver’s license. He was detained for two weeks in ICE custody and then deported to El Salvador. We do not understand why they committed this injustice, leaving me alone with our five children and all the expenses. My husband is the head of our household, and this situation is affecting us economically and psychologically. These are some of the injustices we are suffering. I ask you to approve all the bills that protect our communities from ICE raids in Virginia—especially those that eliminate 287(g) and all the contracts associated with it. Thank you.

I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills protect sensitive spaces such as courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places, and hospitals from intimidation by federal immigration enforcement. They strengthen public trust and improve accountability by restricting law enforcement officers from obscuring their identities. I oppose HB1459, which would force state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would seriously damage public trust in local law enforcement.

I have watched the news and live feeds from Minneapolis, and today I watched testimonies of violations, physical abuse and murder by ICE. It is hard to not see we are in a Constitutional and humanitarian crisis at a scale I never thought could happen here. Please do not bring this to VA. As Virginia is the birthplace of our Constitution, can we make the choice to refuse this standing army, search and seizures? the beatings and destruction of property and disruption of freedom peace and commerce ICE and similar agencies leave in their wake? We are not being protected by them, but living in terror of them. The trust is gone. And, every decent law enforcement officer carries the massive burden of association with these violent, incompetent, sadistic, rogue, racist hypocrites. Ice must be abolished NOW. Humane reform to immigration law, the justice system, detention conditions (including medical care, oversight without notice, access to lawyers without being shipped out, family visits, and provisions for the safety of people who trusted our country as asylum seekers .) As for actual ,violent criminals- we have a system in place and none of this is necessary if we have trust between communities and law enforcement. Ice needs to be scrapped first for something new - for the people, with the consent of the people , to take its place. What are they but roving patrols racial profiling? I am PROUD of our civil rights legacy in our state. We can take a stand and refuse funding and quartering. We should all be able to look to law enforcement as heroes- the people we could call for help. Every act by ICE... The stalking in the streets, the threats to peaceful protestors and Constitutional recorders, and the fear so many goo community members, citizens snd non-citizens live with every day does not even feel like our country. To think we spend this massive amount of money to torment people working hard and doing their best? I'd rather the money go to give a family a shot at the American Dream, instead of paying someone to try to turn guns on them for pay. Our immigrants- They are our heart. They love this country and its promise. They are strong and brave and they work hard and have strong families and faith. They are full of love and share art, culture, dance, music, food and traditions, a love for community many of us can learn from. It is a terrible thing to not embrace and love these people who give so much and ask for so little. I cannot understand how these people are treated like an object to kick, hold down, choke, gun down, jail or murder, without so much as looking at paperwork. Please end this now, for the love of God. If you do not abolish ICE, remove funding and contracts and don't allow masks or lack of badges. Help prosecute when THEY are the violent criminals. But really, get them out and keep them out. Let our own trained police officers handle the crime. Thank you.

I am a resident in the city of Richmond and I demand the restriction and removal of ICE agents from our communities. I support the bills put forth that seek to limit the access and activities of immigration and law enforcement agents. Thank you

My name is Lillian Komarow. I am a resident of District 12. I am submitting this testimony in support of HB 1441, HB 1440, HB 1442, HB 650, HB 1260, HB 1262, HB 1265, HB 1438, HB 1482, and HB 1492. I am also writing in opposition to HB 1459. I grew up in the extremely diverse Northern Virginia area and I know that immigrants are a huge part of what makes Virginia the beautiful melting pot that it is. I know that immigrants have a wide array of reasons to come to Virginia, but ultimately my personal experience has shown me that immigrants want to live and work in peace. They contribute to Virginia in many positive ways economically and culturally– not that that should be a requirement to be treated humanely. Even if I did not have this background, I would know that the terror we are seeing ICE indiscriminately inflict on undocumented immigrants and US citizens alike across the country is abhorrent. It is imperative that Virginia citizens are able to freely access community services without fear of harassment from federal agents. Across the country we are seeing ICE and CBP agents deliberately terrorize families simply trying to take their children to school or to the doctor. There have been stories on the news of domestic violence victims being too afraid of ICE terrorization to show up to their court dates. Ultimately the actions of ICE are deterring people from accessing important services, and this creates ripple effects into the community by making us ALL less safe. Please protect Virginia citizens by passing HB 1440, HB 650, HB 1260, through. The Commonwealth has both the right and the duty to ensure free and fair election for its citizens. Elections cannot be free and fair when people are afraid of being detained at polling places solely due to their appearance. ICE agents’ presence at polling places would be nothing short of voter intimidation. Please protect the sanctity of our elections by passing HB 1442 through. The responsibility of local and state law enforcement should be to protect and serve Virginia citizens, not waste our resources and create mistrust by collaborating with increasingly hostile federal immigration operations. In addition to sapping limited state and local resources, collaboration blurs accountability for racial profiling and other abusive tactics federal agents take, and opens Virginia police departments up to lawsuits. Both law enforcement leaders and crime victim advocacy organizations alike have spoken out against Virginia law enforcement participating in immigration enforcement, citing eroded trust between police and victims, and even described instances of domestic violence and sexual assault survivors being unwilling to seek assistance. Please pass HB 1442 to prevent this mistrust and wasting of resources, as well as HB 1262 so that Virginians can trust that they are not falling into a trap when seeking immigration assistance services, HB 1264 so that Virginia citizens know they have an Accountability Commission keeping watch on federal agents conducting military style operations in the Commonwealth, and HB 1482 so that federal agents can further be held accountable by not concealing their identity. For the purpose of protecting Virginians, our resources, and our right to free and fair elections, I respectfully urge this committee to support HB 1441, HB 1440, HB 1442, HB 650, HB 1260, HB 1262, HB 1265, HB 1438, HB 1482, and HB 1492 and oppose HB 1459.

Dear Virginia House of Delegates, I am writing in support of all bills in this Block 1 subcommittee (HB650; HB1260; HB1262; HB1264; HB1265; HB1438; HB1440; HB1441; HB1442; HB1453; HB1459; HB1482; and HB1492). Each bill has the same underlying principles, in my view, that undergird each one and is worthy of widespread support and consideration. 1) Greater accountability for any abuses of power - something our government is supposedly predicated upon from its foundations of checks and balances. 2) Respect of human dignity - lest we forget another person's humanity and spiral into forms of depravity experienced on widespread scale even within our lifetimes, our parents' lifetimes, or our grandparents' lifetimes, anytime dehumanization becomes the norm and public opinion becomes apathetic we ought to have sirens blaring warning signals. As a conflict prevention and response professional, I have thorough knowledge of human rights abuses at widespread scale at the hands of unchecked power -- the enslavement of Africans and brutality of the chattel slave trade and its legacy of abuses through the Jim Crow Era onward, the forced disappearances of Argentina and Chile, the Holocaust, forced kidnappings and assimilations of First Nations and Native American children at Indian Boarding Schools in Canada and the United States, and more. These bills hold that some places ought to be preserved to honor the humanity in our neighbors, even those who may be undocumented - polling places, courthouses, schools. These bills provide guardrails that Virginia needs to both maintain the humanity of all people, even those who are undocumented. It serves to safeguard the hearts and minds of those citizens and legal residents who have been continuously profiled based on their perceived or actual national origin, and provides more psychological safety for those in our communities who are being targeted from the national stage to local actors dispatched from ICE who have done nothing unlawful. These forcible, unchecked, and brute forces of strength have brought about unnecessary and widespread fear, school absences, medical inattention for fear of being targeted in public, and traumatic experiences for young children and youth. Virginia House of Delegates must provide a healthy check and balance and honor its constituents. Vote in support of these bills. Sincerely, Jena Kitchen

I am a resident of Alexandria HD 5, and I am writing to oppose HB1459. This bill is misleadingly named and does nothing to protect Virginians. Instead, this bill makes us less safe by causing distrust of state and local law enforcement, who would be forced to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement without judicial warrants. Such a bill would make community members, myself included, feel less safe to contact police or other law enforcement due to a fear of causing someone to be deported (the caller, victim, or suspect). This would mean that whenever someone takes someone into custody, even if they are not ultimately charged, they are at risk of being taken by federal immigration authorities. We have seen the administration revoke visas, temporary protective status, and other legal means for people to live in the United States. Many of those taken by immigration authorities are documented and are deported anyway. Regardless of documented status, we see clearly that immigration enforcement is being used indiscriminately to target black and brown members of our community and we cannot provide any assistance to this abhorrent system. We cannot allow this bill to pass and put our community at increased risk of being torn apart by this administration. Vote no on this morally corrupt, intellectually dishonest, and poorly written bill "Ice [sic]-Free Communities Act".

I am writing in strong opposition to HB1459. Over the past months I have been completely horrified by the unconscionable acts committed by immigration officials, in Minnesota and across the country. I have seen my fellow Americans gunned down in the streets. I have seen people being dragged from their homes. I have seen a 5 year old boy used as bait, to lure other family members into the hands of immigration officials. This madness must stop, and it is the responsibility of every elected official to do everything in their power to protect their communities from this violence. It is the responsibility of every elected official to ensure that ICE, DHS and immigration cannot commit any more atrocities on our streets. This bill would facilitate cooperation between immigration officials. If this were to occur, it would place our communities, and community members at even greater risk of their violence and atrocities. I strongly oppose HB1459 and urge the House of Delegates to do the same.

I support this bill and am in favor of the increased safety it will provide for our communities and for my neighbors. I support banning face coverings for federal officers, restricting immigration enforcement officers to 40 feet from polling places, and prohibiting immigration enforcement from schools, hospitals and other above mentioned safe spaces. Limits need to be placed on rogue federal agents, due process upheld and American communities protected.

Any even mildly engaged Virginian ought be alarmed at the slow civil war being carried out on the people of Minneapolis. That is why I fully support HB1264 and HB1482 as critical societal checks on the administration's unfettered military force. Additionally, I support HB650/HB1260 (aren't these the same bill?), HB1265, HB1438, HB1440, and HB1441 for creating safe places and walling off our own government and enforcement agencies from this radical influence. Lastly, steps taken in HB1442 could become extremely important to protecting our democracy as the administration would spiritually invert the Second and Third Enforcement Acts, using the same federal authority that stopped the KKK from harassing black voters in 1870 to instead perform the same kind of intimidation on brown voters in 2026. I oppose HB1459's mandate of cooperation with ICE to snatch untried people out of custody, circumvent the consequences of convicted people by our own justice system, or enact additional punitive measures post incarceration. There is additional alarming language that might imply "going after the families". If state and local PD have a case where they want to cooperate, they already can do so. This bill removes that choice and puts it into a provably untrustworthy institution. I generally support HB1262 and HB1492 for cracking down on bad actors that would take advantage of these troubling times. However, I question the necessity of HB1492: while the long imagined scenario is extremely troubling, we have already seen what evils actual ICE officers are capable of, and how low the bar for entry is. Would this actually help? I mislike HB1453, which goes against our rights as American citizens and good Samaritans to non-violently oppose the actions of federal terrorists.

My name is Susan Kohn. I am a resident of District 15. I am submitting this testimony in support of HB 650,1260, 1262,1264,1265,1438,1440,1441,1453,1492 and in opposition of HB 1459 and 1482. As a pediatrician I am horrified to see my immigrant patients and their families living in fear. I work with children through a non-profit organization that helps to provide access to medical and dental care in Fairfax County. We see hardworking families who are afraid to access health care or even to send their children to school. They worry when someone leaves the house. Will they come back from work, the grocery store, court or school- or be taken by ICE? How can they continue to provide for their children? The children and teens I see were brought to the United States for a better life. Many experienced violence, political upheaval and uncertainty or severe poverty in their countries of origin, which led their parents to seek a place of safety, where they could thrive. My grandparents came to this country in the face of pogroms that terrorized our families in Eastern Europe. They worked hard, as our current immigrants do, to make a future for their children. Our Jewish sacred texts obligate us to care for the stranger and treat all with respect and kindness. They are part of the fabric of a great society. Our neighbors must be able to testify in court if they have been victimized or if they have requested asylum, without the fear of being deported when they show up. All Virginians, whether they are citizens or not, must have the right to access schools, hospitals, places of worship and polling places without fear of intimidation or deportation. All must be able to clearly see the identity of law enforcement personnel and have their day in court with proper representation if accused. Local police should be doing the work of maintaining safety for all residents- not helping ICE deport people without due process. As a Virginian I believe we have a duty to protect those who are most vulnerable in our community. At this time it is our immigrant neighbors who need our help. I respectfully urge this committee to support HB 650, 1260, 1262, 1264, 1265,1438, 1440, 1441,1442, 1453,1492 and oppose HB1459 and HB1482.

I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.

My comment refers to all bills on the agenda. The Commonwealth of Virginia must take any and all legal action to prevent ICE from terrorizing any Virginia individual or community. This includes all people who come to this country seeking a better life for themselves and their families, just as the many millions before them have done throughout America’s history.

We want public safety, not public abductions and executions. We have learned that ICE does not respect rule of law or human rights, so support these bills to keep Virginians safe. Every child deserves an education. Every child deserves to be safe at school. Every sick or injured person deserves medical care. So keep ICE out of our school, hospitals, and courthouses. No judicial warrant should mean no entry- and limit what civil arrests can take place in courthouses. We want police to protect, not persecute. So eliminate 287g agreements in Virginia. Allow our local law enforcement to do their job of keeping communities safe, instead of doing ICE's dirty work for them. We want rule of law, not rule by masked mobs. Do not allow law enforcement to cover their faces. That's not community policing- that's KKK tactics. We want free and fair elections, not a return to Jim Crow era intimidation at the polls. Citizens are not safe from ICE, either. Do not allow the federal government to use "immigration enforcement" as a rouse to silence eligible voters through fear and profiling. Support: HB650 - Callsen HB1260 - Shin HB1262 - Glass HB1264 - Shin HB1265 - Glass HB1438 - Guzman HB1440 - Lopez HB1441 - Lopez HB1442 - Lopez HB1453 - Williams HB1459 - Zehr HB1482 - Schmidt HB1492 - Shin

I oppose this collaboration of law enforcement with ICE. It will not make our communities safer. ICE has shown itself to be cruel and lawless without respect for the rule of law or human life. To release people into their custody is a violation of the rule of law, of human rights and an attack on our community.

I’m very concerned with the overreaching of ICE. They have terrorized communities, broken apart families, disrupted children’s education, wrongfully detained people and even murdered American citizens. Please keep all safeguards in place to protect our citizens. Warrants should be in place before they come after people. ICE agents should follow the same laws and training that police officers are required to. ICE should not be allowed to wait outside or enter courthouses. They should not be wearing masks. This is leading to more dangerous escalations as we have seen in Minneapolis. Please vote to protect the rights of our people, maintain a safe community, and honor the laws and Constitution of our once great country. Please listen to your constituents. We are a country of immigrants and we are all humans. Do what is right.

Please support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. Please oppose HB1459. I have taught English to immigrants (both adults and children) here in Roanoke for 15 years. They come from all over the world, speak all different languages, and practice all different religions. They are some of the most grateful, respectful, hard working, generous people I've met. They are a gift and a blessing to my community. All of them want to become legal citizens and contribute to our society. The undocumented ones are here out of desperation and our immigration system makes it impossible for them to be here legally while being safe from the danger of their home countries. I fear for their safety since ICE is unconstitutionally invading people's homes, detaining people without warrants, detaining people who have no criminal record, and have detained legal immigrants and even U.S. citizens. ICE is operating carelessly and irresponsibly. Please protect my immigrant neighbors, students, and friends. Thank you.

I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.

SUPPORT: HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, HB1482, HB1492. OPPOSE: HB1459 Our communities deserve protection from the overreach of the federal government. At a minimum, this means putting strong boundaries on the activity of federal immigration officers and requiring them to follow existing laws and those that are enacted by this general assembly. We need to protect sensitive spaces like schools, courtrooms, places of worship, hospitals and polling places from ICE/CBP intimidation. All officers - including local law enforcement - should be prohibited from wearing masks or face coverings and ID should be required. In addition, local law enforcement should be prohibited from entering agreements with federal immigration officers and judicial warrants for enforcement should be required. Currently our communities are less safe. We need to stop the unchecked abusive activity by ICE/CBP.

This bill is named something completely different from what it could do and I oppose HB1459. Why would VA law enforcement need to cooperate on an ICE/CBP related detention with details of a release, etc. These are different roles and VA law enforcement is not paid to assist DHS law enforcement.

I am in support for HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers; restricts face coverings and requires identification of law enforcement; and prohibits state/local law enforcement from entering agreements with federal immigration officers; requires judicial warrants for enforcement of immigration; I oppose HB1459, misleadingly titled "The Ice-free Communities Act". Requires that when VA law enforcement is holding someone in custody and receives an immigration detainer, they must notify ICE/CBP of the date and time of the detainee's expected release.

This is an opportunity for the Commonwealth to respect and protect the riaghts of ALL Virginia citizens. I strongly I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482.

I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.

My name is Rachel Waldstein. I am a resident of District #1. I am submitting this testimony in support of the following bills: • HB 650 Callsen Courthouses • HB 1260 Shin Public elementary/secondary schools, etc; federal immigration investigation and enforcement activities • HB 1262 Glass Va Consumer Protection Act • HB 1264 Shin Virginia Accountability Commission • HB 1265 Glass Courthouses • HB 1438 Guzman 287g • HB 1440 Lopez Protected Areas • HB 1441 Lopez 287g • HB 1442 Lopez Polling Place Protections • HB 1482 Schmidt facemasks • HB 1492 Shin Impersonating federal law enforcement officer I oppose the following bills: • HB 1453 Williams Approaching a first responder with specified intent after a warning; penalty • HB 1459 Zehr Ice-Free Communities Act; notification to federal immigration authorities of pending release of certain prisoners from custody I am a member of Congregation Etz Hayim in Arlington and spent a large part of my career representing the U.S. government in the protection of human rights around the world. I support HB 650, 1260, 1262, 1264, 1265, 1438, 1440, 1441, 1442, 1482, and 1492 based on my Jewish values and my life’s work. Jewish tradition and law recognize the equality and dignity of all people and respect their right to life, bodily integrity, health, housing, education, and due process. The Jewish people have been refugees many times in the past and have often experienced mistreatment by authoritarian governments. It is thus my duty to stand in support of marginalized communities and against government abuses. Law enforcement authorities should not deprive anyone--even those in this country illegally--of life, liberty, or property without following established legal procedures that respect their rights. Since the Federal government has abdicated its responsibilities before the law and Constitution, it is up to the States to uphold national and international human rights law. Passing the above listed bills will make our communities to be safer and will give Commonwealth officials a legal basis to push back on Federal law enforcement officials who break the law. I strongly believe HB 650, 1260, 1262, 1264, 1265, 1438, 1440, 1441, 1442, 1482, and 1492 will improve the lives of all Virginians by allowing us to return our focus to strengthening our economy, education and healthcare systems, and by returning a sense of humanity to our Commonwealth. I oppose HB 1453 and 1459, which I believe will create more fear in our communities and impede Virginians’ ability to express their First Amendment rights. I respectfully urge this committee to support HB 650, 1260, 1262, 1264, 1265, 1438, 1440, 1441, 1442, 1482, and 1492 and to oppose HB 1453 and 1459.

I oppose the passing of HB1459.

Bills HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482 have my support and I think they are needed in these times. Courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals should be safe places for al and free from heavy handed ICE tactics.. I oppose HB1459 -- ICE should not get any help from law-abiding Virginia forces.

I have provided comments supportive of all the bills but would like to clarify that I (like many others) oppose this one. We need our law enforcement free to build trust in the community and focus on public safety. Particularly so long as ICE/BP are acting illegitimately as paramilitary forces without regard for the constitutional rights of every human in the US, it is all the more vital to separate law enforcement institutions and on-the-street activities from those of ICE/BP and other affiliates.

I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.

I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.

I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.

I support all these bills which, to my reading of them, extend protections of the law to people attending court appointments so that they cannot be detained by immigration enforcement authorities (or people impersonating immigration enforcement authorities). I support requiring law enforcement officials to not wear masks and to have visible identification, and also not to engage in immigration enforcement activities. I also support bills which protect schools, churches, and private workplaces from immigration enforcement activities, and require judicial warrants (warrants signed by a judge) for any immigration enforcement operation. I would like to see bills requiring due process for any persons detained, including but not limited to access to a lawyer, ability to make phone calls, and right to be treated with dignity and humanity.

Writing as a concerned Virginia resident and parent. I support passage of any bill that limits or prevents ICE from acting lawlessly as they have been around any protected spaces. Our neighbors, children and communities should be able to safely conduct business and learn without fear of ICE grabbing them, possibly causing long term trauma from over aggressive tactics to settle what is a civil matter. I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442 and HB1482. I oppose HB1459 to work with ICE in any capacity due to their cruelty.

As a concerned resident of Alexandria who cares deeply about my neighbors, I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I strongly oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.

To Va State Legislators, The Trump regime is terrorizing our communities across the US with brutal Immigration enforcement campaigns designed to test the limits of Executive power and the nation’s willingness to stand up against Trump’s Power grab. Masked federal agents are teargassing babies and pastors, Kidnapping neighbors and shipping them off to what will soon be known as American Concentration Camps. To make matters worse these thugs are Killing innocent people right in front of our own eyes. This is outrageous. This pattern of unchecked violence and abuse by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Border Patrol, and other federal law enforcement agencies must end. And surely these types of operations by such thugs have NO PLACE IN our state of VIRGINIA! As state legislators, YOU can rein in this type of lawlessness and protect Virginians from these types of unconstitutional actions and keep us all safe from these thugs! We support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills above would protect sensitive spaces like cortrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. Simply put, Passage of these bills will strengthen public trust and improve accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. We oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement. Please work together and vote to Pass HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. Keeping our Virginians safe and protected is your number one job! AND OPPOSE HB 1459 to keep us safe and to build public trust in law enforcement! Your constituents, James and Elizabeth Dolan Arlington, Va. 02/04/2026

I am a resident of Virginia state district 39. We have seen our fair share of unidentified, masked men who have harassed and intimidated our citizens. Please move these bills forward. I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.

It is clear to me that the actions of ICE and CBP are not simply aimed at carrying out immigration laws; these federal agencies are rapidly being turned into a paramilitary force whose purposes are intimidation and provocation. Virginians will not tolerate exposure of sensitive paces to their tactics, or collaboration with them by state and local law enforcement. Consequently, I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, HB1482, and I oppose HB1459.

I am a resident of Reston, VA. I am a US Army veteran and Federal retiree with almost 30 years of service to the US. My father’s side of my family immigrated to this country from England sometime in the 1630s. My mother’s side of the family immigrated from Scotland in the late 1750s. To the best of my knowledge, they were undocumented. I believe strongly that I have a right to stay in this country. I have met, heard about, read about, and studied people who have been here longer than my family, and some who have come very recently. If we examine the accomplishments and potential of these folks who arrived before or after my family, none are less deserving of a right to be here. As you study our history and our culture, one realizes that the contributions of immigrants are what makes this country so unique and wonderful. It isn’t how big our Army is, it’s the fact that you can find a taco truck, an Ethiopian restaurant, pottery from Poland, and fashion from France on the same block. It’s in the fact that nearly 100 languages are spoken as mother tongues in Fairfax County Schools. It’s in knowing that this country was built on the backs of African slaves and immigrants from every continent in the world, and the cultures of those immigrants have mixed into the most wonderful stew that we are allowed to enjoy every day. Now, let’s get real. Undocumented people can’t vote, aren’t eligible for benefits, and pay taxes into our system. They work very hard for low wages. Immigrants, much less those who are undocumented, commit crimes at SIGNIFICANTLY lower rates than white men. In short, immigrants are a net gain for our society. The images and stories we are seeing regarding ICE and CBP untrained, unprofessional paramilitary wreaking havoc in Minneapolis is like watching footage from another country. I keep asking myself how we got here, while unfortunately, people of color are saying it has been this way all along. Given that we weren’t aware of the total number of people ICE and CBP killed until they murdered two white people, I am concluding they must be correct. In 2025/26, 40 people have died at the hands of ICE. That is 40 too many. I am in favor of any legislation that hinders the ability of ICE to murder more people regardless of race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual preference, genetic information, immigration status, or whether or not they are exercising their 1st, 2nd, 4th, or 14th Amendment rights. I am in favor of any legislation that allows immigrants a path to citizenship. While a small minority of people may disagree with me, this is NOT a white nation, and I am against any legislation that tries to turn it into one — even if it is couched in pretty language like “protecting our ‘heritage,’ or ‘our women.’” Please pass any legislation that treats our immigrant population in accordance with human rights, human dignity, civic sense, and common decency. Thank you.

(This plea concerns all House and Senate bills that would provide greater protections for our immigrant population and stop government overreach by DHS and ICE.) Letter of Support for Policies Protecting Immigrants Dear Governor Spanberger, Virginia Delegates, and Virginia Senators, As a citizen who sees all humans as treasured and worthy of respect, I ask you, Governor Spanberger and all Virginia delegates and senators, to support all ICE OUT bills, specifically the following bills to benefit the lives of all citizens and provide specific protections for our immigrant community: HB 660 | HB 836 | HB 911 | HB 1161 | HB 1260 | HB 1265 | HB 1438 | HB 1440 | HB 1441 | HB 1442 | HB 1482 | HB 1492 SB 351 | SB 352 | SB 446 | SB 783 | What each of us has witnessed in California, Washington State, Chicago, North Carolina, and Minneapolis to include traumatization of targeted people and onlookers, great injury, and execution style killings must not become business as usual in Virginia. Please regard the humanity in each person across our Commonwealth and support the passage of these bills. Thank you, Mary Lib Morgan 12401 Dutton Road | Apt 2409 | Midlothian, VA 23113 (804) 928-2057

As a longtime Virginia resident and a person of faith, I am alarmed by ICE's and the DHS's recent gross misconduct, including murdering U.S. citizen. Therefore: I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.

I support any bill that abolishes ICE. We need to go back to a civilized nation. At the moment we are not one. Killing innocent Americans for demonstrating their first amendment rights. We need to stop rounding up people for the color of their skin. This is not a Wild West rodeo. Our government has violated numerous constitutional laws by not doing lawful procedures. We promised after the concentration camps where Japanese citizens were detained that America would not do that again. Again America has broken its promise to its citizens. They are removing people who are not criminals and people seeking a better life. Some as they appear for court hearings that they needed to do to become citizens. Let’s go back to a civilized country and start respecting both law and order and stop quotas on human beings. You are helping Americans and the world lose any respect left for America and its government. The three murders that gunned down Renee Good and Alex Pretti had YEARS on the CBP or ICE before those killings. It was like watching a firing squad executing people for no reason. Just being around people that were trigger happy and had no training from years ago. I have watched children have guns held up to their faces. CHILDREN. You are taught to never draw your weapon as a fear tactic or a control technique. It’s common knowledge. Let’s make real immigration laws that help people become American. These immigrants pay more into our treasury than Trump did for three years only paying $750 each year. Or Amazon that paid no taxes. The immigrants contribute to our country and economy unlike billionaires and corporations. Actually we have subsidized Elon more than any taxes he has paid. He has caused more harm to America and Americans safety than any immigrant. Stop this funding of this illegal under trained private police that is not protecting Americans but killing them. I question how anyone who supports this can even say they are Christian. From the brutality of humans in detention, lack of medical care, food that I would only put in my compost bin, to breaking up families, the abuse and murder I have seen and the rounding up by skin color. You do know Jesus was a dark skin Palestinian don’t you? So guess he would be rounded up if he was around today. I have never been so ashamed to be an American and I’m 72 years old. But I know it wasn’t me that made the decisions it was you. That gives me some peace. Find your soul, remember again why we were given the statue of liberty or let’s donate it to a country worthy of that beacon of light. We are distinguishing its significance. I hope you also were able to see the monks marching for peace. They are true humans with love and kindness to all. I am grateful to see so many people touched by them and their journey. In solidarity, Cindy Johnston

I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement

Please vote in favor of protecting our immigrants from ICE harm!

SUPPORT: HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, HB1482, HB1492. OPPOSE: HB1459 Our communities deserve protection from the overreach of the federal government by putting boundaries on the activity of federal immigration law enforcement officers. We need to protect sensitive spaces like schools, courtrooms, places of worship, hospitals and polling places from ICE/CBP intimidation. All officers should be prohibited from wearing masks or face coverings and ID should be required. In addition, local law enforcement should be prohibited from entering agreements with federal immigration officers and judicial warrants for enforcement should be required. Currently our communities are less safe. We need to stop the unchecked abusive activity by ICE/CBP.

I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.

I support these 7 bills that protect sensitive spaces from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust in VA. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust. Thank you.

I believe it is critical to protect Virginians from excessive and brutal immigration enforcement. To that end, I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement and would not serve the interests of the state of Virginia. Thank you for your consideration. Laura Bloodgood

I support HB650, HB1260, HB1438, HB1440, HB1441, HB1442, and HB1482. These bills would protect sensitive spaces like courtrooms, schools, places of worship, polling places and hospitals from the intimidation of federal immigration law enforcement officers. This strengthens public trust and improves accountability by restricting the use of facial coverings to obscure identity of members of law enforcement. I do not support face coverings or lack of ID for any law enforcement I oppose HB1459, which forces state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. This would damage public trust in state and local law enforcement.

I SUPPORT all bills EXCEPT HB1459 I OPPOSE HB1459

I am writing this in OPPOSITION to HB1459 submitted by Delegate Eric Zehr. The individuals who are being released have served their time and should not be subjected to further harassment from immigration authorities who, under Trump, have shown time and time again (particularly with their actions against Renee Good and Alex Pretti) they do not care about public safety or rule of law. Countless individuals who pose no threat to the safety of Americans have been trafficked by ICE to countries they have never even been to where they are forced into brutal concentration camps like CECOT. I encourage everyone to oppose this brutal, inhumane bill.

I strongly support all the proposed legislation for protecting my neighbors and community, providing civil causes of action, placing a 9/1/26 termination date on existing local ICE agreements. We should not be using our tax dollars and other resources to assist a law-breaking federal government that is pardoning drug traffickers, killing and detaining legal residents and citizens, and promising protection for its agents who violate our Constitutional rights. Thank you.

I oppose these bills as it is the job of law enforcement to uphold the laws of the United States and to protect and serve the citizens of Virginia. Citizens is a key word that is misinterpreted in these bills.

Oppose Why are you creating dangerous situations in Virginia’s communities and cities? It is disgraceful that the leftists care more about getting criminals and illegal criminals on their side rather than protecting law abiding citizens in Virginia. This is a shameful way to get votes ! Where were you when former President Obama deported masses of illegal immigrates? Silent and did not care. What a double standard on the left every time. Please stop causing trouble and harm to our lives.

Citizens of all races bought there firearms in a legal manner.Now with a stroke of a pen possibly made illegal..Oppressing and infringement laws are a racist act..The legislators are infringing on rights of different ethnicities, color,culture.The majority of the authors who wrote the bills are white..Some have come from other countries where there rights were oppressed. Now in turn they are the oppressors of American citizens..Citizens are brothers and sisters..And you decide Are the legislators racist in writing these bills..? Sad to see..This will be in record for future generations to see..Let's hope they learn from history and not repeat it .

Why are you discriminating against people of different races and ethnicity. ,? And for a person who is poor? Imposing the bills will make it expensive ,less affordable for someone to purchase a firearm for self defense..

Why discriminate against the constituency whom voted you into office? Vote against the bills..

Firearms were used to free slaves, And self defense..This mantra of self defense carries on ..A hundred years later..You would attempt to limit a constituents right to self defense.. Illegal discrimination ..Do the right thing Vote against the bills..

This critique is true. Will one of you legislators have the courtesy to step out of the groupthink and vote against the gun bills ..? The challenge is to have the guts to do it..Firearms are used for self defense..Freeing citizens from slavery. Sport shooting creates tax revenue and jobs.

The authors of the bills know they cannot ban guns outright..Create hardship bills so a constituent will not want to carry..Delegate, because you possibly do like firearms ..Is it your role ,to treat constituents in a discriminating way..? Against a class of citizens..? Liberals own gun too Not just conservatives..Vote against the bills.

The second amendment is a right not a privilege that can be taken away or will be taken away. Our right or sovereign under the constitution second amendment shall not be in French. Why don’t y’all work on making punishments more harsh for the criminals that rape people moles, children murder, and so on. Instead of trying to make hard-working, taxpaying citizens criminals

Good morning, As a lifelong Virginia resident I can’t believe what bills are even being considered. My name is Chandler Cobb and I currently reside in Isle of Wight County in Smithfield, VA. I’m a Christian, a disabled Veteran, a husband, and I am against any bills that take away our God-given, govt protected, Second Amendment rights. I’ve been a concealed weapons licensee for over 20 years and have never had to fire my weapon in defense of myself or another. That is the story with 99% of Virginian concealed weapons license holders. We also prevent harm without having to fire a single round. The recent Supreme Court precedent set in Bruen and Heller, makes every anti-second amendment bill written UNCONSTITUTIONAL and will eventually be overturned by SCOTUS. Please do not support any bills that take away our rights. These bills will do absolutely nothing nothing to make VA safer and will actually make us less safe. Legal gun owners in this country and this state follow the laws, but criminals don’t care what laws you write banning firearms as they don’t follow laws. These bills only hurt us law abiding concealed weapons license holders and gun owners in VA. Furthermore, there are millions of standard capacity magazines and AR15 sporting rifles and handguns that carry standard capacity magazines. You all are making instant criminals out of not only every Virginian, but anyone driving through our great state. I ask you all to vote NO on EVERY gun bill that infringes on our rights and that’s any bill adding regulations and restrictions on the firearms millions of us own. Thank you and God bless, Chandler Cobb Soli Deo Gloria~ Sic Semper Tyranis~

I stand with the VCDL's position on the firearms related bills. I oppose all Gun Control.

If Democrats are seriously concerned with the violent overreach by the Trump administration, why do they continue to hinder and disarm the people's right to self-defense against a facist, tyrannical government? Would it not make more sense to embolden the people's ability to arm themselves to resist the current administration? Even after the horrific events in Minnesota we continue to hear the same rhetoric against "weapons of war" or "assault rifles". The continued falacy of "Why do you need an AR-15? The government has tanks and drones!" If the ongoing wars in the Middle East or Ukraine have taught us anything it's that you can make do with obsolete or primitive weaponry, but having current weaponry works multitudes better. If the Democrats really want to help the people instead of being yet another faction vying for power, they should urgently drop this platform of gun-control and focus of civil armament. I imagine millions of reluctant leftists, like myself, would gladly vote Democrat if the party would stop trying to take away this basic civil right.

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 writing to you as a concerned constituent of Senate District 13 to express my firm opposition to the package of firearm-related legislation currently moving through the General Assembly. These proposed laws represent a significant departure from our constitutional traditions and, in my view, constitute an impermissible infringement upon the fundamental rights of Virginians. As you cast your votes on these bills, I would like to respectfully remind you of the oath you took upon assuming your office: "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge all the duties incumbent upon me as a Senator... according to the best of my ability, so help me God." This oath is not a mere formality; it is a binding promise to protect the framework of liberty that governs our society. Central to that framework is Article I, Section 13 of the Constitution of Virginia, which explicitly states: "That a well regulated militia, composed of the body of the people, trained to arms, is the proper, natural, and safe defense of a free state, therefore, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed; that standing armies, in time of peace, should be avoided as dangerous to liberty; and that in all cases the military should be under strict subordination to, and governed by, the civil power." Furthermore, the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution makes it clear that the right to keep and bear arms is an individual right that "shall not be infringed." Through the Fourteenth Amendment, this protection is applied to the states, ensuring that: "No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law..." The legal landscape regarding these rights has been further clarified by the United States Supreme Court in NYSRPA v. Bruen. The Court’s decision established that the government must demonstrate that any firearm regulation is consistent with this Nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation. Crucially, the Court has long held that firearms "in common use" for lawful purposes are protected. The AR-15, as the most popular rifle in America, is undeniably in "common use" by millions of law-abiding citizens for self-defense, competition, and hunting. To vote for a ban on such a platform would be a direct violation of the standard set by the highest court in the land. Beyond these legal mandates, I urge you to consider the practical impact on your constituents in Petersburg. These measures do not target criminal intent; instead, they criminalize peaceable citizens for possessing hardware legally acquired and used safely every day. If the goal is to address gun-related violence, I recommend a return to the proven success of Project Exile. In the first year of its implementation in Richmond, homicides dropped by 33% and armed robberies dropped by 30%, according to the Department of Justice. As a legislator, you have the power to prioritize the certainty of prosecution over the administrative restriction of hardware. I urge you to honor your oath and the constitutional protections of all Virginians by voting against these overreaching measures and focusing instead on holding criminals accountable. Sincerely, John G Chaney

I write in stark opposition to the misguided and naive attempts at gun control Virginia legislators have advanced in this term. I’m deeply concerned with Virginia Democrats’ eagerness to immediately pass these sweeping gun bans, such as (but not limited to) HB217 and SB749. These bills, as written, are deeply flawed for many reasons, ranging from the ideological to the practical. First, the practical. The way these bills define “assault weapons” is certainly unconstitutional. They would ban virtually every firearm from private ownership. This will make its way quickly to the Supreme Court, and we all know how that will end. There is precious little evidence supporting the idea that bans like these reduce crime. They are based more on banning what looks scary, rather than what is actually dangerous. It is plain to see that you are passing these laws to score points with your base. Well, I am your base, and I am here to tell you that the opposite is happening. I also want to speak to the ideological side of this. In my time as a community organizer, working with grassroots organizations to do things like defend drag story hours and organize community meals, I have met a broad spectrum of left-wing activists in the DMV community, most of them from marginalized populations. What you may not see or hear is that these people want to learn how to defend themselves. The Liberal Gun Club is overwhelmed with requests for training. Several organizations have been organizing queer-friendly range days, which are also totally overwhelmed with interest. Mainstream firearms training is often unwelcoming and unsafe for these populations, so they rely on the meager capacity of progressive people like me to learn safe and responsible gun ownership. It’s in this environment that we witnessed the cold-blooded murder of Alex Pretti, a man who wanted to protect his community and was summarily executed for exercising his constitutional rights. Interest from marginalized folks in learning to defend themselves has spiked even higher than it already was. A recent free range day offered to members of the queer community filled up signups in 3 minutes. In this time, we cannot be passing laws to deprive our most oppressed populations of the means to defend themselves. Even if you believe that law enforcement is not a threat to us - an idea many I know would firmly reject - it is well known that groups like Patriot Front and the Proud Boys count a large number of NoVa residents amongst their ranks. Beyond HB217/SB749, the other gun control bills that have been advanced (except the one that removes mandatory minimum sentences, which I wholeheartedly support) would increase the rate at which people of color would have to interact with law enforcement, which WILL lead to more incidents like Alex Pretti and Renee Good, and Philando Castile before them. What we need from our legislators in this moment is steadfast PROTECTION of our constitutional rights and of our right to defend ourselves, after four long years of constant bigoted assaults by the Youngkin regime. I urge you to stand up for marginalized communities and what we actually want, which is the protection and preservation of our civil and constitutional rights. Focus your efforts on stopping ICE in our streets, protecting free & fair elections in 2026, and dismantling right wing extremism, not on stripping us of the means to protect ourselves, in a time when we need it most.

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.

To whom ItMay Concern, I, as a law abiding citizen of the great state of Virginia. I strongly oppose HB 1524. David A. Bissett

I am opposed to HB1524's ban on carrying of firearms in general, and in particular the lack of an exemption for concealed carry holders. According to FBI statistics, individuals with a concealed carry permit are 100 times LESS likely to commit a crime than the general public and even 6 times LESS likely to commit a crime than police officers. Concealed carry holders are not a threat to society and, in fact, are you best citizens. An exemption should be permitted.

I firmly oppose this bill, as it will criminalize the carry of some of the most popular and widespread firearms currently in common use among law-abiding firearm owners in the commonwealth, to include those citizens who have gone through the training necessary to obtain a concealed carry license. Criminalizing the innocent for a victimless crime will have no positive impact on public safety, and may well be to its detriment.

This is absurd and not a bill created out of the reality our state faces.

Citizens of all races bought there firearms in a legal manner.Now with a stroke of a pen possibly made illegal..Oppressing and infringement laws are a racist act..The legislators are infringing on rights of different ethnicities, color,culture.The majority of the authors who wrote the bills are white..Some have come from other countries where there rights were oppressed. Now in turn they are the oppressors of American citizens..Citizens are brothers and sisters..And you decide Are the legislators racist in writing these bills..? Sad to see..This will be in record for future generations to see..Let's hope they learn from history and not repeat it .

As written this bill is too aggressive and will criminalize most firearm owners. This bill criminalizes the transportation of firearms that match this criteria (most sporting rifles and pistols) on public roads and sidewalks. On face value that sounds reasonable, however there are several lack of carve outs that would criminalize reasonable and lawful activity. For example the only exemption for this law is transporting these sorts of firearms to shooting ranges and for hunting. In addition, there is no clarification if the firearm can be transported in a case or container making the term “carry in person” too broad. Therefore, since there is no exemption for transporting a firearm in a case to a gunsmith for repairs, even if unloaded taking a firearm to be repaired would be criminalized. In addition this will criminalize anyone transporting home a firearm in this category to and from private property even if unloaded meaning you cannot shoot a firearm of this category at a friend’s property. Going one step further, transporting a firearm to a new residence when moving is also not exempted even while unloaded. Any reasonable person would NOT consider these circumstances to be a threat to public safety but due to the aggressive language used in this bill would criminalize regular people for benign activity. This bill should not pass due to the unclear and overly prescriptive wording.

I strongly oppose this bill. We have laws against brandishing and other inappropriate actions already. Given what is going on around the country, I am expecting that people will need to stand, visibly armed, on the sidewalks to protect their neighbors. Let's not create regulations that will make it harder to protect ourselves.

HB 1524 Now simply carrying a firearm that is arbitrarily labeled “assault” is a criminal offense. Maybe someone missed the part of the US Constitution where it says “…bear arms”. Simply transporting or carrying a firearm can hardly imply criminal intent. I’m certain that we have no crime statistics that would support transportation of a firearm as problem to be solved. This should be an easy “NO”.

Greetings Delegates, The U.S. Supreme Court has already ruled that citizens have the right to carry firearms outside of their homes and in public, so this bill is unconstitutional on its face. De-regulation, decreasing taxation, and focusing on tangible, data-driven, and constitutionally inspired law-making will unite us as Virginians. Do these things, and you'll have my vote.

Delegate McGuire, the manufacturer of my Tr-Star C100 does not make a magazine that only holds 10 rounds. They sell 15 round magazines. The passage of this bill as written means I can no longer carry my self defense weapon. I would have to purchase a new firearm which I don’t need or want. I have had my CC permit for 9 years and thank the Lord Jesus Christ I have never had to use my firearm and hopefully never will. Thank you.

I oppose this bill as a left democrat, I believe that with the death of Alex Pretti, tyrannical governments, increase in hate crimes, and increase in the left seeking fire arms self defense trainings many of these bills are incredibly tone deaf. In general, I find it offensive that everytown happen is writing these bills and imposing there values on our state as they do others. They do not represent all of the left or everyone in the community. With our 1st, 4th , 14th amendment's currently under attack restricting our 2nd amendments further is not something I feel comfortable with regarding how our rights are less as citizens then then the oligarchy, govt officials, and law enforcement. As a mental health therapist I want to see bills that address cause mitigation, improving mental health services, economic growth, class equality , more opportunities for affordable training and safety for those who want to protect themselves. Not punitive gotcha bills. I do not feel more safe with these bills, law enforcement will not protect me from tyrannical govts, ICE, criminals, and the rise of neo nazis extremism. We should take more to combat hate are regulate disinformation. Our govt has been working against us not for us on behalf of the oligarchy. I have heard absurd statements such as tax bills on ammo can save lives, shooting is for fun instead of training, which tells me this is only give the 2nd amendment as a privilege to law enforcement and the wealthy not as a right. This bill in particular does not address that carrying your fire arm Rifle cased on public grounds going to ranges, competitions, and other shooting locations would not also be a violation. Please amend this bill to cased. Thank you

I urge you to OPPOSE HB 1524, Delegate McGuire, which severely restricts where a broad category of commonly owned firearms can be carried. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in New York State Rife and Pistol Association v. Bruen that states cannot have sweeping prohibitions on the carry of firearms in public areas, which is exactly what HB 1524 does.

HB1524 A friendly amendment, please add an exemption for any FFL. They may be going through a public area and they will have there licesense on them

This bill is unconstitutional and unnecessary, and it curtails the rights of law abiding people to unreasonable degrees. I oppose it thoroughly.

A friendly amendment, please add an exemption for any FFL. They may be going through a public area and they will have there licesense on them

I oppose this bill. Constituents of Virginia should be allowed to conceal carry a firearm. Criminals will not give up their firearms, don’t take them away from law abiding citizens that have legally acquired their firearms and passed a background check.

Open carry of firearms (even "assault firearms") is permitted in the Virginia Constitution. Moreover, it is unclear if this bill even allows for the transport of unloaded and cased firearms on public roads and streets to/from the range, shooting events, and other sorts of lawful activities.

I oppose HB1527, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272, and SB323.

I would like to provide some context as to who I am because It provides important context to my opinions and statements below. I have been a Virginia resident for 28 years in Fairfax and Arlington counties, and a public servant for 23 years. I am an independent voter and believe that no party adequately represents the full spectrum of my beliefs. I believe that it is the diversity of thought and experience in the different communities in Virginia what keeps VA purple AND What keeps it strong. We are blessed to have people we disagree with as our neighbors because it keeps our minds open and agile, and reinforces empathy for our fellow citizens. Our country and our neighbors are suffering deeply right now because the political pendulum is swinging so hard that it cannot be tolerated by our neighbors, and then when it swings in the other direction it cannot be tolerated by us. Pushing this pendulum to swing harder and faster and farther is what will tear our society apart. I voted for Governor Spanberger and Representative Walkinshaw in the last election because I wanted to defend the diversity that strengthens us as a country and also protect my family members in marginalized minority groups. I hoped I wasn’t voting for another extremist, or another person who was take the pendulum and swing it as hard as they could in the other direction. I definitely didn’t vote for nor do I support the more extreme elements of the proposed firearms legislation. Tax of anywhere near $500 on suppressors is inherently discriminatory to low income individuals. The absurdly restrictive terms on the transfer or sale of grandfathered firearms leaves no options for them to liquidate their collection before their death when they would those funds for their continued care through aging and then it puts an undue burden on the estate of the firearms owner after their death. Allowing for in-state transfer and sale without further import of the restricted items seems a much more balanced and reasonable approach. Capacity of up to 20 rounds is extremely common. Those extra rounds do not markedly decrease the lethality of a pistol or a rifle. It does not change a firearm from semiautomatic to a automatic. If someone had malicious intent to use a firearm, it takes less than one second to swap a magazine. This legislation significantly impacts the large sport shooting community in Virginia. In order to be competitive in national competitions you need to train with higher capacity magazines or you will not be nearly as competitive. It also makes it impossible to obtain new firearms to stay competitive as the sport advances. Many of the characteristics that have been deamed “assault-style” are extremely common in hunting scenarios, keep the hunter safe in dangerous conditions, and protect their hearing and the peacefulness of the area in which they’re hunting. I firmly believe in the fallibility of humans and their propensity towards greed and power. The Second Amendment was given to us by our forefathers to ensure the consent of the governed. This amendment goes too far to neuter the balance of power between governing forces and the people that are governed. This legislation will also further polarize the conservative constituents of Virginia. Do not legislate against something they deeply value unless you wish for them to legislate against something that you deeply value. I do not support this legislation.

This bill is so broad that it's unconstitutional. The lawsuits will be legion and VA taxpayers will pay to defend this should it pass. Pass it by.

The U.S. Supreme Court has already ruled that citizens have the right to carry firearms outside of their homes and in public, so this bill is unconstitutional on its face. These unconstitutional bills need to be shut down.

How does removing my ability to protect myself or my family or other people in a public place improve safety? There are more good, law abiding Virginia citizens carrying protection than there are criminals. Why should any legislation make these citizens the criminals?

How does removing my ability to protect myself or my family or other people in a public place improve safety? There are more good, law abiding Virginia citizens carrying protection than there are criminals. Why should any legislation make these citizens the criminals?

This bill does nothing but restrict the capability for law abiding citizens defend themselves and their families. I carry a pistol every chance I get to defend myself and my wife and two children. Politicians or police aren’t going to be the ones who save you when thugs try to rob you, fentanyl tweakers try to attack you, or when someone decides to act upon road rage in a violent way. It’s only on you to defend yourself appropriately in that moment. By the time the police get there (if they even do) you and/or your family could be seriously injured or dead. Additionally, this bill would prevent my wife from carrying her pistols to defend herself and our children when I’m not around. She depends on a capable pistol to give her the power to defend herself. This bill would prohibit her from carrying anything she currently owned and make her an easy target for predators. This bill puts so many Virginians at risk, especially Women and Mothers.

Our constitution under the 2nd amendment gives us the right carry and bear arms. This will end up in court and will be defeated. Please save everyone money and time and defeat this bill. Thank you. Michael C. Pickwoad

There are approximately three quarters of a million active concealed permit holders in Virginia. HB 1524 bill prevents anyone with a permit that carries a semi-automatic pistol with a detachable magazine and a threaded barrel from being able to carry their pistol. Semiautomatic pistols with threaded barrels are quite common even when their owners have not equipped them with a silencer. This bill will require many thousands of people who carry concealed to purchase new pistols, where all else will be equal except the newly purchased pistols will not have threaded barrels. In addition, line 56-57 of the bill states ”Except for the exemption in subdivision C 2 of § 18.2-308, the exemptions set forth in § 18.2-308 shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to the provisions of this section.” Section C 2 refers to LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS and RETIRED LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS! Off duty and retired law enforcement officers will not be able to carry a pistol if it has a threaded barrel! The anti-gun bills that have been introduced in Virginia this legislative session show me that the supporters of these bills have zero regard for the Constitution, my rights as a lawful citizen and my rights to be able to defend myself and others from violent crime. The supporters of these bills have lost all sense of who the good guys are and who the bad guys are. I see this when early release is granted to hundreds of violent felons, many of which then go on to reoffend and violently prey on the very people you are supposed to protect, all for nothing more than some misdirected attempt at virtue signaling. I see this when prosecutors do not pursue charges against violent offenders in a misdirected attempt at virtue signaling. I see this when legislative efforts focus on the law-abiding and do nothing to violent felons who will not bother to be hindered by any gun laws. I see this when legislators talk about “gun violence” and do nothing about the underlying problem of “violence” and how to reduce it. I see this when I see news stories of repeat violent offenders who have been arrested for dozens of violent crimes, including murder, who end up killing someone yet again due to some form of “catch and release”. AND I SEE THIS WHEN THE DEMOCRATS TO A MAN/WOMAN VOTED TO DEFEAT SB 78 which would Increase from five to 10 years for a second or subsequent offense the mandatory minimum sentence for use or display of a firearm during the commission of certain felonies. I recently heard one of the Virginia legislators say that long sentences do not stop people from committing crime, the fear of getting caught does. I disagree, the fear of getting caught does nothing to stop violent felons from committing crime – they always get caught. Maybe not for every violent crime, but eventually they will get caught (and then inexplicably get released to reoffend). The laws are in place to remove violent felons, whether or not they use firearms, from society and prevent them from preying on your law-abiding constituents. Please use and strengthen them. I urge opposition to HB1524 in its entirety.

VOTE to RESTRICT Assault Rifles and Weapons that Can Fire Quickly Many Rounds. We keep hearing from gun enthusiasts two things: 1). Any reasonable restriction SOMEHOW impinges on the Second Amendment. Yet, our history, experience, and research has shown that REASONABLE restrictions, near or in schools, places of worship, public buildings like courthouses, make a great deal of sense. 2). That the Second Amendment allows us to have as many weapons as we want to put down any insurrection. Yet, Constitutional scholars do not interpret the Second as anything close to this. allowed weapons for a 'well-regulated militia." And some of these gun-toting freedom-lover folks WERE the insurrection on Jan. 6. Unfortunately, our corrupt U.S. Supreme Ct seems to think that the Second should be open to a broader interpretation than the First and the Fourth. I grew up in rural Minnesota. I shot plenty of rifles. Please continue to place reasonable restrictions on guns for all of us who have no need to brandish firearms wherever we go.

I oppose HB 1524.

Good morning, My name is Andrew B, a GWOT veteran and federal contractor. I am deeply disappointed in the legislation proposed by delegates. The Constitution is not a suggestion; it guides our nation. The Second Amendment protects the First and serves all citizens, Democrats and Republicans alike. This should not be partisan. HB1524 is unconstitutional. You cannot arbitrarily prevent citizens from carrying firearms in public. Bruen established that restrictions require historical precedent, which this bill lacks. As written: “A well regulated Militia… the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” SB 27 creates vague liability standards for firearm manufacturers and dealers through undefined “reasonable controls,” allowing lawsuits based on subjective interpretations. Lawful businesses already comply with extensive federal and state regulations governing sales, record keeping, and background checks. This bill risks penalizing companies even when compliant. It could expose lawful businesses to costly litigation for criminal misuse by third parties, something they cannot realistically control. This may reduce lawful access to firearms and harm Virginia businesses without demonstrably improving public safety. Public safety efforts should focus on enforcing existing laws rather than creating new liability burdens on lawful commerce. SB 272 would restrict lawful citizens, including concealed handgun permit holders, from carrying firearms inside public college buildings, removing self-defense options where police response may still leave individuals vulnerable. Those intent on violence will ignore restrictions, leaving law-abiding citizens disarmed while doing little to deter crime. Virginia should improve campus security and enforcement rather than restrict lawful carry. SB 323 risks criminalizing citizens who legally manufactured or possess firearms or components previously permitted under state and federal law. The bill imposes serious penalties on responsible owners while criminals are unlikely to comply with serialization or manufacturing restrictions. Criminal misuse should be addressed by enforcing laws against violent offenders rather than creating new crimes that primarily affect law-abiding citizens and hobbyist builders. Legislation should target criminal behavior directly, not burden lawful ownership. For these reasons, I respectfully ask you to oppose SB 323. — Sic Semper Tyrannis —

Good morning, My name is Andrew B, a GWOT veteran and federal contractor. I am deeply disappointed in the legislation proposed by delegates. The Constitution is not a suggestion; it guides our nation. The Second Amendment protects the First and serves all citizens, Democrats and Republicans alike. This should not be partisan. HB1524 is unconstitutional. You cannot arbitrarily prevent citizens from carrying firearms in public. Bruen established that restrictions require historical precedent, which this bill lacks. As written: “A well regulated Militia… the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” SB 27 creates vague liability standards for firearm manufacturers and dealers through undefined “reasonable controls,” allowing lawsuits based on subjective interpretations. Lawful businesses already comply with extensive federal and state regulations governing sales, record keeping, and background checks. This bill risks penalizing companies even when compliant. It could expose lawful businesses to costly litigation for criminal misuse by third parties, something they cannot realistically control. This may reduce lawful access to firearms and harm Virginia businesses without demonstrably improving public safety. Public safety efforts should focus on enforcing existing laws rather than creating new liability burdens on lawful commerce. SB 272 would restrict lawful citizens, including concealed handgun permit holders, from carrying firearms inside public college buildings, removing self-defense options where police response may still leave individuals vulnerable. Those intent on violence will ignore restrictions, leaving law-abiding citizens disarmed while doing little to deter crime. Virginia should improve campus security and enforcement rather than restrict lawful carry. SB 323 risks criminalizing citizens who legally manufactured or possess firearms or components previously permitted under state and federal law. The bill imposes serious penalties on responsible owners while criminals are unlikely to comply with serialization or manufacturing restrictions. Criminal misuse should be addressed by enforcing laws against violent offenders rather than creating new crimes that primarily affect law-abiding citizens and hobbyist builders. Legislation should target criminal behavior directly, not burden lawful ownership. For these reasons, I respectfully ask you to oppose SB 323. — Sic Semper Tyrannis —

Members of the Committee on Public Safety: HB1524 would make it unlawful for otherwise law-abiding and well-intentioned Virginians from carrying commonly owned firearms in public spaces, to include sidewalks, streets, and any other place "open to the public." The firearms described in the bill are not atypical, nor are they extraordinarily dangerous. They are some of the most commonly owned and carried firearms across the US. The language in this bill would make it legally perilous for ordinary citizens to responsibly engage in lawful training and self-defense, which is counterproductive to the stated goals of such legislation: Training and practicing with equipment significantly increases safety. Many Virginians across the political spectrum are deeply concerned about the efforts at the federal level to suppress or remove their rights: bodily autonomy, speech, freedom from religious persecution, and equal protection under the law are all openly being targeted. By chipping away at other rights, such as keeping and bearing arms, protected by both the Constitution of Virginia and the Constitution of the United States, further erosion of the foundational principles of our society is even more likely. I urge you to reject HB 1524 and expend your political capital elsewhere to protect women's rights, trans rights, and our vulnerable neighbors while you have the opportunity to. This moment will not last forever. Thank you for taking the time to consider this testimony.

Dear Mr. Wilt, Please oppose Bill 1524 as it is written. Try to convince our other Delegates that not all semi-automatic firearms are assault weapons. There need to be exceptions in this bill that exclude for example, holders of Concealed Handgun permits, the number of rounds of ammunition the firearm will hold, etc. For example, a .380 caliber semi-auto pistol that holds 10 rounds or less is certainly not an assault weapon. Also, just because a firearm may resemble in appearance an assult type weapon does not make it an assult weapon. I fully agree that a true assault weapon has no business outside military or law enforcement use. I know you support our 2nd Amendment rights and thank you for that. Thank you for all your work and dedication to us. Sincerely and God Bless, Art Scott 540-578-3253

Oh hell no Oppose HB1524 It violates the 2A

This violates the 2A Oppose this bs bill

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323.

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB272, and SB323 as they violate constitutionally protected rights, both federally and for the state of Virginia.

I opposed the following bills

HB1459: SUPPORT HB1524: OPPOSE, both the VA and US constitutions protect the right to carry any legally owned firearms. Both the VA and US constitutions protect the right to own center-fire rifles, center-fire pistols, and shotguns that accept a magazine of greater than 10 rounds SB27: OPPOSE, this unconstitutionally, unfairly, and unjustly empowers anyone to hold the firearms industry responsible for actions of others outsides of the industry's control. SB38: OPPOSE, the language prohibiting persons under 21 is unconstitutional. The language prohibiting a cohabitant is also unconstitutional. SB86: SUPPORT SB173: OPPOSE, this violates Virginians' constitutional rights. Virginians have the right to carry a firearm for their personal protection anywhere that lacks sufficient security to assume responsibility for the safety of any disarmed persons and that lacks safe storage of firearms carried to and from such location. SB272: OPPOSE, this violates Virginians' constitutional rights. Virginians have the right to carry a firearm for their personal protection anywhere that lacks sufficient security that assumes responsibility for the safety of any disarmed persons and that lacks safe storage of firearms carried to and from such location. SB323: OPPOSE, Virginians should be free to build or customize personally owned firearms without serial numbers. SB337: OPPOSE, this language seems to attempt to legislate based only the current circumstances surrounding national guard deployments in the US. This could hinder an Adjutant General from acting responsibly and prudently under possible future circumstances currently unforeseen.

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323.

These proposed bills do not address the root causes of violence. They do not stop criminals, who by definition ignore the law, and they do not deter those who already intend to do harm. Instead, they place new burdens on the very people who follow the rules. Law-abiding citizens become the target of regulation, while criminal behavior remains unchanged. This approach mistakes control for safety. It assumes that restricting the rights of responsible people will somehow restrain those who have no regard for the law in the first place. History and common sense both show otherwise. When rights are limited in the name of protection, what is actually reduced is trust between citizens and their government. These measures also expand the power of the state in ways that deserve serious concern. Broad authority, vague enforcement, and increased penalties aimed at ordinary people create opportunities for abuse rather than justice. Liberty is not preserved by weakening it in the hope that criminals will suddenly obey it. If the goal is public safety, then the focus should be on violent offenders, mental health, and meaningful enforcement of existing laws. These bills do none of that. They erode constitutional rights, punish compliance, and leave the real problem untouched.

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323. These do not provide safety to the community at all.

I oppose hb1524, sb27, sb38, sb173, sb272, and sb323!

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272, and SB323.

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323

Please stop the charade. We "the people" have an obligation to protect ourselves from tyranny (you.) Our family's lives are at stake from Radical politicians that seek to destroy our values, morals, dignity, way of life, Our Commonwealth, and Nation who is about to celebrate 250 years. Please do not let this coubtry fall short of being prosperous, safe and self governing. You all still have Apache Attack Helicopters. We dont. Yet.

Oppose HB1525 As a retired Servicemeber, that swore an oath to support and defend the U.S. Constitution. I am watching the passing of Unconstitutional firearms legislations being filed that appalls me to the core. Oppose HB1525, HB 217, and SB643: Consider the fact that 18,19- and 20-year-old men and women are eligible to serve our country, they are actually serving our country. Denying them the right to own firearms of any type while expecting them to carry, employ and secure them in the service of our country and potentially being kill, being severely injured is not about safety. We ask these young 18,19- and 20-year-old men and women to serve and potentially die or get injured in service of our nation and you strip their constitutional rights under the guise of public safety. I served with and led 18-, 19-, and 20-year-old young men and women. I saw their flag draped coffins and I see cemeteries and military cemeteries filled with them. Don't call it public safety when you violate their constitutional rights and demand sacrifice from these men and women. These legislations, dishonor and disregard the sacrifice of all servicemembers that have fought, bled, died and been injured in service of this nation for 250 years. Including the sacrifice of18-, 19-, and 20-year-old young men and women. We have first responders, and upstanding productive members of society that are 18-, 19-, and 20-year-old young men and women. Legislations denying the legal rights of young men and women under the age of 21 is an affront to those young men and women that serve our nation, are first responders and that work for a living in areas that are not secure facilities or that has a fully staffed law enforcement agency that has a strong presence in high crime areas were seconds count and the victim is the first line of defense. It is hypocrisy and asinine to ask 18-, 19- and 20-year-old men and women to serve their country, serve as first responders, and become productive working-class people and then turn around and tell them they cannot own, possess, transport, use, or purchase firearms. Further hypocrisy is that an 18-, 19-, and 20-year-old can legally vote and yet can't smoke, drink or if these legislations pass cannnot own, possess or transport a firearm. And yet, you all will seek their votes and pander to them for votes and hope they forget that you took their rights to self-defense and capability for them to defend themselves away. How many 18-, 19- and 20-year-old men and women Active Duty Servicemembers, National Guardsmen are serving in Virginia? How many legal gun owning women and men working and traveling in high crime areas or odd shifts that having a firearm may be the difference between being raped, abducted, assaulted or being killed or robbed are you willing to allow becoming victims of these violent crimes? This is an assault on the Constitutional rights of all law-abiding, legal gun owners, first responders, servicemembers and military aged civilians between the ages of 18 and 20. These are the Constitutional violations as well. Virginia Constitution: Article 1 Bill of Rights Sections 1,2,3,7,8,9,10,11 & 13 U.S. Constitution: Amendments: 2,10,14 These legislations are NOT about Public Safety. They are a rights infringement. And, again you all will seek their votes and pander to them for votes in hopes they forget that infringement.

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323

HB1524 is written with the intent to prevent individuals with ill intent from open carrying firearms to intimidate, but is written so broadly that it will ban possession of modern firearms outside the home. How is a legal owner supposed to bring a ‘assault weapon’ to the range, to a competition, or any other lawful activity? If it can not be carried on or about your person, then it can’t be brought outside the home. There is no exception for unloaded guns, no exception for cased firearms. This poorly written bill should be tabled and rewritten. SB27 is intended to allow individuals to sue gun companies for the illegal actions of others. This essentially makes SLAPP suits legal against gun companies in particular. Suing a business for the actions of a third party is a terrible precedent to set. If it is acceptable to do here, why is it not acceptable to sue other companies when their products are misused?

I oppose!

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272, and SB323. Please represent your constituents by voting against these bills.

I oppose hb1527, sb 27,sb38, sb173, sb272,sb323.

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323 as they infringe upon my Second Amendment rights.

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323. I oppose HB1524 because it interferes with church security teams. It does not make any exception for concealed weapons or conceal carry permit holders. Also because this law does not propose anything that would stop criminals. Someone okay with committing murder isn't going to care about a misdemeanor. This law will just jam up lawful gun owners who otherwise have not committed any crime if they decide to stop by the grocery store after the range on the way home. I oppose SB38. I oppose SB173. During testimony in the Senate we heard from nurses and doctors about all the dangerous people they have to deal with and violence that can happen at the hospital. Law abiding citizens who have conceal carry permits should not be prohibited from being able to protect themselves at these places. I oppose SB272. More gun free zones is not going to solve anything. Virginia Tech and the Government building in Virginia Beach were gun free zones until deranged gunmen decided they weren't. Mass shooters specifically target these areas because they know nobody will be able to fight back. Mass shooters are only stopped when they are met with force. All this law does is stop victims of mass shootings from being able to protect themselves while incentivizing mass shooters to attack these places. I oppose SB323 because it bans possession of legally owned firearms that people have already. Also the whole "Ghost Gun" thing is way overblown. "Ghost Guns" include guns people make at home without serial numbers yes, but also it includes guns with destroyed or defaced serial numbers. Criminals have been destroying serial numbers on firearms for forever but the "Ghost Gun" paranoia is new thing and now law enforcement reports the combined total of which privately made firearms are a small fraction as they always have been. Nothing in this law is going to stop a criminal making their own gun and committing crimes with it. This is only going to harm lawful gun owners who wish to make their own guns at home.

I vehemently oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323. I am a law abiding gun owner, and these bills place extreme burdens on me and my constituents, making us into criminals overnight. I urge you to kill these unconstitutional bills.

As a law abiding citizen of the Commonwealth of Virginia, I oppose any law infringing upon my right to keep and bear arms. The laws listed above as well as previous laws already passed in the Senate/House are in direct conflict of public safety and only serves as a means to disadvantage law abiding citizens from their right to not only personnel protection but also the foundation of a citizen’s responsibility to gatekeep and deter government overreach.

I strongly oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272, and SB323.

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323

I am opposed to HB1524,SB27,SB38,SB173,SB272, and SB323. I’m sure none of you care what your constituents think, but I offer my disapproval of these unconstitutional proposals.

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323.

I. Constitutional Concerns The primary issue with HB 1524 is its tension with the Second Amendment, as articulated in *District of Columbia v. Heller, 554 U.S. 570 (2008)*, *McDonald v. City of Chicago, 561 U.S. 742 (2010)*, and *New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, 597 U.S. ___ (2022)*. In *Heller*, the Supreme Court held that the Second Amendment guarantees an individual right to keep and bear arms for lawful purposes, including self-defense. *McDonald* extended that protection to state regulation, and *Bruen* explicitly held that the right to “bear” arms extends beyond the home and into public spaces.[1] Applying *Bruen*’s historical-tradition test, the government must show a regulation is consistent with the Nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation before such a restriction may be upheld. HB 1524’s sweeping categorical ban on the carriage of commonly owned semiautomatic rifles, pistols, and shotguns in broad public spaces—including streets and parks—lacks any meaningful historical analogue. Historically, firearm restrictions were limited to narrowly defined sensitive places—such as legislative assemblies or courthouses—not entire categories of public space. Therefore, HB 1524 would likely fail under *Bruen*’s constitutional standard. **II. Overbreadth and Vagueness** The bill’s sweeping definitions of “assault firearms” are both overbroad and vague. Many of the listed characteristics, such as a “thumbhole stock” or “threaded barrel,” are cosmetic features that do not affect a firearm’s lethality. By criminalizing possession based on arbitrary features, HB 1524 risks ensnaring lawful citizens—including competitive shooters, hunters traveling to ranges, and firearm instructors—who have no intent to misuse their firearms. **III. Disparate Impact and Enforcement Concerns** Limiting where lawful gun owners may carry firearms while exempting only small categories of officials (law enforcement, cadet corps, etc.) creates unequal treatment under the law. It further invites discretionary enforcement that could disproportionately affect racial and economic minorities. Empirical research, including by scholars such as Joseph Blocher and Darrell Miller, underscores the tension between public safety aspirations and constitutional liberties when broad laws disproportionately restrict lawful possession rather than target misuse.[2] **IV. Policy Alternatives** Rather than categorical bans, policymakers could strengthen safety through narrowly tailored measures such as better enforcement of existing laws, voluntary self-restriction programs, and education on responsible firearm ownership. As outlined by Ayres and Vars in *Weapon of Choice*, voluntary gun-free commitments respect both liberty and safety without infringing constitutional rights.[2] **Conclusion** HB 1524, while motivated by legitimate safety goals, is constitutionally impermissible under *Bruen*, overly broad in scope, and vulnerable to arbitrary enforcement. A more effective and lawful approach would target misuse, not mere possession. The General Assembly should reject HB 1524 and seek firearm policy that aligns with constitutional principles and practical public safety outcomes. --- [1] *Heller*, *McDonald*, *Bruen*, summarized in CRS Report, LSB11108. [2] Joseph Blocher, “Two Concepts of Gun Liberty,” Duke Center for Firearms Law (2020).

This bill is very obviously contrary to rulings by the Supreme Court of The United States and suit will be filed the same week the Governor signs it. It will be an unnecessary expense to the taxpayer when the Commonwealth defends a case it must lose. Passing a bill just to pay back big out of state donors is not something you should participate in.

HB1524 - I most strongly oppose this proposal. As a middle-aged woman, I rely on concealed carry of a pistol for my personal and family's safety. The bill's removal of a concealed carry holder's exemption puts honest, tax-paying voters at risk. Where is the problem? Concealed carry licensees are among the most law-abiding populations. While I vote Democratic, the anti-gun legislation being proposed by my party has convinced me that I cannot continue to vote for a party that will place my personal safety at risk. While I support many gun control efforts to keep firearms away from dangerous people, removing firearms from the general population is not what I voted for. Do not make a criminal out of me. SB27 - I strongly oppose this legislation. SCOTUS recently ruled that Mexico cannot sue Smith & Wesson for the actions of those who use the company's firearms for illegal activities. What makes the VA Assembly think it can overturn federal law and make businessmen and regular citizens engaged in a legal business or transaction civilly or criminally responsible for the criminal/negligent actions of others? Again, while I voted for the Democrats on my ballot last November, I did not vote for laws to restrict where firearms are available. My safety and my family's safety are obviously not the focus of this legislation and I will respond accordingly in November. I do not understand the attacks the Democrats are waging against their law-abiding, voting constituents. Thank you for the opportunity to express my strongest opposition to these two legislative proposals.

HB 1524 is 100% unconstitutional and does not pass the Bruen test of the Supreme Court. This bill will make me LESS SAFE! Law abiding citizens should NOT be restricted by magazine size. Criminals will NOT comply! You are passing a law to give criminals an advantage! That's what HB 1524 does. This is like taking cars away from all drivers because some drive under the influence - a ridiculous approach.

I do NOT support HB1524. Restriction to carry any firearm in a public setting is a direct infringement of the Second Amendment. SCOTUS has already ruled that citizens have a right to carry firearms outside of their home (New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen; 2022).

So a criminal shows up with a firearm that violates this proposed law and a law abiding citizen cannot show up with similar firearm to level the defense ability without violating the law. I am amazed by the stupidity being demonstrated by our representatives in VA. Please oppose this ridiculous unconstitutional legislation.

This is an egregious violation of the constitution. Plain and simple. If you open up that anything in the constitution can be changed on a whim I guess we might as well ban protests while we are at it. And women voters.

The Second Amendment isn’t about hunting and going to the shooting range. This bill is unconstitutional and an affront to the 2nd Amendment. This bill says it’s ok to take scary looking “assault firearms” hunting and to the range, but disarms concealed carry permit holders and everyone else when they go outside their home “into the public”. Do all CHP holders get their permit money back? This bill makes single shot lever action rifles that take magazines, pump action shotguns that take magazines, bolt action rifles (like 22 Rim fire) that take magazines … and yes there are even bolt action pistols that take magazines (the whole list is single shot firearms) … all as “Assault Firearms”! I have three words … “Bruen – common use.” The Germans created the worlds first “Assault Weapon” in 1943, the Sturmgewehr 44, that used an intermediate cartridge (more powerful than a pistol cartridge, but not as powerful as a military rifle or hunting rifle (fun fact, you can’t hunt in Virginia with an AR15 which is typically chambered in Remington .223 or NATO 5.56mm) cartridge like the Winchester .308) with controllable full automatic fire for their lightning warfare (Blitzkrieg) tactics. They did not create semi-auto rifles, pistols, or shotguns to do their lightning warfare. Words matter “assault firearms” are in the class of the Sturmgewehr 44 above, not what this bill would target. This only targets law abiding citizens depriving them of their God given Natural right to self defense and the Second Amendment and makes them more vulnerable to crime. This bill doesn’t do anything to stop crime because criminals don’t obey the law.

This is easily one of the most ridiculous bills presented. Nobody asked for this and is obviously just another attempt to disarm people. I will not be able to carry my legally-purchased twelve round PISTOL because it has more than 10 rounds? What sense does that make? NONE! Criminals will not abide by this and it does nothing for "safety" other than make law-abiding gun owners criminals.

I strongly oppose this bill. It's not only a clear violation of our constitutional right to keep and bear arms, but also nearly impossible to comply with as a person holding a permit to carry a concealed weapon. Literally every modern handgun that is worth carrying has a magazine larger than 10 rounds. It isn't 1875, revolvers are no longer viable carry weapons. It's positively outrageous to expect people to hope to heck whatever pistol they legally purchased and have been carrying for self defense will have magazines with substandard capacity available. Ludicrious to try forcing people to purchase said magazines. And flat out unconstitutional. For the love of all that is holy and right in this world STOP trying to turn law abiding citizens into criminals. This is not a left wing position. This is not a right wing position. This is an AMERICAN position.

Your bill 1524 is a joke, like all the rest have been and I passionately oppose it.

Why are you discriminating against people of different races and ethnicity. ,? And for a person who is poor? Imposing the bills will make it expensive ,less affordable for someone to purchase a firearm for self defense..

I would like you to vote against this bill. When I spoke with you on Lobby day you told me that you supported the 2nd amendment. This bill will make it impossible for someone to carry on of the most common firearms to defend themselves. Criminals will not follow this law. you are only making people less safe by voting yes. Please vote no.

Why discriminate against the constituency whom voted you into office? Vote against the bills..

Firearms were used to free slaves, And self defense..This mantra of self defense carries on ..A hundred years later..You would attempt to limit a constituents right to self defense.. Illegal discrimination ..Do the right thing Vote against the bills..

Yet another gun bill. Why??? Are there not already sufficient ways to punish those committing real crimes with guns? Why do you need to criminalize an act that harms no one? There are so many aspects of the Democrat platform with which I wholeheartedly agree. And then you start with guns and any support I'd otherwise give you is out the window. Stop shooting yourselves in the foot with law abiding gun owners.

This critique is true. Will one of you legislators have the courtesy to step out of the groupthink and vote against the gun bills ..? The challenge is to have the guts to do it..Firearms are used for self defense..Freeing citizens from slavery. Sport shooting creates tax revenue and jobs.

I urge members of the Assembly to vote down HB1524, a bill that is unconstitutional in every aspect. Its overly broad definition of "assault weapon," itself a deceptive term, the near-total prohibition of possessing a normal semi-auto firearm and/or standard capacity magazine off of one's own property, and the penalties for doing so are cruel and unusual and violate the Constitution and Virginia tradition.

I strongly oppose HB1524 by Delegate McGuire, which severely restricts where lawful carry of a firearm can occur, with no exception for concealed carry permit holders. The Constitution clearly states that the right to bear arms shall not be infringed. This is also unconstitutional per the recent Bruen ruling, with none of these areas recognized as "sensitive places" where restrictions could be considered.

The authors of the bills know they cannot ban guns outright..Create hardship bills so a constituent will not want to carry..Delegate, because you possibly do like firearms ..Is it your role ,to treat constituents in a discriminating way..? Against a class of citizens..? Liberals own gun too Not just conservatives..Vote against the bills.

No to Bill HB1524. I am constitutionally guaranteed fundament RIght To Keep and Bear Arms, period.

I respectfully oppose HB 1524. This bill prohibits the public carry of a broad category of semi-automatic firearms based on magazine configuration and listed features, regardless of whether the firearm is lawfully possessed or carried by a person who is otherwise eligible to do so. The prohibition applies to public streets, parks, sidewalks, and other places open to the public, with limited exceptions. Under current Supreme Court precedent, the right to keep and bear arms extends beyond the home and protects arms in common lawful use. Measures that broadly restrict the carry of commonly owned firearms in ordinary public settings raise serious constitutional concerns. HB 1524 regulates lawful possession based on configuration rather than criminal conduct, which creates significant litigation risk for the Commonwealth. From a practical standpoint, this bill creates enforcement ambiguity. Law enforcement officers would be required to evaluate technical firearm characteristics in public settings, increasing the likelihood of inconsistent application. It also removes longstanding exemptions for concealed handgun permit holders and licensed security personnel, despite no demonstrated record of misuse under existing law. If the objective is to reduce violent crime, policies that prioritize enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders are more directly aligned with measurable public-safety outcomes. Expanding categorical carry prohibitions for law abiding citizens on commonly owned firearms risks constitutional challenge without any evidence of improved safety. For these reasons, I respectfully urge the Committee to vote no on HB 1524. Respectfully submitted, Waller Perrow

To the Members of the Committee on Public Safety: My name is Debra Yamanaka and I submit this testimony as a Virginia woman, a voter, and a law-abiding firearm owner. For women, discussions about self-defense are not abstract. They are practical and personal. There is a persistent narrative that a woman with a firearm is more likely to be harmed by it. That belief may guide some individual decisions. But in Virginia, women are not required to organize their lives around generalized assumptions about what is “best” for them. We choose where we work. We choose whether and when to have children. We choose how to move through the world. The decision to actively participate in one’s own self-defense should be no different. HB 1524 would make it unlawful to carry certain commonly owned semi-automatic firearms in public spaces including streets, sidewalks, parks, and “any other place… open to the public.” These are not rare or unusual weapons. They are among the most commonly owned and carried firearms in the United States. For many Virginians, including women who live in apartments or multi-family housing, this means that walking from one’s front door across a public sidewalk to a vehicle while carrying a lawfully owned firearm could constitute a criminal offense. It means that transporting such a firearm to a range for instruction or practice, to ensure responsible handling and proficiency, becomes legally precarious depending on configuration. The line between lawful ownership and criminal liability becomes thin and easily crossed. This bill regulates features, magazine capacity thresholds, stock configurations, threaded barrels - not misconduct. Many of these features are standard. Some, such as adjustable stocks, are particularly important for smaller-framed shooters to achieve safe and proper fit. Limiting commonly used configurations does not target violent behavior; it constrains ordinary citizens engaged in lawful self-defense and training. Virginia has long recognized open carry. Article I, Section 13 of the Constitution of Virginia states that “the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.” The ability to bear arms in public spaces is the functional component of that right. Ownership without the ability to carry, particularly in transitional spaces such as sidewalks and parking areas, reduces the right to something symbolic rather than practical. There is also a broader consideration. At a time when many Virginians — across political affiliations — are already concerned about the erosion of rights at the federal level, it would be prudent for state policymakers to avoid expending political capital in ways that alienate large constituencies of otherwise engaged voters. Millions of Virginians lawfully own firearms. Many of them are women. Many do not fit neatly into partisan categories. Rendering ordinary citizens criminals for peacefully carrying commonly owned firearms in public is unlikely to build public trust. It risks reinforcing a perception that compliance with the law offers diminishing protection against ever-shifting restrictions. As a woman, I do not ask the Commonwealth to guarantee my safety. I ask that it not criminalize my choice to participate in it. For these reasons, I respectfully urge you to reject HB 1524.

The so called “gun safety” bills are not about reducing “gun violence” or any violence. Their purpose is to “lawfully” harm or criminalize gun owners across the commonwealth who have never been a problem. For that reason, I oppose these bills.

Proposed Bill 1524 infringes on our Constitutionally protected right to 'bear Arms' per the 2nd Amendment of the US Constitution. The US Supreme Court has affirmed this right repeatedly.

HB1524 is completely unconstitutional and should be voted down. Virginians should be able to carry their own firearms publicly without government overreach. Virginia gun owners have a long established history that they can do this safely.

The NRA-ILA respectfully urges this Subcommittee to oppose House Bill 1524, legislation that would prohibit the carry of so-called "assault firearms" in numerous public locations in specified localities—including streets, sidewalks, public rights-of-way, parks, and other places open to the public While the bill provides an exemption for individuals holding a valid Virginia concealed handgun permit, it nonetheless poses significant concerns for law-abiding citizens who rely on semi-automatic handguns for lawful self-defense. HB1524's expanded definition of "assault firearm" encompasses many common semi-automatic center-fire pistols equipped with features routinely found on modern defensive handguns. This vagueness invites confusion and honest mistakes among otherwise compliant citizens. A law-abiding resident might add a common accessory for improved safety or ergonomics—such as a threaded barrel for a legal compensator or a simple brace—without realizing it could trigger the prohibition. Carrying such a handgun openly or even in certain public contexts could unknowingly result in a Class 1 misdemeanor violation, punishable by up to one year in jail and substantial fines. Such uncertainty does not enhance public safety; it discourages responsible firearm ownership and carry, potentially leaving individuals less prepared to defend themselves or their families in unexpected situations. Criminals, who already disregard existing laws, remain unaffected. Moreover, while concealed handgun permit holders enjoy an exemption, the bill's restrictions on open carry and the risk of misinterpretation even for permittees undermine Virginia's longstanding recognition of the right to bear arms for self-defense. In light of the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, any restriction on public carry must align with the Nation's historical tradition. No such tradition supports prohibiting the carry of entire classes of commonly possessed handguns in public places accessible to the people.

I feel this bill is completely unnecessary and invalid. Law abiding citizens should have no restrictions on where or when they carry, any type of firearm. To and from their home, place of repair, how will a hunter who travels to hunting grounds outside of their own home which may be within city limits, to hunt? When do these restrictions stop?

As a future concealed carry permit holder, I feel this bill HB-1524- is extremely restrictive and dangerous for gun owners of all ages for generations to come. It’s such a broad ban and undefined bill on what assault weapons are, how is anyone supposed to know, if you yourself cannot define what one is.

HB 1524 is not “public safety.” It is a direct, blatant violation of both the Constitution of Virginia and the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution. Article I, Section 13 of Virginia’s Constitution is crystal clear: “That a well regulated militia, composed of the body of the people, trained to arms, is the proper, natural, and safe defense of a free state… the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.” Not “regulated by geography.” Not “restricted to approved zones.” Not “allowed only when the government feels comfortable.” Shall not be infringed means shall not be infringed. HB 1524 criminalizes the carrying of commonly owned firearms in public spaces. That is not regulating misuse — it is prohibiting lawful carry by peaceable citizens. This committee would never consider banning citizens from practicing the first amendment or any other bill of rights liberty in public streets - what makes the sponsor think that banning the second amendment is acceptable? Courts have repeatedly held that arms “in common use” are protected. The rifles they label “assault firearms” are among the most common civilian firearms in America. You cannot ban what millions of ordinary citizens legally own and call it constitutional. This bill flips the presumption of liberty on its head. In Virginia, rights come first and government power comes second. HB 1524 treats citizens as suspects by default and forces them to ask permission to exercise an enumerated right. That is exactly the kind of tyranny the Bill of Rights exists to prevent. Worse, it creates “gun-free zones,” which history and data show only disarm the law-abiding while criminals ignore the law entirely. Criminals don’t obey carry restrictions. Only victims do. So what does this bill actually accomplish? • It disarms lawful citizens • It creates soft targets • It punishes the innocent • It ignores criminals • It violates two constitutions simultaneously Virginia’s founders didn’t write Article I, Section 13 for hunting or sport. They wrote it so citizens could bear arms in public as the “proper, natural, and safe defense of a free state.” A right you can’t carry in public is a right you don’t actually have. HB 1524 isn’t safety policy. It’s unconstitutional control dressed up as safety theater. Legislators don’t get to nullify fundamental rights because they dislike modern rifles or fear political pressure. Their oath is to the Constitution — not to headlines. If they pass this, they aren’t protecting Virginians. They’re violating the very document that gives them authority to serve. Reject HB 1524. Defend the Constitution.

No disrespect, but the Virginia General Assembly has not been granted the authority to dictate where and with what I use to protect myself and my loved ones. If guns were the problem and saving lives was important, the democrats would not have voted down SB78 which doubled the mandatory minimum for a second offense displaying a gun during the commission of a Felony. If you are assuming to authority over how to protect myself, How will each of you ensure my personal safety in all of these “public” places? You really think this law and punishment of a misdemeanor will discourage someone out to commit evil/murder, which is already against the law with much higher penalties. I strongly oppose.

I oppose HB 1524

This bill violates Article 1 Section 13 of the Virginia Constitution clearly and simply states “…..therefore, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed….” It should never have been submitted based upon the unconstitutionality of the bill.

I am opposed to HB1524. This bill essentially bans legal gun owners from being able to take many types of firearms off their own property! This is Unconstitutional, via Virginia's Constitution and the U.S. Constitution, on it's face. Please see: Bruen, Caetano, Heller, Miller, McDonald, etc. You are not even allowing Concealed Handgun Permit Holders or average gun owners to carry most firearms off their property to their vehicle. Not to go to the range, not to go to a friend's or family member's place, not to go hunting, not for self defense, nowhere. This bill, like the others, is going way too far... We are still a state in the United States of America.

As a resident of Virginia, I strongly oppose this bill. It removes any exception for concealed handgun permit holders in lines 49 and 50. This bill will make the most common handgun in America, a Glock 19, illegal to carry in public. If this bill becomes laws thousands of concealed carry permit holders will become criminals overnight and be exposed to up to a year in jail for a Class 1 Misdemeanor conviction.

I oppose this bill. Please do not vote in favor of passing this.

HB 1524 unconstitutionally restricts the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens by banning the public carry of commonly owned firearms and eliminating proven exemptions for permit holders. This legislation creates a double standard that prioritizes government over the people; therefore, I strongly oppose this bill and urge you to vote against its passage.

I oppose HB 1524.

This is unconstitutional and should not stand!!!

To restrict the legal carrying of firearms in public places like this bill aims to restrict is an infringement of our rights as lawful American citizens. We have a right to safely carry arms to defend ourselves guaranteed by the second amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Do not restrict our rights to defend ourselves or our loved ones, instead create laws that punish criminal acts of force and violence. Criminalizing our ability to ensure we are equipped to provide for our self defense and preservation is wrong.

Delegate McQuinn, As your constituent, I urge you to oppose HB 1524. At the very least, an exception should be made for concealed carry permit holders. This bill is unconstitutional on its face, as the Supreme Court has already ruled that citizens are allowed to carry firearms in public places. In over a decade, there have been no legal issues with concealed carry holders carrying lawfully in Virginia. Any bill to make carrying firearms by law abiding citizens illegal would not reduce crime and would create a considerable burden on lawful gun owners in the exercise of their Second Amendment rights. Thank you, James E. Beggs Henrico, Va.

Please do not complicate the VA code for lawful concealed or open carry. This will penalize citizens not intending to do any harm , simply for being in the wrong place with an otherwise legally borne firearm.

I oppose all of these bills

To whom it may concern, HB1524 prohibits the carrying of any commonly-owned self defense firearm in virtually any public space, making it a class 1 misdemeanor if convicted. The term "assault weapon" in the text of this bill targets an immensely broad category of arms that are overwhelmingly carried for the legal purposes of self-defense. Denying Virginians the right to defend themselves against violence is inherently unconstitutional and violates some of the most basic aspects of human rights. Putting that aside for a moment, what this bill is proposing is in direct opposition of the outcome of New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen in 2022. The 6-3 ruling that the Supreme Court passed down in this case recognizes that a person who is legally permitted to own a firearm, and possesses a permit in accordance with state laws, has the right to carry arms for self defense outside the home. There is no historical analogue for sweeping bans on the otherwise lawful carrying of arms in public for self defense. In addition to that, the Bruen decision makes very clear that it is a flagrant violation of the Second Amendment to pass a ban on firearms that are in common use for lawful purposes (i.e. self defense). While this particular bill does not seek to outright ban these arms, it does seek to prevent their aforementioned use for the lawful right of Virginians to defend themselves. This is again a flagrant violation of the Bruen decision. Bruen also makes clear that restrictions on the lawful, public carrying of firearms must be analogous to historical laws in kind. There is no historical parallel for blanket "no carrying anywhere in public" laws, such as this one, representing another violation of the Supreme Court decision this bill poses. The punishment of a Class 1 Misdemeanor lacks any historical basis and certainly represents a violation of the Bruen case as well as the Second Amendment, as public carry of arms is very clearly protected in the text analysis of that decision. There is no reality in which the text of this bill prescribes a punishment upon law-abiding gun owners that is appropriate and/or congruent with the Constitution of the United States. To impose a criminal offense on anyone who seeks to lawfully defend him or herself from violence or harm lacks any historical basis, and only represents a desire of the Commonwealth to heavily restrict firearm ownership while increasing revenue from criminal penalties. In summary, this bill represents a hilariously weak attempt to subvert the founding documents of the United States of America, as well as the legal decisions of the highest court in this land. It has no basis in historical, logical, or legal precedent, and I look forward to seeing it crash and burn. Sic Semper Tyrannis

Bill HB-1524 is not only unconstitutional, but arbitrarily singles out one object with no meaning behind it. If what is classified as an "assault firearm" to be banned from public places, then baseball bats and cars should be banned too. In 2024, over 39,000 deaths were caused by car accidents and only 600 or 700 were caused from being shot from any rifle, including "assault firearms". Therefore, following the logic of bill HB-1524, to save lives, cars should be banned from public places before "assault firearms" are banned. In fact, the number 1 cause of death in the United States is heart disease. Combined with stroke, they account for over 28% or over 850,000 deaths and both are caused, among other things, by unhealthy fast food. Compared to 600-700 "assault weapons" deaths, fast food definitely should be the first one to be banned from public places, according to the spirit of this bill. Therefore, I strongly urge you to reject this bill.

This bill makes no sense people with permits to carry concealed firearms have been thoroughly investigated by the state police and its our constitutional rights to carry firearms without being subject to any kind of legal action but if you pass it even democrats will vote against you and we will turn the state red the two clubs I belong to have two thousand citizens that are registered to vote and we will vote Republican and there a lot of democrats that are with us and are clubs members to so you’re future is in your hands

As a part of the LGBTQ community, I ask you to vote against this. I carry concealed and this would make me a criminal. This law is unethical and I feel it targets me personally. VOTE NO!

I firmly oppose House Bill 1524, which seeks to broadly prohibit the public carrying of “assault firearms” in public spaces across our Commonwealth as currently drafted. Under this proposal, the definition of prohibited firearms is so vague and expansive that it could effectively criminalize the lawful carry of many common semi-automatic firearms by law-abiding Virginians in public places such as streets, sidewalks, parks, and other open areas. While I share concerns about public safety, this bill’s sweeping restrictions raise serious constitutional concerns and would undermine the rights of responsible gun owners without addressing the underlying causes of violent crime in our communities. Instead of targeting law-abiding citizens and limiting their ability to defend themselves, we should focus on policies that strengthen enforcement of existing laws, improve mental health resources, and support community-based violence prevention strategies. We have a duty to protect both public safety and individual rights. HB 1524, as written, stakes too much of that balance on overly broad prohibitions that could impact countless Virginians who abide by the law every day. For these reasons, I respectfully urge you to oppose HB 1524. Thank you.

This bill goes against everything the Constitution stands for. How can a right, guaranteed by the Constitution, be only allowable in my home or on my property. The idea is repellent to liberty and a free people and unlawful on its face. Please vote against this bill.

This bill is an atrocious and unconstitutional overreach on the right to self-defense within the state of Virginia. By restricting the right to self-defense and making it illegal to possess a firearm for lawful purposes in public spaces in Virginia, you are placing citizens in danger and refusing them the right to any self-defense measures to protect themselves or their loved ones. While the politicians enacting this may request security details for themselves, no such protective measure exists for the common citizen who is apparently considered second-class by the delegate who proposed this bill. There is no duty for police to protect individuals in Virginia, so what is the common citizen expected to do when they or their family are in immediate and tangible danger? Just die? The delegate proposing this bill is demanding ceding any right to self-defense in public spaces in Virginia, however the carve out for themselves in the form of allowing law enforcement engaged in their personal security provides them a benefit they will not allow their constituents and is particularly egregious. I urge the delegate to retract this bill and for elected officials to remove this bill from consideration. The right to self-defense is inherent in a free and fair society and limiting it only supports and enables the predations of the lawless and criminal. The committee should refuse any further such restrictions on law-abiding citizens in the pursuit of their own self-defense, and restrict furtherance of bills that aim only to stomp on the constitutional rights of US citizens.

As a resident of Virginia, I request you OPPOSE HB 1524, Delegate McGuire, which severely restricts where a broad category of commonly owned firearms can be carried. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in New York State Rife and Pistol Association v. Bruen that states cannot have sweeping prohibitions on the carry of firearms in public areas, which is exactly what HB 1524 does. I respectfully request that you oppose all restrictions on 2nd amendment rights of law-abiding citizens of Virginia and focus on the crimes committed instead.

I think we're beyond the point of no return at this point, we should not have to ask, to have our constitutional right upheld yet they get endlessly violated by people who take an Oath of office and then turn around and break that oath. I want ALL that continue this perpetuation of constant infringement on clearly ruled issues of the Supreme Court of the United States, MUST BE "both dangerous and exotic in nature to be held accountable for violation of Us 18 241 and 2422 18 US 2381 and 2384. The creation of spacial limitation and locations creates an encumbered perspective to one's such rights. It's quite clear to me and many others that you don't want us to be able to protect ourselves but want us in harms way, I accuse those of you that continue to push for such measures as acting in bad faith and WILLFULLY engaging in the creation of such legislation that deliberately endangers those of us that act civil in society while at the same time lower Minimum mandatory sentencing for violent offenders. I accuse those representatives of eroding and undermining the Common Wealth of Virginia, it's citizens, the Virginia Constitution and the United States Constitution and by doing so are aiding the enemy. I warned you all in prior emails that you are breaking your oath, so no one gets qualified immunity, Owens V City of Independence 445 US 622 1980. Violations of US 5 137 Maybury V Madison 1803 and 118 US 425 Norton V Shelby County 1886. Article 6.2 Supremacy Clause. 9 and 10 Amendment apply only to the states attempt to create laws that fall outside of the Constitution of the United States and are not limited to it's enumeration aspects alone as Citizens have rights that also fall outside the textual scope of the Bill of Rights. In conclusion, I am apposed to this bill as it only hurts me and helps criminals.

This is yet another unnecessary attack on the law abiding, and a waste of our legislators' time. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in New York State Rife and Pistol Association v. Bruen that states cannot have sweeping prohibitions on the carry of firearms in public areas, which is exactly what HB 1524 does. Table this unconstitutional mess of a bill, and punish criminal offenders, not the law abiding!

HB 1524 - Honestly, I don't even know where to begin with this anti-Constitutional bill. First, the definition of "assault weapon" is arbitrary. According to Democrats, it's anything that's not a revolver, goes bang, and looks scary. Second, the bill defines "public space" as "any other place of whatever nature that is open to the public." Is that not . . . everywhere?! The sweeping and indiscriminate nature of this bill prevents citizens, even those in lawful possession of a CCP, from carrying a firearm outside of their own property in the state of Virginia. Normally, this is where I'd say something like, "This bill does nothing to prevent violent crime, because violent criminals will ignore it anyway." But I think we can stop the charade. None of these anti-Constitutional, anti-self-defense bills are "common sense." They're nonsense. Their goal is not to prevent crime. Their goal is to disarm a group of people with whom Democrats disagree, because Democrats are afraid those people are as violent as the Democrat party (which they're not). Remember, Democrats elected a chief law enforcement officer who stated he wanted to shoot a political opponent in the head and hoped his children would die. And I'm the scary one, because I believe in our Constitution? Ya'll are sick. George Mason (who wrote our state Constitution) said it best. "To disarm the people . . .[i]s the most effectual way to enslave them."

This bill is yet another totally unnecessary attack on law abiding citizens for no other reason than to appease someone's feelings. When did a law abiding Virginia citizen ever use one of these mythical 'assault weapons' to harm the public? There are tens of millions of these firearms in common use for sport shooting, self defense and hunting so severally restricting where they can be carried flies in the face of the SCOTUS Bruen ruling.

I am imploring this committee to OPPOSE the passage of this horrible bill. It is an unconstitutional infringement on our rights. The US Supreme Court has already ruled that law-abiding citizens have the right to carry firearms outside of their homes and in public. Concealed handgun permit holders and licensed security guards are no longer exempt from this code section, even though neither one has caused any legal issues by carrying such loaded firearms publicly for over a decade. Of course, the government, our servant, exempts itself from all this nonsense.

I oppose this bill as a Virginian that holds to the constitution of the United States and exercise my right to carry my protection "tool" with me in public places.

The second amendment is a right not a privilege that can be taken away or will be taken away. Our right or sovereign under the constitution second amendment shall not be in French. Why don’t y’all work on making punishments more harsh for the criminals that rape people moles, children murder, and so on. Instead of trying to make hard-working, taxpaying citizens criminals

Concealed handgun permit holders and licensed security guards are no longer exempt from this code section, even though neither one has caused any legal issues by carrying such loaded firearms publicly for over a decade. Of course, the government, our servant, exempts itself from all this nonsense. The U.S. Supreme Court has already ruled that citizens have the right to carry firearms outside of their homes and in public, so this bill is unconstitutional on its face.

Please vote NO on HB 1524 from Delegate McGuire, which bans the carry of 1) a semi-automatic centerfire rifle or pistol that has a fixed magazine that holds more than 10 rounds or 2) a semi-automatic centerfire rifle or pistol that accepts a detachable magazine of any size and has any of a variety of cosmetic features or 3) a semi-automatic shotgun with a fixed magazine that holds more than 7 rounds of the longest ammunition for which it is chambered or has a detachable magazine of any size, with any of a variety of cosmetic features, on or about a person on a public street, road, alley, sidewalk, public right-of-way, in a park, or in any place open to the public. There is an exception for carrying to/from a place of purchase or repair. Concealed handgun permit holders and licensed security guards are no longer exempt from this code section, even though neither one has caused any legal issues by carrying such loaded firearms publicly for over a decade. Of course, the government, our servant, exempts itself from all this nonsense. The U.S. Supreme Court has already ruled that citizens have the right to carry firearms outside of their homes and in public, so this bill is unconstitutional to begin with according to both the US Constitution and the State of Virginia Constitution. This bill would deny the basic human right of self defense and self perseverance to the citizens of Virginia. It was established in the Public Duty Doctrine and reinforced by the US Supreme Court ( South v. Maryland (1856) & Castle Rock v. Gonzales (2005) & Warren v. District of Columbia (1981) ) that police do not have a specific duty to protect individuals. This bill removes the only protection individuals have, (self) defense truly is a public / private partnership, and the private citizens require un-infringed rights to firearms to perform and be safe.

It is exceptionally rare to discover anyone carrying a sporting rifle in public. This is a nonsensical issue searching for a solution through mindless legislation. Any restriction directed at any firearm only illustrates corrupt ideology attempting to criminalize lawful firearms owners. Which part of the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution do you not understand?

Good morning, As a lifelong Virginia resident I can’t believe what bills are even being considered. My name is Chandler Cobb and I currently reside in Isle of Wight County in Smithfield, VA. I’m a Christian, a disabled Veteran, a husband, and I am against any bills that take away our God-given, govt protected, Second Amendment rights. I’ve been a concealed weapons licensee for over 20 years and have never had to fire my weapon in defense of myself or another. That is the story with 99% of Virginian concealed weapons license holders. We also prevent harm without having to fire a single round. The recent Supreme Court precedent set in Bruen and Heller, makes every anti-second amendment bill written UNCONSTITUTIONAL and will eventually be overturned by SCOTUS. Please do not support any bills that take away our rights. These bills will do absolutely nothing nothing to make VA safer and will actually make us less safe. Legal gun owners in this country and this state follow the laws, but criminals don’t care what laws you write banning firearms as they don’t follow laws. These bills only hurt us law abiding concealed weapons license holders and gun owners in VA. Furthermore, there are millions of standard capacity magazines and AR15 sporting rifles and handguns that carry standard capacity magazines. You all are making instant criminals out of not only every Virginian, but anyone driving through our great state. I ask you all to vote NO on EVERY gun bill that infringes on our rights and that’s any bill adding regulations and restrictions on the firearms millions of us own. Thank you and God bless, Chandler Cobb Soli Deo Gloria~ Sic Semper Tyranis~

I am a paralyzed veteran living in Fairfax County. I also have a home in the Shenandoah Valley near Edinburg. I strongly believe in the second amendment and the right to keep and arms. The United States Supreme Court has ruled that modern day firearms in common use for lawful purposes, including self-defense, may not be banned. This proposed legislation is in direct conflict with Supreme Court precedent, and the second amendment. Limiting the choice of weapon to use in self-defense and restricting the number of rounds that a law abiding citizen can use places that citizen at a disadvantage when confronted by an attacker or a group of attackers who are not bound by such limitations nor care about violating said law. In addition, there’s no guarantee that 10 rounds or even 15 rounds will be sufficient to prevent or stop a crime person or family. Often it has taken several rounds to stop an unlawful attack in some defensive cases. Attackers have foreknowledge of their plans, whereas the defender has no such knowledge. This Bill could have devastating consequences for a person‘s ability to fend off and attacker or attackers. It only will affect the law abiding citizens and doesn’t solve anything. This is nothing more than a gun grab by gun haters. Don’t tread on my constitutional rights or those of other law abiding citizens This bill needs to be defeated and placed in a trash bin.

I stand with the VCDL's position on the firearms related bills. I oppose all Gun Control.

I AM OPPOSED

Please oppose HB1524, Concealed handgun permit holders and licensed security guards are no longer exempt from this code section, even though neither one has caused any legal issues by carrying such loaded firearms publicly for over a decade. It's interesting that the government, exempts itself from this terrible bill. The U.S. Supreme Court has already ruled that citizens have the right to carry firearms outside of their homes and in public, so this bill is unconstitutional on its face.

I STRONGLY OPPOSE this bill

As a law abiding citizen and a retired Corrections Officer of 36 years I strongly object to this bill. It is only designed to infringe upon my 2nd Amendment rights and does nothing to keep the citizens of the Commonwealth safe from gun violence. I learned one thing from my time as a C. O. Criminals don’t let laws stop them. Only law abiding citizens obey the laws. Please focus on criminals and not law abiding citizens. Vote no on this bill!

As a law abiding citizen and a retired Corrections Officer of 36 years I strongly object to this bill. It is only designed to infringe upon my 2nd Amendment rights and does nothing to keep the citizens of the Commonwealth safe from gun violence. I learned one thing from my time as a C. O. Criminals don’t let laws stop them. Only law abiding citizens obey the laws. Please focus on criminals and not law abiding citizens. Vote no on this bill!

As a constituent, I urge you to OPPOSE HB 1524, Delegate McGuire, which severely restricts where a broad category of commonly owned firearms can be carried. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in New York State Rife and Pistol Association v. Bruen that states cannot have sweeping prohibitions on the carry of firearms in public areas, which is exactly what HB 1524 does. The U.S. Supreme Court has already ruled that citizens have the right to carry firearms outside of their homes and in public, so this bill is unconstitutional on its face.

I encourage you all to oppose this bill. It does nothing to promote public safety or control criminal actors. The bill is a backward-looking and punishes law-abiding citizens. It is a clear violation of the the US Constitution (both Article 1, Section 8, para "To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water;" as well as the 2nd Amendment). Thank you for y our consideration in this issue.

This bill would criminalize carrying perfectly ordinary firearms that countless peaceful Virginians have legally purchased, trained with, and have come to rely upon for for personal protection. In effect, this bill would turn those otherwise law-abiding Virginians into criminals for the "crime" of continuing to carry those firearms. Finally, this bill would particularly hurt those Virginians who lack the means to purchase additional, alternative firearms.

Do not support this HB1524. It does nothing to reduce crime, it merely burdens the law abiding.

I urge you to OPPOSE House Bill 1524 in your committee. House Bill 1524 prohibits carrying "assault firearms" in public places, including streets, sidewalks, and parks. Because of vague definitions, HB 1524 effectively criminalizes carrying any center-fire semi-automatic firearm in the Commonwealth. This bill does nothing to address crime in Commonwealth, and only jeopardizes law-abiding gun owners. Again, I urge you to OPPOSE HB 1524. Many members of my family, both male and female, have Virginia Concealed Handgun Permits and frequently carry handguns. If this bill becomes law, protecting ourselves and our loved ones will become much more challenging since we would not to be able to lawfully carry in the public places that we have to travel through as we move between locations where we would be legally allowed to carry. This would effectively end our ability to carry handguns in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Respectfully, Thomas S. Williams III

I work in Lynchburg at Lynchburg general and we see more drug-related deaths and alcohol related deaths more than firearm related deaths. I've also been doing some reading and listening to some of y'all talk about gun related deaths with young people those are gum related deaths that involve pistols / handguns due to the fact they are not properly locked up. I'm a proud Jewish American born and raised in the Commonwealth and have lived in Lynchburg my whole life. I asked you all to please not to outlaw or ban firearms y'all consider our assault weapons or high capacity magazines, I voted Democrat this time for more affordable cost of living here in Virginia and to push ICE ut as well but I did not vote for Spamberger and her team so they could outlaw something that I enjoy using for recreational activities and hunting, I probably put 40 rounds down range with my rifle that's two boxes of rifle ammunition and if I take my pistol out I'm probably going through 50 rounds. I would ask y'all to stay true to your word from what I was hearing in the beginning and requiring people to take a safety and educational course in order to own an "assault style rifle". The other reason I'm reaching out is I don't feel comfortable in today's world where there's so much hate discrimination against the Jewish community I don't feel as if I can trust local law enforcement nor our government with our current leadership in Washington I prefer to be able to protect myself and my family and I feel more comfortable with firearms that are easier to use like the AR-15 or shotguns that have a pistol grip intake a magazine. So I asked you all today please please do not pass on the assault weapons bill and do not outlaw high capacity magazine. Make it to where if people want to own an assault-style firearm they need to first take a safety and educational course that would require you to pass a background check just in order to take the class. And in doing so have its where if they take this class they also be able to apply for a hunting permit. For example here in Virginia if you take the hunter safety course you automatically are able to apply for your concealed carry without taking the concealed carry course, and if you take the concealed carry course you don't have to take the hunter safety course. I'm taking time out of my day for what is going to be a 20 hour shift day probably to send this message to you all today, please please reconsider. Thank you all and have a blessed day Dr. Rowland 24502 Lynchburg VA.

This bill would put individuals that carry their firearm to a lawful firing range in legal jeopardy.

I believe that the actual text of HB1524 is at odds with the intended goal of blocking the open carry of assault firearms. The broad language on lines 14-16 and the looseness of the "actually engaged" terminology on line 53 suggest that this bill would criminalize lawful transportation of firearms for example through a public parking lot between a person's vehicle and a shooting range, or from their home to their vehicle. I ask that our legislators consider the actual ramifications of HB1524 as it is currently drafted and amend it to add exceptions such as allowing firearms to be transported inside soft cases or freely when unloaded.

I am against these proposed bills to impededany sort of restriction on the carry of firearms, banning any sort of accessory, type or feature of a firearm, or any law that adds additional penalties, burdens, fees, or taxes on firearms. The punishment the law abiding citizen with burdensome laws and infringe upon their constitutional rights. The 2nd ammendment is very clear in "shall not be infringed," yet these bills infringe on the freedom of people to bear arms. The propososers of these bills know they're illegal bills and are not constitutional. Virginia has long been a beacon of freedom, and was instrumental in in the American Revolution to secure that freedom. It is disguisting seeing its politicians try to forcibly take that freedom away from its people. I am opposed to these bills and urge the legislature to throw them out, with prejudice.

As a pediatrician I have long been appalled that firearms are the number one cause of death of our children- and having lived thru both mass shootings in Pittsburgh and Buffalo, I immersed myself in the data to understand the problem- we know FIrearm licensing , and concealed carry licensing that incorporates safe storage training saves lives. We know that the access to assault weapons so easily , especially in people with prior threats or concerning obsessions is a reason for most of our mass shootings in America. We know that in domestic violence access to firearms , even in dating relationships , is why women continue to die even with protective orders in place. As a physician I strongly feel concealed carry , especially assault weapons has no place in hospitals , colleges , schools and public buildings. In Virginia we can have laws that really protect people without infringing on the right of sane citizens to own guns. Brief waiting periods, safe storage education for all gun owners, safe storage requirements for all gun owners and a strong emergency protective order system will save many lives and I urge you to support them.

U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1791 as part of the Bill of Rights, protects the right of the people to keep and bear arms. It states: "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed". These are a slap to the face of law abiding gun owners of the state of Virginia. I'm atonished at the blatan ignorance of a firearm and my rights, who voted for these idiots?

If Democrats are seriously concerned with the violent overreach by the Trump administration, why do they continue to hinder and disarm the people's right to self-defense against a facist, tyrannical government? Would it not make more sense to embolden the people's ability to arm themselves to resist the current administration? Even after the horrific events in Minnesota we continue to hear the same rhetoric against "weapons of war" or "assault rifles". The continued falacy of "Why do you need an AR-15? The government has tanks and drones!" If the ongoing wars in the Middle East or Ukraine have taught us anything it's that you can make do with obsolete or primitive weaponry, but having current weaponry works multitudes better. If the Democrats really want to help the people instead of being yet another faction vying for power, they should urgently drop this platform of gun-control and focus of civil armament. I imagine millions of reluctant leftists, like myself, would gladly vote Democrat if the party would stop trying to take away this basic civil right.

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.

Citizens of all races bought there firearms in a legal manner.Now with a stroke of a pen possibly made illegal..Oppressing and infringement laws are a racist act..The legislators are infringing on rights of different ethnicities, color,culture.The majority of the authors who wrote the bills are white..Some have come from other countries where there rights were oppressed. Now in turn they are the oppressors of American citizens..Citizens are brothers and sisters..And you decide Are the legislators racist in writing these bills..? Sad to see..This will be in record for future generations to see..Let's hope they learn from history and not repeat it .

I oppose HB1527, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272, and SB323.

I would like to provide some context as to who I am because It provides important context to my opinions and statements below. I have been a Virginia resident for 28 years in Fairfax and Arlington counties, and a public servant for 23 years. I am an independent voter and believe that no party adequately represents the full spectrum of my beliefs. I believe that it is the diversity of thought and experience in the different communities in Virginia what keeps VA purple AND What keeps it strong. We are blessed to have people we disagree with as our neighbors because it keeps our minds open and agile, and reinforces empathy for our fellow citizens. Our country and our neighbors are suffering deeply right now because the political pendulum is swinging so hard that it cannot be tolerated by our neighbors, and then when it swings in the other direction it cannot be tolerated by us. Pushing this pendulum to swing harder and faster and farther is what will tear our society apart. I voted for Governor Spanberger and Representative Walkinshaw in the last election because I wanted to defend the diversity that strengthens us as a country and also protect my family members in marginalized minority groups. I hoped I wasn’t voting for another extremist, or another person who was take the pendulum and swing it as hard as they could in the other direction. I definitely didn’t vote for nor do I support the more extreme elements of the proposed firearms legislation. Tax of anywhere near $500 on suppressors is inherently discriminatory to low income individuals. The absurdly restrictive terms on the transfer or sale of grandfathered firearms leaves no options for them to liquidate their collection before their death when they would those funds for their continued care through aging and then it puts an undue burden on the estate of the firearms owner after their death. Allowing for in-state transfer and sale without further import of the restricted items seems a much more balanced and reasonable approach. Capacity of up to 20 rounds is extremely common. Those extra rounds do not markedly decrease the lethality of a pistol or a rifle. It does not change a firearm from semiautomatic to a automatic. If someone had malicious intent to use a firearm, it takes less than one second to swap a magazine. This legislation significantly impacts the large sport shooting community in Virginia. In order to be competitive in national competitions you need to train with higher capacity magazines or you will not be nearly as competitive. It also makes it impossible to obtain new firearms to stay competitive as the sport advances. Many of the characteristics that have been deamed “assault-style” are extremely common in hunting scenarios, keep the hunter safe in dangerous conditions, and protect their hearing and the peacefulness of the area in which they’re hunting. I firmly believe in the fallibility of humans and their propensity towards greed and power. The Second Amendment was given to us by our forefathers to ensure the consent of the governed. This amendment goes too far to neuter the balance of power between governing forces and the people that are governed. This legislation will also further polarize the conservative constituents of Virginia. Do not legislate against something they deeply value unless you wish for them to legislate against something that you deeply value. I do not support this legislation.

Good morning, My name is Andrew B, a GWOT veteran and federal contractor. I am deeply disappointed in the legislation proposed by delegates. The Constitution is not a suggestion; it guides our nation. The Second Amendment protects the First and serves all citizens, Democrats and Republicans alike. This should not be partisan. HB1524 is unconstitutional. You cannot arbitrarily prevent citizens from carrying firearms in public. Bruen established that restrictions require historical precedent, which this bill lacks. As written: “A well regulated Militia… the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” SB 27 creates vague liability standards for firearm manufacturers and dealers through undefined “reasonable controls,” allowing lawsuits based on subjective interpretations. Lawful businesses already comply with extensive federal and state regulations governing sales, record keeping, and background checks. This bill risks penalizing companies even when compliant. It could expose lawful businesses to costly litigation for criminal misuse by third parties, something they cannot realistically control. This may reduce lawful access to firearms and harm Virginia businesses without demonstrably improving public safety. Public safety efforts should focus on enforcing existing laws rather than creating new liability burdens on lawful commerce. SB 272 would restrict lawful citizens, including concealed handgun permit holders, from carrying firearms inside public college buildings, removing self-defense options where police response may still leave individuals vulnerable. Those intent on violence will ignore restrictions, leaving law-abiding citizens disarmed while doing little to deter crime. Virginia should improve campus security and enforcement rather than restrict lawful carry. SB 323 risks criminalizing citizens who legally manufactured or possess firearms or components previously permitted under state and federal law. The bill imposes serious penalties on responsible owners while criminals are unlikely to comply with serialization or manufacturing restrictions. Criminal misuse should be addressed by enforcing laws against violent offenders rather than creating new crimes that primarily affect law-abiding citizens and hobbyist builders. Legislation should target criminal behavior directly, not burden lawful ownership. For these reasons, I respectfully ask you to oppose SB 323. — Sic Semper Tyrannis —

Good morning, My name is Andrew B, a GWOT veteran and federal contractor. I am deeply disappointed in the legislation proposed by delegates. The Constitution is not a suggestion; it guides our nation. The Second Amendment protects the First and serves all citizens, Democrats and Republicans alike. This should not be partisan. HB1524 is unconstitutional. You cannot arbitrarily prevent citizens from carrying firearms in public. Bruen established that restrictions require historical precedent, which this bill lacks. As written: “A well regulated Militia… the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” SB 27 creates vague liability standards for firearm manufacturers and dealers through undefined “reasonable controls,” allowing lawsuits based on subjective interpretations. Lawful businesses already comply with extensive federal and state regulations governing sales, record keeping, and background checks. This bill risks penalizing companies even when compliant. It could expose lawful businesses to costly litigation for criminal misuse by third parties, something they cannot realistically control. This may reduce lawful access to firearms and harm Virginia businesses without demonstrably improving public safety. Public safety efforts should focus on enforcing existing laws rather than creating new liability burdens on lawful commerce. SB 272 would restrict lawful citizens, including concealed handgun permit holders, from carrying firearms inside public college buildings, removing self-defense options where police response may still leave individuals vulnerable. Those intent on violence will ignore restrictions, leaving law-abiding citizens disarmed while doing little to deter crime. Virginia should improve campus security and enforcement rather than restrict lawful carry. SB 323 risks criminalizing citizens who legally manufactured or possess firearms or components previously permitted under state and federal law. The bill imposes serious penalties on responsible owners while criminals are unlikely to comply with serialization or manufacturing restrictions. Criminal misuse should be addressed by enforcing laws against violent offenders rather than creating new crimes that primarily affect law-abiding citizens and hobbyist builders. Legislation should target criminal behavior directly, not burden lawful ownership. For these reasons, I respectfully ask you to oppose SB 323. — Sic Semper Tyrannis —

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323.

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB272, and SB323 as they violate constitutionally protected rights, both federally and for the state of Virginia.

I opposed the following bills

HB1459: SUPPORT HB1524: OPPOSE, both the VA and US constitutions protect the right to carry any legally owned firearms. Both the VA and US constitutions protect the right to own center-fire rifles, center-fire pistols, and shotguns that accept a magazine of greater than 10 rounds SB27: OPPOSE, this unconstitutionally, unfairly, and unjustly empowers anyone to hold the firearms industry responsible for actions of others outsides of the industry's control. SB38: OPPOSE, the language prohibiting persons under 21 is unconstitutional. The language prohibiting a cohabitant is also unconstitutional. SB86: SUPPORT SB173: OPPOSE, this violates Virginians' constitutional rights. Virginians have the right to carry a firearm for their personal protection anywhere that lacks sufficient security to assume responsibility for the safety of any disarmed persons and that lacks safe storage of firearms carried to and from such location. SB272: OPPOSE, this violates Virginians' constitutional rights. Virginians have the right to carry a firearm for their personal protection anywhere that lacks sufficient security that assumes responsibility for the safety of any disarmed persons and that lacks safe storage of firearms carried to and from such location. SB323: OPPOSE, Virginians should be free to build or customize personally owned firearms without serial numbers. SB337: OPPOSE, this language seems to attempt to legislate based only the current circumstances surrounding national guard deployments in the US. This could hinder an Adjutant General from acting responsibly and prudently under possible future circumstances currently unforeseen.

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323.

These proposed bills do not address the root causes of violence. They do not stop criminals, who by definition ignore the law, and they do not deter those who already intend to do harm. Instead, they place new burdens on the very people who follow the rules. Law-abiding citizens become the target of regulation, while criminal behavior remains unchanged. This approach mistakes control for safety. It assumes that restricting the rights of responsible people will somehow restrain those who have no regard for the law in the first place. History and common sense both show otherwise. When rights are limited in the name of protection, what is actually reduced is trust between citizens and their government. These measures also expand the power of the state in ways that deserve serious concern. Broad authority, vague enforcement, and increased penalties aimed at ordinary people create opportunities for abuse rather than justice. Liberty is not preserved by weakening it in the hope that criminals will suddenly obey it. If the goal is public safety, then the focus should be on violent offenders, mental health, and meaningful enforcement of existing laws. These bills do none of that. They erode constitutional rights, punish compliance, and leave the real problem untouched.

Oppose SB27 Firearms Manufacturers already have Federally mandated steps in the accountability, security, transport, ship, transfer of firearms from the manufacturer to the legally licensed FFL holders (Businesses that sell Firearms and salesmen. These laws exist and they are enforced on a Federal Level: The National Firearms Act of 1968 has had amendments that regulate and implement laws and restrictions on firearms sales and even ownership. The National Firearms Act of 1934. - The National Firearms Act of 1968 (Gun Control Act of 1968 ) - The Clinton Executive Orders - The Lautenberg Amensment 1996 - The HUD/Smith and Wesson agreement -The Brady Law -The School Safety and Law Enforcement Improvement Act - Bump Stock Ban 26 March 2019 Background Checks: - Online sales of firearms are legal and there is a requirement in the NFA that those firearms are shipped directly to a local licensed FFL Dealer from the licensed FFL dealer that firearm was purchased from. Firearams are not shipped to a purchaser's personal home address. The local licensed FFL dealer will then perform a background check on the buyer prior to handing over the firearm to the purchaser. The purchaser is also responsible for paying a transfer fee to the local FFL Dealer to facilitate the transaction. - Background checks are required and performed at gun shows. - Background checks are performed on all in store firearms purchases. In 2005, Congress passed the bipartisan Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) to prevent and curb never-ending series of lawsuits against manufacturers and retailers of firearms to hold them financially responsible for crimes committed using the weapons manufactured or sold by those entities.

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323. These do not provide safety to the community at all.

I oppose hb1524, sb27, sb38, sb173, sb272, and sb323!

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272, and SB323.

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323

HB1524 is written with the intent to prevent individuals with ill intent from open carrying firearms to intimidate, but is written so broadly that it will ban possession of modern firearms outside the home. How is a legal owner supposed to bring a ‘assault weapon’ to the range, to a competition, or any other lawful activity? If it can not be carried on or about your person, then it can’t be brought outside the home. There is no exception for unloaded guns, no exception for cased firearms. This poorly written bill should be tabled and rewritten. SB27 is intended to allow individuals to sue gun companies for the illegal actions of others. This essentially makes SLAPP suits legal against gun companies in particular. Suing a business for the actions of a third party is a terrible precedent to set. If it is acceptable to do here, why is it not acceptable to sue other companies when their products are misused?

I oppose!

I oppose hb1527, sb 27,sb38, sb173, sb272,sb323.

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323 as they infringe upon my Second Amendment rights.

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323. I oppose HB1524 because it interferes with church security teams. It does not make any exception for concealed weapons or conceal carry permit holders. Also because this law does not propose anything that would stop criminals. Someone okay with committing murder isn't going to care about a misdemeanor. This law will just jam up lawful gun owners who otherwise have not committed any crime if they decide to stop by the grocery store after the range on the way home. I oppose SB38. I oppose SB173. During testimony in the Senate we heard from nurses and doctors about all the dangerous people they have to deal with and violence that can happen at the hospital. Law abiding citizens who have conceal carry permits should not be prohibited from being able to protect themselves at these places. I oppose SB272. More gun free zones is not going to solve anything. Virginia Tech and the Government building in Virginia Beach were gun free zones until deranged gunmen decided they weren't. Mass shooters specifically target these areas because they know nobody will be able to fight back. Mass shooters are only stopped when they are met with force. All this law does is stop victims of mass shootings from being able to protect themselves while incentivizing mass shooters to attack these places. I oppose SB323 because it bans possession of legally owned firearms that people have already. Also the whole "Ghost Gun" thing is way overblown. "Ghost Guns" include guns people make at home without serial numbers yes, but also it includes guns with destroyed or defaced serial numbers. Criminals have been destroying serial numbers on firearms for forever but the "Ghost Gun" paranoia is new thing and now law enforcement reports the combined total of which privately made firearms are a small fraction as they always have been. Nothing in this law is going to stop a criminal making their own gun and committing crimes with it. This is only going to harm lawful gun owners who wish to make their own guns at home.

I vehemently oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323. I am a law abiding gun owner, and these bills place extreme burdens on me and my constituents, making us into criminals overnight. I urge you to kill these unconstitutional bills.

As a law abiding citizen of the Commonwealth of Virginia, I oppose any law infringing upon my right to keep and bear arms. The laws listed above as well as previous laws already passed in the Senate/House are in direct conflict of public safety and only serves as a means to disadvantage law abiding citizens from their right to not only personnel protection but also the foundation of a citizen’s responsibility to gatekeep and deter government overreach.

I strongly oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272, and SB323.

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323

I am opposed to HB1524,SB27,SB38,SB173,SB272, and SB323. I’m sure none of you care what your constituents think, but I offer my disapproval of these unconstitutional proposals.

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323.

HB1524 - I most strongly oppose this proposal. As a middle-aged woman, I rely on concealed carry of a pistol for my personal and family's safety. The bill's removal of a concealed carry holder's exemption puts honest, tax-paying voters at risk. Where is the problem? Concealed carry licensees are among the most law-abiding populations. While I vote Democratic, the anti-gun legislation being proposed by my party has convinced me that I cannot continue to vote for a party that will place my personal safety at risk. While I support many gun control efforts to keep firearms away from dangerous people, removing firearms from the general population is not what I voted for. Do not make a criminal out of me. SB27 - I strongly oppose this legislation. SCOTUS recently ruled that Mexico cannot sue Smith & Wesson for the actions of those who use the company's firearms for illegal activities. What makes the VA Assembly think it can overturn federal law and make businessmen and regular citizens engaged in a legal business or transaction civilly or criminally responsible for the criminal/negligent actions of others? Again, while I voted for the Democrats on my ballot last November, I did not vote for laws to restrict where firearms are available. My safety and my family's safety are obviously not the focus of this legislation and I will respond accordingly in November. I do not understand the attacks the Democrats are waging against their law-abiding, voting constituents. Thank you for the opportunity to express my strongest opposition to these two legislative proposals.

With respect to SB 27, we already have a federal law preventing frivolous law suits against firearms manufacturers. The Proctection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act supercedes this. Not only is this unconstitutional, but it's bound to get struck down in court. Costing Virginia tax payers millions in the process, a complete and utter waste of time, energy, effort, and tax payer dollars to defend a law that is clearly intended to allow for partisan political lawsuits of the sort the PLCAA was specifically written to prevent.

Why are you discriminating against people of different races and ethnicity. ,? And for a person who is poor? Imposing the bills will make it expensive ,less affordable for someone to purchase a firearm for self defense..

Why discriminate against the constituency whom voted you into office? Vote against the bills..

Firearms were used to free slaves, And self defense..This mantra of self defense carries on ..A hundred years later..You would attempt to limit a constituents right to self defense.. Illegal discrimination ..Do the right thing Vote against the bills..

This critique is true. Will one of you legislators have the courtesy to step out of the groupthink and vote against the gun bills ..? The challenge is to have the guts to do it..Firearms are used for self defense..Freeing citizens from slavery. Sport shooting creates tax revenue and jobs.

The authors of the bills know they cannot ban guns outright..Create hardship bills so a constituent will not want to carry..Delegate, because you possibly do like firearms ..Is it your role ,to treat constituents in a discriminating way..? Against a class of citizens..? Liberals own gun too Not just conservatives..Vote against the bills.

The so called “gun safety” bills are not about reducing “gun violence” or any violence. Their purpose is to “lawfully” harm or criminalize gun owners across the commonwealth who have never been a problem. For that reason, I oppose these bills.

I oppose all of these bills

The second amendment is a right not a privilege that can be taken away or will be taken away. Our right or sovereign under the constitution second amendment shall not be in French. Why don’t y’all work on making punishments more harsh for the criminals that rape people moles, children murder, and so on. Instead of trying to make hard-working, taxpaying citizens criminals

Good morning, As a lifelong Virginia resident I can’t believe what bills are even being considered. My name is Chandler Cobb and I currently reside in Isle of Wight County in Smithfield, VA. I’m a Christian, a disabled Veteran, a husband, and I am against any bills that take away our God-given, govt protected, Second Amendment rights. I’ve been a concealed weapons licensee for over 20 years and have never had to fire my weapon in defense of myself or another. That is the story with 99% of Virginian concealed weapons license holders. We also prevent harm without having to fire a single round. The recent Supreme Court precedent set in Bruen and Heller, makes every anti-second amendment bill written UNCONSTITUTIONAL and will eventually be overturned by SCOTUS. Please do not support any bills that take away our rights. These bills will do absolutely nothing nothing to make VA safer and will actually make us less safe. Legal gun owners in this country and this state follow the laws, but criminals don’t care what laws you write banning firearms as they don’t follow laws. These bills only hurt us law abiding concealed weapons license holders and gun owners in VA. Furthermore, there are millions of standard capacity magazines and AR15 sporting rifles and handguns that carry standard capacity magazines. You all are making instant criminals out of not only every Virginian, but anyone driving through our great state. I ask you all to vote NO on EVERY gun bill that infringes on our rights and that’s any bill adding regulations and restrictions on the firearms millions of us own. Thank you and God bless, Chandler Cobb Soli Deo Gloria~ Sic Semper Tyranis~

I stand with the VCDL's position on the firearms related bills. I oppose all Gun Control.

If Democrats are seriously concerned with the violent overreach by the Trump administration, why do they continue to hinder and disarm the people's right to self-defense against a facist, tyrannical government? Would it not make more sense to embolden the people's ability to arm themselves to resist the current administration? Even after the horrific events in Minnesota we continue to hear the same rhetoric against "weapons of war" or "assault rifles". The continued falacy of "Why do you need an AR-15? The government has tanks and drones!" If the ongoing wars in the Middle East or Ukraine have taught us anything it's that you can make do with obsolete or primitive weaponry, but having current weaponry works multitudes better. If the Democrats really want to help the people instead of being yet another faction vying for power, they should urgently drop this platform of gun-control and focus of civil armament. I imagine millions of reluctant leftists, like myself, would gladly vote Democrat if the party would stop trying to take away this basic civil right.

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.

Citizens of all races bought there firearms in a legal manner.Now with a stroke of a pen possibly made illegal..Oppressing and infringement laws are a racist act..The legislators are infringing on rights of different ethnicities, color,culture.The majority of the authors who wrote the bills are white..Some have come from other countries where there rights were oppressed. Now in turn they are the oppressors of American citizens..Citizens are brothers and sisters..And you decide Are the legislators racist in writing these bills..? Sad to see..This will be in record for future generations to see..Let's hope they learn from history and not repeat it .

I oppose HB1527, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272, and SB323.

I would like to provide some context as to who I am because It provides important context to my opinions and statements below. I have been a Virginia resident for 28 years in Fairfax and Arlington counties, and a public servant for 23 years. I am an independent voter and believe that no party adequately represents the full spectrum of my beliefs. I believe that it is the diversity of thought and experience in the different communities in Virginia what keeps VA purple AND What keeps it strong. We are blessed to have people we disagree with as our neighbors because it keeps our minds open and agile, and reinforces empathy for our fellow citizens. Our country and our neighbors are suffering deeply right now because the political pendulum is swinging so hard that it cannot be tolerated by our neighbors, and then when it swings in the other direction it cannot be tolerated by us. Pushing this pendulum to swing harder and faster and farther is what will tear our society apart. I voted for Governor Spanberger and Representative Walkinshaw in the last election because I wanted to defend the diversity that strengthens us as a country and also protect my family members in marginalized minority groups. I hoped I wasn’t voting for another extremist, or another person who was take the pendulum and swing it as hard as they could in the other direction. I definitely didn’t vote for nor do I support the more extreme elements of the proposed firearms legislation. Tax of anywhere near $500 on suppressors is inherently discriminatory to low income individuals. The absurdly restrictive terms on the transfer or sale of grandfathered firearms leaves no options for them to liquidate their collection before their death when they would those funds for their continued care through aging and then it puts an undue burden on the estate of the firearms owner after their death. Allowing for in-state transfer and sale without further import of the restricted items seems a much more balanced and reasonable approach. Capacity of up to 20 rounds is extremely common. Those extra rounds do not markedly decrease the lethality of a pistol or a rifle. It does not change a firearm from semiautomatic to a automatic. If someone had malicious intent to use a firearm, it takes less than one second to swap a magazine. This legislation significantly impacts the large sport shooting community in Virginia. In order to be competitive in national competitions you need to train with higher capacity magazines or you will not be nearly as competitive. It also makes it impossible to obtain new firearms to stay competitive as the sport advances. Many of the characteristics that have been deamed “assault-style” are extremely common in hunting scenarios, keep the hunter safe in dangerous conditions, and protect their hearing and the peacefulness of the area in which they’re hunting. I firmly believe in the fallibility of humans and their propensity towards greed and power. The Second Amendment was given to us by our forefathers to ensure the consent of the governed. This amendment goes too far to neuter the balance of power between governing forces and the people that are governed. This legislation will also further polarize the conservative constituents of Virginia. Do not legislate against something they deeply value unless you wish for them to legislate against something that you deeply value. I do not support this legislation.

Good morning, My name is Andrew B, a GWOT veteran and federal contractor. I am deeply disappointed in the legislation proposed by delegates. The Constitution is not a suggestion; it guides our nation. The Second Amendment protects the First and serves all citizens, Democrats and Republicans alike. This should not be partisan. HB1524 is unconstitutional. You cannot arbitrarily prevent citizens from carrying firearms in public. Bruen established that restrictions require historical precedent, which this bill lacks. As written: “A well regulated Militia… the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” SB 27 creates vague liability standards for firearm manufacturers and dealers through undefined “reasonable controls,” allowing lawsuits based on subjective interpretations. Lawful businesses already comply with extensive federal and state regulations governing sales, record keeping, and background checks. This bill risks penalizing companies even when compliant. It could expose lawful businesses to costly litigation for criminal misuse by third parties, something they cannot realistically control. This may reduce lawful access to firearms and harm Virginia businesses without demonstrably improving public safety. Public safety efforts should focus on enforcing existing laws rather than creating new liability burdens on lawful commerce. SB 272 would restrict lawful citizens, including concealed handgun permit holders, from carrying firearms inside public college buildings, removing self-defense options where police response may still leave individuals vulnerable. Those intent on violence will ignore restrictions, leaving law-abiding citizens disarmed while doing little to deter crime. Virginia should improve campus security and enforcement rather than restrict lawful carry. SB 323 risks criminalizing citizens who legally manufactured or possess firearms or components previously permitted under state and federal law. The bill imposes serious penalties on responsible owners while criminals are unlikely to comply with serialization or manufacturing restrictions. Criminal misuse should be addressed by enforcing laws against violent offenders rather than creating new crimes that primarily affect law-abiding citizens and hobbyist builders. Legislation should target criminal behavior directly, not burden lawful ownership. For these reasons, I respectfully ask you to oppose SB 323. — Sic Semper Tyrannis —

OPPOSE SB38 We have responsible 18,19- and 20-year-old men and women to serve our country and state on Active Duty, in the National Guard and as First Responders. These men and women are responsible and more than capable of having possessing and securing firearms if they are transferred to them. We ask these young 18,19- and 20-year-olds to sacrifice for our country, state and our communities and this legislation denies them of their constitutional rights under the guise of public safety. The hypocrisy of this legislation is that an 18-, 19-, and 20-year-old can legally vote and yet can't smoke, drink or if these legislations pass own, possess or transport a firearm or have it transferred to them. To add insult to injury the legilslators on this committee, and in the House and Senate including the author of this legislation will seek their VOTES and pander to these same 18-, 19-, and 20-year-old men and women for VOTES and hope they forget that these legislators took their rights to self-defenss and capability, right to own, transport, or possess firearms or purchase them, yet, these 18-, 19-, and 20-year-old men and women are capable of voting and serving our country, but incapable of owning, possessing or transporting a firearm while not in uniform due to public safety concerns. Reese VS Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms: 30 January 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit issued a landmark opinion on U.S.C §922(b)(1)and (c)(1) stating that prohibiting Federal Firearms Licensee from selling handguns 18, to 20 year olds is unconstitutional. Virginia Constitution: Article 1 Bill of Rights Sections 1,2,3,7,8,9,10,11 & 13 U.S. Constitution: Amendments: 2,10,14

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323.

I opposed the following bills

HB1459: SUPPORT HB1524: OPPOSE, both the VA and US constitutions protect the right to carry any legally owned firearms. Both the VA and US constitutions protect the right to own center-fire rifles, center-fire pistols, and shotguns that accept a magazine of greater than 10 rounds SB27: OPPOSE, this unconstitutionally, unfairly, and unjustly empowers anyone to hold the firearms industry responsible for actions of others outsides of the industry's control. SB38: OPPOSE, the language prohibiting persons under 21 is unconstitutional. The language prohibiting a cohabitant is also unconstitutional. SB86: SUPPORT SB173: OPPOSE, this violates Virginians' constitutional rights. Virginians have the right to carry a firearm for their personal protection anywhere that lacks sufficient security to assume responsibility for the safety of any disarmed persons and that lacks safe storage of firearms carried to and from such location. SB272: OPPOSE, this violates Virginians' constitutional rights. Virginians have the right to carry a firearm for their personal protection anywhere that lacks sufficient security that assumes responsibility for the safety of any disarmed persons and that lacks safe storage of firearms carried to and from such location. SB323: OPPOSE, Virginians should be free to build or customize personally owned firearms without serial numbers. SB337: OPPOSE, this language seems to attempt to legislate based only the current circumstances surrounding national guard deployments in the US. This could hinder an Adjutant General from acting responsibly and prudently under possible future circumstances currently unforeseen.

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323.

These proposed bills do not address the root causes of violence. They do not stop criminals, who by definition ignore the law, and they do not deter those who already intend to do harm. Instead, they place new burdens on the very people who follow the rules. Law-abiding citizens become the target of regulation, while criminal behavior remains unchanged. This approach mistakes control for safety. It assumes that restricting the rights of responsible people will somehow restrain those who have no regard for the law in the first place. History and common sense both show otherwise. When rights are limited in the name of protection, what is actually reduced is trust between citizens and their government. These measures also expand the power of the state in ways that deserve serious concern. Broad authority, vague enforcement, and increased penalties aimed at ordinary people create opportunities for abuse rather than justice. Liberty is not preserved by weakening it in the hope that criminals will suddenly obey it. If the goal is public safety, then the focus should be on violent offenders, mental health, and meaningful enforcement of existing laws. These bills do none of that. They erode constitutional rights, punish compliance, and leave the real problem untouched.

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323. These do not provide safety to the community at all.

I oppose hb1524, sb27, sb38, sb173, sb272, and sb323!

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272, and SB323.

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323

I oppose!

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272, and SB323. Please represent your constituents by voting against these bills.

I oppose hb1527, sb 27,sb38, sb173, sb272,sb323.

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323 as they infringe upon my Second Amendment rights.

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323. I oppose HB1524 because it interferes with church security teams. It does not make any exception for concealed weapons or conceal carry permit holders. Also because this law does not propose anything that would stop criminals. Someone okay with committing murder isn't going to care about a misdemeanor. This law will just jam up lawful gun owners who otherwise have not committed any crime if they decide to stop by the grocery store after the range on the way home. I oppose SB38. I oppose SB173. During testimony in the Senate we heard from nurses and doctors about all the dangerous people they have to deal with and violence that can happen at the hospital. Law abiding citizens who have conceal carry permits should not be prohibited from being able to protect themselves at these places. I oppose SB272. More gun free zones is not going to solve anything. Virginia Tech and the Government building in Virginia Beach were gun free zones until deranged gunmen decided they weren't. Mass shooters specifically target these areas because they know nobody will be able to fight back. Mass shooters are only stopped when they are met with force. All this law does is stop victims of mass shootings from being able to protect themselves while incentivizing mass shooters to attack these places. I oppose SB323 because it bans possession of legally owned firearms that people have already. Also the whole "Ghost Gun" thing is way overblown. "Ghost Guns" include guns people make at home without serial numbers yes, but also it includes guns with destroyed or defaced serial numbers. Criminals have been destroying serial numbers on firearms for forever but the "Ghost Gun" paranoia is new thing and now law enforcement reports the combined total of which privately made firearms are a small fraction as they always have been. Nothing in this law is going to stop a criminal making their own gun and committing crimes with it. This is only going to harm lawful gun owners who wish to make their own guns at home.

I vehemently oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323. I am a law abiding gun owner, and these bills place extreme burdens on me and my constituents, making us into criminals overnight. I urge you to kill these unconstitutional bills.

As a law abiding citizen of the Commonwealth of Virginia, I oppose any law infringing upon my right to keep and bear arms. The laws listed above as well as previous laws already passed in the Senate/House are in direct conflict of public safety and only serves as a means to disadvantage law abiding citizens from their right to not only personnel protection but also the foundation of a citizen’s responsibility to gatekeep and deter government overreach.

I strongly oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272, and SB323.

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323

I am opposed to HB1524,SB27,SB38,SB173,SB272, and SB323. I’m sure none of you care what your constituents think, but I offer my disapproval of these unconstitutional proposals.

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323.

With respect to SB 38, while I do not disagree that a person who has been lawfully barred from possessing firearms should surrender their guns, and should be surrendering them to someone who does not live with them, I do not think it should be mandatory the person they surrender them to be over the age of 21. It IS lawful for a person who is between the ages of 18 and 21 to possess both a rifle, and a pistol. IF a person who has been convicted and barred from possession of their firearms chooses to leave them with someone who is of age to have them, I do not see a problem with it.

Why are you discriminating against people of different races and ethnicity. ,? And for a person who is poor? Imposing the bills will make it expensive ,less affordable for someone to purchase a firearm for self defense..

Why discriminate against the constituency whom voted you into office? Vote against the bills..

Firearms were used to free slaves, And self defense..This mantra of self defense carries on ..A hundred years later..You would attempt to limit a constituents right to self defense.. Illegal discrimination ..Do the right thing Vote against the bills..

This critique is true. Will one of you legislators have the courtesy to step out of the groupthink and vote against the gun bills ..? The challenge is to have the guts to do it..Firearms are used for self defense..Freeing citizens from slavery. Sport shooting creates tax revenue and jobs.

The authors of the bills know they cannot ban guns outright..Create hardship bills so a constituent will not want to carry..Delegate, because you possibly do like firearms ..Is it your role ,to treat constituents in a discriminating way..? Against a class of citizens..? Liberals own gun too Not just conservatives..Vote against the bills.

The so called “gun safety” bills are not about reducing “gun violence” or any violence. Their purpose is to “lawfully” harm or criminalize gun owners across the commonwealth who have never been a problem. For that reason, I oppose these bills.

I oppose all of these bills

The second amendment is a right not a privilege that can be taken away or will be taken away. Our right or sovereign under the constitution second amendment shall not be in French. Why don’t y’all work on making punishments more harsh for the criminals that rape people moles, children murder, and so on. Instead of trying to make hard-working, taxpaying citizens criminals

Good morning, As a lifelong Virginia resident I can’t believe what bills are even being considered. My name is Chandler Cobb and I currently reside in Isle of Wight County in Smithfield, VA. I’m a Christian, a disabled Veteran, a husband, and I am against any bills that take away our God-given, govt protected, Second Amendment rights. I’ve been a concealed weapons licensee for over 20 years and have never had to fire my weapon in defense of myself or another. That is the story with 99% of Virginian concealed weapons license holders. We also prevent harm without having to fire a single round. The recent Supreme Court precedent set in Bruen and Heller, makes every anti-second amendment bill written UNCONSTITUTIONAL and will eventually be overturned by SCOTUS. Please do not support any bills that take away our rights. These bills will do absolutely nothing nothing to make VA safer and will actually make us less safe. Legal gun owners in this country and this state follow the laws, but criminals don’t care what laws you write banning firearms as they don’t follow laws. These bills only hurt us law abiding concealed weapons license holders and gun owners in VA. Furthermore, there are millions of standard capacity magazines and AR15 sporting rifles and handguns that carry standard capacity magazines. You all are making instant criminals out of not only every Virginian, but anyone driving through our great state. I ask you all to vote NO on EVERY gun bill that infringes on our rights and that’s any bill adding regulations and restrictions on the firearms millions of us own. Thank you and God bless, Chandler Cobb Soli Deo Gloria~ Sic Semper Tyranis~

I stand with the VCDL's position on the firearms related bills. I oppose all Gun Control.

Citizens of all races bought there firearms in a legal manner.Now with a stroke of a pen possibly made illegal..Oppressing and infringement laws are a racist act..The legislators are infringing on rights of different ethnicities, color,culture.The majority of the authors who wrote the bills are white..Some have come from other countries where there rights were oppressed. Now in turn they are the oppressors of American citizens..Citizens are brothers and sisters..And you decide Are the legislators racist in writing these bills..? Sad to see..This will be in record for future generations to see..Let's hope they learn from history and not repeat it .

HB1459: SUPPORT HB1524: OPPOSE, both the VA and US constitutions protect the right to carry any legally owned firearms. Both the VA and US constitutions protect the right to own center-fire rifles, center-fire pistols, and shotguns that accept a magazine of greater than 10 rounds SB27: OPPOSE, this unconstitutionally, unfairly, and unjustly empowers anyone to hold the firearms industry responsible for actions of others outsides of the industry's control. SB38: OPPOSE, the language prohibiting persons under 21 is unconstitutional. The language prohibiting a cohabitant is also unconstitutional. SB86: SUPPORT SB173: OPPOSE, this violates Virginians' constitutional rights. Virginians have the right to carry a firearm for their personal protection anywhere that lacks sufficient security to assume responsibility for the safety of any disarmed persons and that lacks safe storage of firearms carried to and from such location. SB272: OPPOSE, this violates Virginians' constitutional rights. Virginians have the right to carry a firearm for their personal protection anywhere that lacks sufficient security that assumes responsibility for the safety of any disarmed persons and that lacks safe storage of firearms carried to and from such location. SB323: OPPOSE, Virginians should be free to build or customize personally owned firearms without serial numbers. SB337: OPPOSE, this language seems to attempt to legislate based only the current circumstances surrounding national guard deployments in the US. This could hinder an Adjutant General from acting responsibly and prudently under possible future circumstances currently unforeseen.

With respect to SB 86, I just want to say that I am in favor of allowing a retiring officer to purchase their issued weapon if they so choose.

Why are you discriminating against people of different races and ethnicity. ,? And for a person who is poor? Imposing the bills will make it expensive ,less affordable for someone to purchase a firearm for self defense..

Why discriminate against the constituency whom voted you into office? Vote against the bills..

Firearms were used to free slaves, And self defense..This mantra of self defense carries on ..A hundred years later..You would attempt to limit a constituents right to self defense.. Illegal discrimination ..Do the right thing Vote against the bills..

This critique is true. Will one of you legislators have the courtesy to step out of the groupthink and vote against the gun bills ..? The challenge is to have the guts to do it..Firearms are used for self defense..Freeing citizens from slavery. Sport shooting creates tax revenue and jobs.

The authors of the bills know they cannot ban guns outright..Create hardship bills so a constituent will not want to carry..Delegate, because you possibly do like firearms ..Is it your role ,to treat constituents in a discriminating way..? Against a class of citizens..? Liberals own gun too Not just conservatives..Vote against the bills.

The second amendment is a right not a privilege that can be taken away or will be taken away. Our right or sovereign under the constitution second amendment shall not be in French. Why don’t y’all work on making punishments more harsh for the criminals that rape people moles, children murder, and so on. Instead of trying to make hard-working, taxpaying citizens criminals

Good morning, As a lifelong Virginia resident I can’t believe what bills are even being considered. My name is Chandler Cobb and I currently reside in Isle of Wight County in Smithfield, VA. I’m a Christian, a disabled Veteran, a husband, and I am against any bills that take away our God-given, govt protected, Second Amendment rights. I’ve been a concealed weapons licensee for over 20 years and have never had to fire my weapon in defense of myself or another. That is the story with 99% of Virginian concealed weapons license holders. We also prevent harm without having to fire a single round. The recent Supreme Court precedent set in Bruen and Heller, makes every anti-second amendment bill written UNCONSTITUTIONAL and will eventually be overturned by SCOTUS. Please do not support any bills that take away our rights. These bills will do absolutely nothing nothing to make VA safer and will actually make us less safe. Legal gun owners in this country and this state follow the laws, but criminals don’t care what laws you write banning firearms as they don’t follow laws. These bills only hurt us law abiding concealed weapons license holders and gun owners in VA. Furthermore, there are millions of standard capacity magazines and AR15 sporting rifles and handguns that carry standard capacity magazines. You all are making instant criminals out of not only every Virginian, but anyone driving through our great state. I ask you all to vote NO on EVERY gun bill that infringes on our rights and that’s any bill adding regulations and restrictions on the firearms millions of us own. Thank you and God bless, Chandler Cobb Soli Deo Gloria~ Sic Semper Tyranis~

I stand with the VCDL's position on the firearms related bills. I oppose all Gun Control.

If Democrats are seriously concerned with the violent overreach by the Trump administration, why do they continue to hinder and disarm the people's right to self-defense against a facist, tyrannical government? Would it not make more sense to embolden the people's ability to arm themselves to resist the current administration? Even after the horrific events in Minnesota we continue to hear the same rhetoric against "weapons of war" or "assault rifles". The continued falacy of "Why do you need an AR-15? The government has tanks and drones!" If the ongoing wars in the Middle East or Ukraine have taught us anything it's that you can make do with obsolete or primitive weaponry, but having current weaponry works multitudes better. If the Democrats really want to help the people instead of being yet another faction vying for power, they should urgently drop this platform of gun-control and focus of civil armament. I imagine millions of reluctant leftists, like myself, would gladly vote Democrat if the party would stop trying to take away this basic civil right.

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.

Citizens of all races bought there firearms in a legal manner.Now with a stroke of a pen possibly made illegal..Oppressing and infringement laws are a racist act..The legislators are infringing on rights of different ethnicities, color,culture.The majority of the authors who wrote the bills are white..Some have come from other countries where there rights were oppressed. Now in turn they are the oppressors of American citizens..Citizens are brothers and sisters..And you decide Are the legislators racist in writing these bills..? Sad to see..This will be in record for future generations to see..Let's hope they learn from history and not repeat it .

I oppose HB1527, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272, and SB323.

I would like to provide some context as to who I am because It provides important context to my opinions and statements below. I have been a Virginia resident for 28 years in Fairfax and Arlington counties, and a public servant for 23 years. I am an independent voter and believe that no party adequately represents the full spectrum of my beliefs. I believe that it is the diversity of thought and experience in the different communities in Virginia what keeps VA purple AND What keeps it strong. We are blessed to have people we disagree with as our neighbors because it keeps our minds open and agile, and reinforces empathy for our fellow citizens. Our country and our neighbors are suffering deeply right now because the political pendulum is swinging so hard that it cannot be tolerated by our neighbors, and then when it swings in the other direction it cannot be tolerated by us. Pushing this pendulum to swing harder and faster and farther is what will tear our society apart. I voted for Governor Spanberger and Representative Walkinshaw in the last election because I wanted to defend the diversity that strengthens us as a country and also protect my family members in marginalized minority groups. I hoped I wasn’t voting for another extremist, or another person who was take the pendulum and swing it as hard as they could in the other direction. I definitely didn’t vote for nor do I support the more extreme elements of the proposed firearms legislation. Tax of anywhere near $500 on suppressors is inherently discriminatory to low income individuals. The absurdly restrictive terms on the transfer or sale of grandfathered firearms leaves no options for them to liquidate their collection before their death when they would those funds for their continued care through aging and then it puts an undue burden on the estate of the firearms owner after their death. Allowing for in-state transfer and sale without further import of the restricted items seems a much more balanced and reasonable approach. Capacity of up to 20 rounds is extremely common. Those extra rounds do not markedly decrease the lethality of a pistol or a rifle. It does not change a firearm from semiautomatic to a automatic. If someone had malicious intent to use a firearm, it takes less than one second to swap a magazine. This legislation significantly impacts the large sport shooting community in Virginia. In order to be competitive in national competitions you need to train with higher capacity magazines or you will not be nearly as competitive. It also makes it impossible to obtain new firearms to stay competitive as the sport advances. Many of the characteristics that have been deamed “assault-style” are extremely common in hunting scenarios, keep the hunter safe in dangerous conditions, and protect their hearing and the peacefulness of the area in which they’re hunting. I firmly believe in the fallibility of humans and their propensity towards greed and power. The Second Amendment was given to us by our forefathers to ensure the consent of the governed. This amendment goes too far to neuter the balance of power between governing forces and the people that are governed. This legislation will also further polarize the conservative constituents of Virginia. Do not legislate against something they deeply value unless you wish for them to legislate against something that you deeply value. I do not support this legislation.

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323.

I opposed the following bills

HB1459: SUPPORT HB1524: OPPOSE, both the VA and US constitutions protect the right to carry any legally owned firearms. Both the VA and US constitutions protect the right to own center-fire rifles, center-fire pistols, and shotguns that accept a magazine of greater than 10 rounds SB27: OPPOSE, this unconstitutionally, unfairly, and unjustly empowers anyone to hold the firearms industry responsible for actions of others outsides of the industry's control. SB38: OPPOSE, the language prohibiting persons under 21 is unconstitutional. The language prohibiting a cohabitant is also unconstitutional. SB86: SUPPORT SB173: OPPOSE, this violates Virginians' constitutional rights. Virginians have the right to carry a firearm for their personal protection anywhere that lacks sufficient security to assume responsibility for the safety of any disarmed persons and that lacks safe storage of firearms carried to and from such location. SB272: OPPOSE, this violates Virginians' constitutional rights. Virginians have the right to carry a firearm for their personal protection anywhere that lacks sufficient security that assumes responsibility for the safety of any disarmed persons and that lacks safe storage of firearms carried to and from such location. SB323: OPPOSE, Virginians should be free to build or customize personally owned firearms without serial numbers. SB337: OPPOSE, this language seems to attempt to legislate based only the current circumstances surrounding national guard deployments in the US. This could hinder an Adjutant General from acting responsibly and prudently under possible future circumstances currently unforeseen.

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323.

These proposed bills do not address the root causes of violence. They do not stop criminals, who by definition ignore the law, and they do not deter those who already intend to do harm. Instead, they place new burdens on the very people who follow the rules. Law-abiding citizens become the target of regulation, while criminal behavior remains unchanged. This approach mistakes control for safety. It assumes that restricting the rights of responsible people will somehow restrain those who have no regard for the law in the first place. History and common sense both show otherwise. When rights are limited in the name of protection, what is actually reduced is trust between citizens and their government. These measures also expand the power of the state in ways that deserve serious concern. Broad authority, vague enforcement, and increased penalties aimed at ordinary people create opportunities for abuse rather than justice. Liberty is not preserved by weakening it in the hope that criminals will suddenly obey it. If the goal is public safety, then the focus should be on violent offenders, mental health, and meaningful enforcement of existing laws. These bills do none of that. They erode constitutional rights, punish compliance, and leave the real problem untouched.

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323. These do not provide safety to the community at all.

I oppose hb1524, sb27, sb38, sb173, sb272, and sb323!

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272, and SB323.

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323

I oppose!

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272, and SB323. Please represent your constituents by voting against these bills.

I oppose hb1527, sb 27,sb38, sb173, sb272,sb323.

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323 as they infringe upon my Second Amendment rights.

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323. I oppose HB1524 because it interferes with church security teams. It does not make any exception for concealed weapons or conceal carry permit holders. Also because this law does not propose anything that would stop criminals. Someone okay with committing murder isn't going to care about a misdemeanor. This law will just jam up lawful gun owners who otherwise have not committed any crime if they decide to stop by the grocery store after the range on the way home. I oppose SB38. I oppose SB173. During testimony in the Senate we heard from nurses and doctors about all the dangerous people they have to deal with and violence that can happen at the hospital. Law abiding citizens who have conceal carry permits should not be prohibited from being able to protect themselves at these places. I oppose SB272. More gun free zones is not going to solve anything. Virginia Tech and the Government building in Virginia Beach were gun free zones until deranged gunmen decided they weren't. Mass shooters specifically target these areas because they know nobody will be able to fight back. Mass shooters are only stopped when they are met with force. All this law does is stop victims of mass shootings from being able to protect themselves while incentivizing mass shooters to attack these places. I oppose SB323 because it bans possession of legally owned firearms that people have already. Also the whole "Ghost Gun" thing is way overblown. "Ghost Guns" include guns people make at home without serial numbers yes, but also it includes guns with destroyed or defaced serial numbers. Criminals have been destroying serial numbers on firearms for forever but the "Ghost Gun" paranoia is new thing and now law enforcement reports the combined total of which privately made firearms are a small fraction as they always have been. Nothing in this law is going to stop a criminal making their own gun and committing crimes with it. This is only going to harm lawful gun owners who wish to make their own guns at home.

I vehemently oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323. I am a law abiding gun owner, and these bills place extreme burdens on me and my constituents, making us into criminals overnight. I urge you to kill these unconstitutional bills.

As a law abiding citizen of the Commonwealth of Virginia, I oppose any law infringing upon my right to keep and bear arms. The laws listed above as well as previous laws already passed in the Senate/House are in direct conflict of public safety and only serves as a means to disadvantage law abiding citizens from their right to not only personnel protection but also the foundation of a citizen’s responsibility to gatekeep and deter government overreach.

I strongly oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272, and SB323.

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323

I am opposed to HB1524,SB27,SB38,SB173,SB272, and SB323. I’m sure none of you care what your constituents think, but I offer my disapproval of these unconstitutional proposals.

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323.

With respect to SB 173, I agree that weapons do not belong in hospitals. I think a class I misdemeanor is a little bit stiff. I would like to see the penalty lowered just so we're not automatically slamming someone who blunders into such a facility without thinking about their lawfully carried concealed weapon yet has no ill intent with a Class 1 misdemeanor. It's too harsh, and I think forfeiture of their weapon (already a couple hundred dollars of loss) and a fine of some sort would get the message across to people who should know better but have a momentary lapse in judgment.

Why are you discriminating against people of different races and ethnicity. ,? And for a person who is poor? Imposing the bills will make it expensive ,less affordable for someone to purchase a firearm for self defense..

Why discriminate against the constituency whom voted you into office? Vote against the bills..

Firearms were used to free slaves, And self defense..This mantra of self defense carries on ..A hundred years later..You would attempt to limit a constituents right to self defense.. Illegal discrimination ..Do the right thing Vote against the bills..

This critique is true. Will one of you legislators have the courtesy to step out of the groupthink and vote against the gun bills ..? The challenge is to have the guts to do it..Firearms are used for self defense..Freeing citizens from slavery. Sport shooting creates tax revenue and jobs.

The authors of the bills know they cannot ban guns outright..Create hardship bills so a constituent will not want to carry..Delegate, because you possibly do like firearms ..Is it your role ,to treat constituents in a discriminating way..? Against a class of citizens..? Liberals own gun too Not just conservatives..Vote against the bills.

The so called “gun safety” bills are not about reducing “gun violence” or any violence. Their purpose is to “lawfully” harm or criminalize gun owners across the commonwealth who have never been a problem. For that reason, I oppose these bills.

The second amendment is a right not a privilege that can be taken away or will be taken away. Our right or sovereign under the constitution second amendment shall not be in French. Why don’t y’all work on making punishments more harsh for the criminals that rape people moles, children murder, and so on. Instead of trying to make hard-working, taxpaying citizens criminals

Good morning, As a lifelong Virginia resident I can’t believe what bills are even being considered. My name is Chandler Cobb and I currently reside in Isle of Wight County in Smithfield, VA. I’m a Christian, a disabled Veteran, a husband, and I am against any bills that take away our God-given, govt protected, Second Amendment rights. I’ve been a concealed weapons licensee for over 20 years and have never had to fire my weapon in defense of myself or another. That is the story with 99% of Virginian concealed weapons license holders. We also prevent harm without having to fire a single round. The recent Supreme Court precedent set in Bruen and Heller, makes every anti-second amendment bill written UNCONSTITUTIONAL and will eventually be overturned by SCOTUS. Please do not support any bills that take away our rights. These bills will do absolutely nothing nothing to make VA safer and will actually make us less safe. Legal gun owners in this country and this state follow the laws, but criminals don’t care what laws you write banning firearms as they don’t follow laws. These bills only hurt us law abiding concealed weapons license holders and gun owners in VA. Furthermore, there are millions of standard capacity magazines and AR15 sporting rifles and handguns that carry standard capacity magazines. You all are making instant criminals out of not only every Virginian, but anyone driving through our great state. I ask you all to vote NO on EVERY gun bill that infringes on our rights and that’s any bill adding regulations and restrictions on the firearms millions of us own. Thank you and God bless, Chandler Cobb Soli Deo Gloria~ Sic Semper Tyranis~

I stand with the VCDL's position on the firearms related bills. I oppose all Gun Control.

If Democrats are seriously concerned with the violent overreach by the Trump administration, why do they continue to hinder and disarm the people's right to self-defense against a facist, tyrannical government? Would it not make more sense to embolden the people's ability to arm themselves to resist the current administration? Even after the horrific events in Minnesota we continue to hear the same rhetoric against "weapons of war" or "assault rifles". The continued falacy of "Why do you need an AR-15? The government has tanks and drones!" If the ongoing wars in the Middle East or Ukraine have taught us anything it's that you can make do with obsolete or primitive weaponry, but having current weaponry works multitudes better. If the Democrats really want to help the people instead of being yet another faction vying for power, they should urgently drop this platform of gun-control and focus of civil armament. I imagine millions of reluctant leftists, like myself, would gladly vote Democrat if the party would stop trying to take away this basic civil right.

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.

Citizens of all races bought there firearms in a legal manner.Now with a stroke of a pen possibly made illegal..Oppressing and infringement laws are a racist act..The legislators are infringing on rights of different ethnicities, color,culture.The majority of the authors who wrote the bills are white..Some have come from other countries where there rights were oppressed. Now in turn they are the oppressors of American citizens..Citizens are brothers and sisters..And you decide Are the legislators racist in writing these bills..? Sad to see..This will be in record for future generations to see..Let's hope they learn from history and not repeat it .

I oppose HB1527, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272, and SB323.

I would like to provide some context as to who I am because It provides important context to my opinions and statements below. I have been a Virginia resident for 28 years in Fairfax and Arlington counties, and a public servant for 23 years. I am an independent voter and believe that no party adequately represents the full spectrum of my beliefs. I believe that it is the diversity of thought and experience in the different communities in Virginia what keeps VA purple AND What keeps it strong. We are blessed to have people we disagree with as our neighbors because it keeps our minds open and agile, and reinforces empathy for our fellow citizens. Our country and our neighbors are suffering deeply right now because the political pendulum is swinging so hard that it cannot be tolerated by our neighbors, and then when it swings in the other direction it cannot be tolerated by us. Pushing this pendulum to swing harder and faster and farther is what will tear our society apart. I voted for Governor Spanberger and Representative Walkinshaw in the last election because I wanted to defend the diversity that strengthens us as a country and also protect my family members in marginalized minority groups. I hoped I wasn’t voting for another extremist, or another person who was take the pendulum and swing it as hard as they could in the other direction. I definitely didn’t vote for nor do I support the more extreme elements of the proposed firearms legislation. Tax of anywhere near $500 on suppressors is inherently discriminatory to low income individuals. The absurdly restrictive terms on the transfer or sale of grandfathered firearms leaves no options for them to liquidate their collection before their death when they would those funds for their continued care through aging and then it puts an undue burden on the estate of the firearms owner after their death. Allowing for in-state transfer and sale without further import of the restricted items seems a much more balanced and reasonable approach. Capacity of up to 20 rounds is extremely common. Those extra rounds do not markedly decrease the lethality of a pistol or a rifle. It does not change a firearm from semiautomatic to a automatic. If someone had malicious intent to use a firearm, it takes less than one second to swap a magazine. This legislation significantly impacts the large sport shooting community in Virginia. In order to be competitive in national competitions you need to train with higher capacity magazines or you will not be nearly as competitive. It also makes it impossible to obtain new firearms to stay competitive as the sport advances. Many of the characteristics that have been deamed “assault-style” are extremely common in hunting scenarios, keep the hunter safe in dangerous conditions, and protect their hearing and the peacefulness of the area in which they’re hunting. I firmly believe in the fallibility of humans and their propensity towards greed and power. The Second Amendment was given to us by our forefathers to ensure the consent of the governed. This amendment goes too far to neuter the balance of power between governing forces and the people that are governed. This legislation will also further polarize the conservative constituents of Virginia. Do not legislate against something they deeply value unless you wish for them to legislate against something that you deeply value. I do not support this legislation.

Good morning, My name is Andrew B, a GWOT veteran and federal contractor. I am deeply disappointed in the legislation proposed by delegates. The Constitution is not a suggestion; it guides our nation. The Second Amendment protects the First and serves all citizens, Democrats and Republicans alike. This should not be partisan. HB1524 is unconstitutional. You cannot arbitrarily prevent citizens from carrying firearms in public. Bruen established that restrictions require historical precedent, which this bill lacks. As written: “A well regulated Militia… the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” SB 27 creates vague liability standards for firearm manufacturers and dealers through undefined “reasonable controls,” allowing lawsuits based on subjective interpretations. Lawful businesses already comply with extensive federal and state regulations governing sales, record keeping, and background checks. This bill risks penalizing companies even when compliant. It could expose lawful businesses to costly litigation for criminal misuse by third parties, something they cannot realistically control. This may reduce lawful access to firearms and harm Virginia businesses without demonstrably improving public safety. Public safety efforts should focus on enforcing existing laws rather than creating new liability burdens on lawful commerce. SB 272 would restrict lawful citizens, including concealed handgun permit holders, from carrying firearms inside public college buildings, removing self-defense options where police response may still leave individuals vulnerable. Those intent on violence will ignore restrictions, leaving law-abiding citizens disarmed while doing little to deter crime. Virginia should improve campus security and enforcement rather than restrict lawful carry. SB 323 risks criminalizing citizens who legally manufactured or possess firearms or components previously permitted under state and federal law. The bill imposes serious penalties on responsible owners while criminals are unlikely to comply with serialization or manufacturing restrictions. Criminal misuse should be addressed by enforcing laws against violent offenders rather than creating new crimes that primarily affect law-abiding citizens and hobbyist builders. Legislation should target criminal behavior directly, not burden lawful ownership. For these reasons, I respectfully ask you to oppose SB 323. — Sic Semper Tyrannis —

Good morning, My name is Andrew B, a GWOT veteran and federal contractor. I am deeply disappointed in the legislation proposed by delegates. The Constitution is not a suggestion; it guides our nation. The Second Amendment protects the First and serves all citizens, Democrats and Republicans alike. This should not be partisan. HB1524 is unconstitutional. You cannot arbitrarily prevent citizens from carrying firearms in public. Bruen established that restrictions require historical precedent, which this bill lacks. As written: “A well regulated Militia… the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” SB 27 creates vague liability standards for firearm manufacturers and dealers through undefined “reasonable controls,” allowing lawsuits based on subjective interpretations. Lawful businesses already comply with extensive federal and state regulations governing sales, record keeping, and background checks. This bill risks penalizing companies even when compliant. It could expose lawful businesses to costly litigation for criminal misuse by third parties, something they cannot realistically control. This may reduce lawful access to firearms and harm Virginia businesses without demonstrably improving public safety. Public safety efforts should focus on enforcing existing laws rather than creating new liability burdens on lawful commerce. SB 272 would restrict lawful citizens, including concealed handgun permit holders, from carrying firearms inside public college buildings, removing self-defense options where police response may still leave individuals vulnerable. Those intent on violence will ignore restrictions, leaving law-abiding citizens disarmed while doing little to deter crime. Virginia should improve campus security and enforcement rather than restrict lawful carry. SB 323 risks criminalizing citizens who legally manufactured or possess firearms or components previously permitted under state and federal law. The bill imposes serious penalties on responsible owners while criminals are unlikely to comply with serialization or manufacturing restrictions. Criminal misuse should be addressed by enforcing laws against violent offenders rather than creating new crimes that primarily affect law-abiding citizens and hobbyist builders. Legislation should target criminal behavior directly, not burden lawful ownership. For these reasons, I respectfully ask you to oppose SB 323. — Sic Semper Tyrannis —

I oppose SB272 and SB323. Whatever my feelings are about what these bills ban, fundamentally this makes criminals out of otherwise innocent people exercising their rights.

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323.

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB272, and SB323 as they violate constitutionally protected rights, both federally and for the state of Virginia.

I opposed the following bills

HB1459: SUPPORT HB1524: OPPOSE, both the VA and US constitutions protect the right to carry any legally owned firearms. Both the VA and US constitutions protect the right to own center-fire rifles, center-fire pistols, and shotguns that accept a magazine of greater than 10 rounds SB27: OPPOSE, this unconstitutionally, unfairly, and unjustly empowers anyone to hold the firearms industry responsible for actions of others outsides of the industry's control. SB38: OPPOSE, the language prohibiting persons under 21 is unconstitutional. The language prohibiting a cohabitant is also unconstitutional. SB86: SUPPORT SB173: OPPOSE, this violates Virginians' constitutional rights. Virginians have the right to carry a firearm for their personal protection anywhere that lacks sufficient security to assume responsibility for the safety of any disarmed persons and that lacks safe storage of firearms carried to and from such location. SB272: OPPOSE, this violates Virginians' constitutional rights. Virginians have the right to carry a firearm for their personal protection anywhere that lacks sufficient security that assumes responsibility for the safety of any disarmed persons and that lacks safe storage of firearms carried to and from such location. SB323: OPPOSE, Virginians should be free to build or customize personally owned firearms without serial numbers. SB337: OPPOSE, this language seems to attempt to legislate based only the current circumstances surrounding national guard deployments in the US. This could hinder an Adjutant General from acting responsibly and prudently under possible future circumstances currently unforeseen.

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323.

These proposed bills do not address the root causes of violence. They do not stop criminals, who by definition ignore the law, and they do not deter those who already intend to do harm. Instead, they place new burdens on the very people who follow the rules. Law-abiding citizens become the target of regulation, while criminal behavior remains unchanged. This approach mistakes control for safety. It assumes that restricting the rights of responsible people will somehow restrain those who have no regard for the law in the first place. History and common sense both show otherwise. When rights are limited in the name of protection, what is actually reduced is trust between citizens and their government. These measures also expand the power of the state in ways that deserve serious concern. Broad authority, vague enforcement, and increased penalties aimed at ordinary people create opportunities for abuse rather than justice. Liberty is not preserved by weakening it in the hope that criminals will suddenly obey it. If the goal is public safety, then the focus should be on violent offenders, mental health, and meaningful enforcement of existing laws. These bills do none of that. They erode constitutional rights, punish compliance, and leave the real problem untouched.

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323. These do not provide safety to the community at all.

I oppose hb1524, sb27, sb38, sb173, sb272, and sb323!

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272, and SB323.

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323

I oppose!

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272, and SB323. Please represent your constituents by voting against these bills.

I oppose hb1527, sb 27,sb38, sb173, sb272,sb323.

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323 as they infringe upon my Second Amendment rights.

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323. I oppose HB1524 because it interferes with church security teams. It does not make any exception for concealed weapons or conceal carry permit holders. Also because this law does not propose anything that would stop criminals. Someone okay with committing murder isn't going to care about a misdemeanor. This law will just jam up lawful gun owners who otherwise have not committed any crime if they decide to stop by the grocery store after the range on the way home. I oppose SB38. I oppose SB173. During testimony in the Senate we heard from nurses and doctors about all the dangerous people they have to deal with and violence that can happen at the hospital. Law abiding citizens who have conceal carry permits should not be prohibited from being able to protect themselves at these places. I oppose SB272. More gun free zones is not going to solve anything. Virginia Tech and the Government building in Virginia Beach were gun free zones until deranged gunmen decided they weren't. Mass shooters specifically target these areas because they know nobody will be able to fight back. Mass shooters are only stopped when they are met with force. All this law does is stop victims of mass shootings from being able to protect themselves while incentivizing mass shooters to attack these places. I oppose SB323 because it bans possession of legally owned firearms that people have already. Also the whole "Ghost Gun" thing is way overblown. "Ghost Guns" include guns people make at home without serial numbers yes, but also it includes guns with destroyed or defaced serial numbers. Criminals have been destroying serial numbers on firearms for forever but the "Ghost Gun" paranoia is new thing and now law enforcement reports the combined total of which privately made firearms are a small fraction as they always have been. Nothing in this law is going to stop a criminal making their own gun and committing crimes with it. This is only going to harm lawful gun owners who wish to make their own guns at home.

I vehemently oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323. I am a law abiding gun owner, and these bills place extreme burdens on me and my constituents, making us into criminals overnight. I urge you to kill these unconstitutional bills.

As a law abiding citizen of the Commonwealth of Virginia, I oppose any law infringing upon my right to keep and bear arms. The laws listed above as well as previous laws already passed in the Senate/House are in direct conflict of public safety and only serves as a means to disadvantage law abiding citizens from their right to not only personnel protection but also the foundation of a citizen’s responsibility to gatekeep and deter government overreach.

I strongly oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272, and SB323.

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323

I am opposed to HB1524,SB27,SB38,SB173,SB272, and SB323. I’m sure none of you care what your constituents think, but I offer my disapproval of these unconstitutional proposals.

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323.

Why are you discriminating against people of different races and ethnicity. ,? And for a person who is poor? Imposing the bills will make it expensive ,less affordable for someone to purchase a firearm for self defense..

Why discriminate against the constituency whom voted you into office? Vote against the bills..

Firearms were used to free slaves, And self defense..This mantra of self defense carries on ..A hundred years later..You would attempt to limit a constituents right to self defense.. Illegal discrimination ..Do the right thing Vote against the bills..

This critique is true. Will one of you legislators have the courtesy to step out of the groupthink and vote against the gun bills ..? The challenge is to have the guts to do it..Firearms are used for self defense..Freeing citizens from slavery. Sport shooting creates tax revenue and jobs.

The authors of the bills know they cannot ban guns outright..Create hardship bills so a constituent will not want to carry..Delegate, because you possibly do like firearms ..Is it your role ,to treat constituents in a discriminating way..? Against a class of citizens..? Liberals own gun too Not just conservatives..Vote against the bills.

The so called “gun safety” bills are not about reducing “gun violence” or any violence. Their purpose is to “lawfully” harm or criminalize gun owners across the commonwealth who have never been a problem. For that reason, I oppose these bills.

I oppose all of these bills

The second amendment is a right not a privilege that can be taken away or will be taken away. Our right or sovereign under the constitution second amendment shall not be in French. Why don’t y’all work on making punishments more harsh for the criminals that rape people moles, children murder, and so on. Instead of trying to make hard-working, taxpaying citizens criminals

Good morning, As a lifelong Virginia resident I can’t believe what bills are even being considered. My name is Chandler Cobb and I currently reside in Isle of Wight County in Smithfield, VA. I’m a Christian, a disabled Veteran, a husband, and I am against any bills that take away our God-given, govt protected, Second Amendment rights. I’ve been a concealed weapons licensee for over 20 years and have never had to fire my weapon in defense of myself or another. That is the story with 99% of Virginian concealed weapons license holders. We also prevent harm without having to fire a single round. The recent Supreme Court precedent set in Bruen and Heller, makes every anti-second amendment bill written UNCONSTITUTIONAL and will eventually be overturned by SCOTUS. Please do not support any bills that take away our rights. These bills will do absolutely nothing nothing to make VA safer and will actually make us less safe. Legal gun owners in this country and this state follow the laws, but criminals don’t care what laws you write banning firearms as they don’t follow laws. These bills only hurt us law abiding concealed weapons license holders and gun owners in VA. Furthermore, there are millions of standard capacity magazines and AR15 sporting rifles and handguns that carry standard capacity magazines. You all are making instant criminals out of not only every Virginian, but anyone driving through our great state. I ask you all to vote NO on EVERY gun bill that infringes on our rights and that’s any bill adding regulations and restrictions on the firearms millions of us own. Thank you and God bless, Chandler Cobb Soli Deo Gloria~ Sic Semper Tyranis~

I stand with the VCDL's position on the firearms related bills. I oppose all Gun Control.

Citizens of all races bought there firearms in a legal manner.Now with a stroke of a pen possibly made illegal..Oppressing and infringement laws are a racist act..The legislators are infringing on rights of different ethnicities, color,culture.The majority of the authors who wrote the bills are white..Some have come from other countries where there rights were oppressed. Now in turn they are the oppressors of American citizens..Citizens are brothers and sisters..And you decide Are the legislators racist in writing these bills..? Sad to see..This will be in record for future generations to see..Let's hope they learn from history and not repeat it .

Why are you discriminating against people of different races and ethnicity. ,? And for a person who is poor? Imposing the bills will make it expensive ,less affordable for someone to purchase a firearm for self defense..

Why discriminate against the constituency whom voted you into office? Vote against the bills..

Firearms were used to free slaves, And self defense..This mantra of self defense carries on ..A hundred years later..You would attempt to limit a constituents right to self defense.. Illegal discrimination ..Do the right thing Vote against the bills..

This critique is true. Will one of you legislators have the courtesy to step out of the groupthink and vote against the gun bills ..? The challenge is to have the guts to do it..Firearms are used for self defense..Freeing citizens from slavery. Sport shooting creates tax revenue and jobs.

The authors of the bills know they cannot ban guns outright..Create hardship bills so a constituent will not want to carry..Delegate, because you possibly do like firearms ..Is it your role ,to treat constituents in a discriminating way..? Against a class of citizens..? Liberals own gun too Not just conservatives..Vote against the bills.

If Democrats are seriously concerned with the violent overreach by the Trump administration, why do they continue to hinder and disarm the people's right to self-defense against a facist, tyrannical government? Would it not make more sense to embolden the people's ability to arm themselves to resist the current administration? Even after the horrific events in Minnesota we continue to hear the same rhetoric against "weapons of war" or "assault rifles". The continued falacy of "Why do you need an AR-15? The government has tanks and drones!" If the ongoing wars in the Middle East or Ukraine have taught us anything it's that you can make do with obsolete or primitive weaponry, but having current weaponry works multitudes better. If the Democrats really want to help the people instead of being yet another faction vying for power, they should urgently drop this platform of gun-control and focus of civil armament. I imagine millions of reluctant leftists, like myself, would gladly vote Democrat if the party would stop trying to take away this basic civil right.

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.

These bills are blatantly unconstitutional.

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

I write in stark opposition to the misguided and naive attempts at gun control Virginia legislators have advanced in this term. I’m deeply concerned with Virginia Democrats’ eagerness to immediately pass these sweeping gun bans, such as (but not limited to) HB217 and SB749. These bills, as written, are deeply flawed for many reasons, ranging from the ideological to the practical. First, the practical. The way these bills define “assault weapons” is certainly unconstitutional. They would ban virtually every firearm from private ownership. This will make its way quickly to the Supreme Court, and we all know how that will end. There is precious little evidence supporting the idea that bans like these reduce crime. They are based more on banning what looks scary, rather than what is actually dangerous. It is plain to see that you are passing these laws to score points with your base. Well, I am your base, and I am here to tell you that the opposite is happening. I also want to speak to the ideological side of this. In my time as a community organizer, working with grassroots organizations to do things like defend drag story hours and organize community meals, I have met a broad spectrum of left-wing activists in the DMV community, most of them from marginalized populations. What you may not see or hear is that these people want to learn how to defend themselves. The Liberal Gun Club is overwhelmed with requests for training. Several organizations have been organizing queer-friendly range days, which are also totally overwhelmed with interest. Mainstream firearms training is often unwelcoming and unsafe for these populations, so they rely on the meager capacity of progressive people like me to learn safe and responsible gun ownership. It’s in this environment that we witnessed the cold-blooded murder of Alex Pretti, a man who wanted to protect his community and was summarily executed for exercising his constitutional rights. Interest from marginalized folks in learning to defend themselves has spiked even higher than it already was. A recent free range day offered to members of the queer community filled up signups in 3 minutes. In this time, we cannot be passing laws to deprive our most oppressed populations of the means to defend themselves. Even if you believe that law enforcement is not a threat to us - an idea many I know would firmly reject - it is well known that groups like Patriot Front and the Proud Boys count a large number of NoVa residents amongst their ranks. Beyond HB217/SB749, the other gun control bills that have been advanced (except the one that removes mandatory minimum sentences, which I wholeheartedly support) would increase the rate at which people of color would have to interact with law enforcement, which WILL lead to more incidents like Alex Pretti and Renee Good, and Philando Castile before them. What we need from our legislators in this moment is steadfast PROTECTION of our constitutional rights and of our right to defend ourselves, after four long years of constant bigoted assaults by the Youngkin regime. I urge you to stand up for marginalized communities and what we actually want, which is the protection and preservation of our civil and constitutional rights. Focus your efforts on stopping ICE in our streets, protecting free & fair elections in 2026, and dismantling right wing extremism, not on stripping us of the means to protect ourselves, in a time when we need it most.

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.

Citizens of all races bought there firearms in a legal manner.Now with a stroke of a pen possibly made illegal..Oppressing and infringement laws are a racist act..The legislators are infringing on rights of different ethnicities, color,culture.The majority of the authors who wrote the bills are white..Some have come from other countries where there rights were oppressed. Now in turn they are the oppressors of American citizens..Citizens are brothers and sisters..And you decide Are the legislators racist in writing these bills..? Sad to see..This will be in record for future generations to see..Let's hope they learn from history and not repeat it .

I oppose HB1527, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272, and SB323.

I would like to provide some context as to who I am because It provides important context to my opinions and statements below. I have been a Virginia resident for 28 years in Fairfax and Arlington counties, and a public servant for 23 years. I am an independent voter and believe that no party adequately represents the full spectrum of my beliefs. I believe that it is the diversity of thought and experience in the different communities in Virginia what keeps VA purple AND What keeps it strong. We are blessed to have people we disagree with as our neighbors because it keeps our minds open and agile, and reinforces empathy for our fellow citizens. Our country and our neighbors are suffering deeply right now because the political pendulum is swinging so hard that it cannot be tolerated by our neighbors, and then when it swings in the other direction it cannot be tolerated by us. Pushing this pendulum to swing harder and faster and farther is what will tear our society apart. I voted for Governor Spanberger and Representative Walkinshaw in the last election because I wanted to defend the diversity that strengthens us as a country and also protect my family members in marginalized minority groups. I hoped I wasn’t voting for another extremist, or another person who was take the pendulum and swing it as hard as they could in the other direction. I definitely didn’t vote for nor do I support the more extreme elements of the proposed firearms legislation. Tax of anywhere near $500 on suppressors is inherently discriminatory to low income individuals. The absurdly restrictive terms on the transfer or sale of grandfathered firearms leaves no options for them to liquidate their collection before their death when they would those funds for their continued care through aging and then it puts an undue burden on the estate of the firearms owner after their death. Allowing for in-state transfer and sale without further import of the restricted items seems a much more balanced and reasonable approach. Capacity of up to 20 rounds is extremely common. Those extra rounds do not markedly decrease the lethality of a pistol or a rifle. It does not change a firearm from semiautomatic to a automatic. If someone had malicious intent to use a firearm, it takes less than one second to swap a magazine. This legislation significantly impacts the large sport shooting community in Virginia. In order to be competitive in national competitions you need to train with higher capacity magazines or you will not be nearly as competitive. It also makes it impossible to obtain new firearms to stay competitive as the sport advances. Many of the characteristics that have been deamed “assault-style” are extremely common in hunting scenarios, keep the hunter safe in dangerous conditions, and protect their hearing and the peacefulness of the area in which they’re hunting. I firmly believe in the fallibility of humans and their propensity towards greed and power. The Second Amendment was given to us by our forefathers to ensure the consent of the governed. This amendment goes too far to neuter the balance of power between governing forces and the people that are governed. This legislation will also further polarize the conservative constituents of Virginia. Do not legislate against something they deeply value unless you wish for them to legislate against something that you deeply value. I do not support this legislation.

Good morning, My name is Andrew B, a GWOT veteran and federal contractor. I am deeply disappointed in the legislation proposed by delegates. The Constitution is not a suggestion; it guides our nation. The Second Amendment protects the First and serves all citizens, Democrats and Republicans alike. This should not be partisan. HB1524 is unconstitutional. You cannot arbitrarily prevent citizens from carrying firearms in public. Bruen established that restrictions require historical precedent, which this bill lacks. As written: “A well regulated Militia… the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” SB 27 creates vague liability standards for firearm manufacturers and dealers through undefined “reasonable controls,” allowing lawsuits based on subjective interpretations. Lawful businesses already comply with extensive federal and state regulations governing sales, record keeping, and background checks. This bill risks penalizing companies even when compliant. It could expose lawful businesses to costly litigation for criminal misuse by third parties, something they cannot realistically control. This may reduce lawful access to firearms and harm Virginia businesses without demonstrably improving public safety. Public safety efforts should focus on enforcing existing laws rather than creating new liability burdens on lawful commerce. SB 272 would restrict lawful citizens, including concealed handgun permit holders, from carrying firearms inside public college buildings, removing self-defense options where police response may still leave individuals vulnerable. Those intent on violence will ignore restrictions, leaving law-abiding citizens disarmed while doing little to deter crime. Virginia should improve campus security and enforcement rather than restrict lawful carry. SB 323 risks criminalizing citizens who legally manufactured or possess firearms or components previously permitted under state and federal law. The bill imposes serious penalties on responsible owners while criminals are unlikely to comply with serialization or manufacturing restrictions. Criminal misuse should be addressed by enforcing laws against violent offenders rather than creating new crimes that primarily affect law-abiding citizens and hobbyist builders. Legislation should target criminal behavior directly, not burden lawful ownership. For these reasons, I respectfully ask you to oppose SB 323. — Sic Semper Tyrannis —

Good morning, My name is Andrew B, a GWOT veteran and federal contractor. I am deeply disappointed in the legislation proposed by delegates. The Constitution is not a suggestion; it guides our nation. The Second Amendment protects the First and serves all citizens, Democrats and Republicans alike. This should not be partisan. HB1524 is unconstitutional. You cannot arbitrarily prevent citizens from carrying firearms in public. Bruen established that restrictions require historical precedent, which this bill lacks. As written: “A well regulated Militia… the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” SB 27 creates vague liability standards for firearm manufacturers and dealers through undefined “reasonable controls,” allowing lawsuits based on subjective interpretations. Lawful businesses already comply with extensive federal and state regulations governing sales, record keeping, and background checks. This bill risks penalizing companies even when compliant. It could expose lawful businesses to costly litigation for criminal misuse by third parties, something they cannot realistically control. This may reduce lawful access to firearms and harm Virginia businesses without demonstrably improving public safety. Public safety efforts should focus on enforcing existing laws rather than creating new liability burdens on lawful commerce. SB 272 would restrict lawful citizens, including concealed handgun permit holders, from carrying firearms inside public college buildings, removing self-defense options where police response may still leave individuals vulnerable. Those intent on violence will ignore restrictions, leaving law-abiding citizens disarmed while doing little to deter crime. Virginia should improve campus security and enforcement rather than restrict lawful carry. SB 323 risks criminalizing citizens who legally manufactured or possess firearms or components previously permitted under state and federal law. The bill imposes serious penalties on responsible owners while criminals are unlikely to comply with serialization or manufacturing restrictions. Criminal misuse should be addressed by enforcing laws against violent offenders rather than creating new crimes that primarily affect law-abiding citizens and hobbyist builders. Legislation should target criminal behavior directly, not burden lawful ownership. For these reasons, I respectfully ask you to oppose SB 323. — Sic Semper Tyrannis —

I oppose SB272 and SB323. Whatever my feelings are about what these bills ban, fundamentally this makes criminals out of otherwise innocent people exercising their rights.

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323.

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB272, and SB323 as they violate constitutionally protected rights, both federally and for the state of Virginia.

I opposed the following bills

HB1459: SUPPORT HB1524: OPPOSE, both the VA and US constitutions protect the right to carry any legally owned firearms. Both the VA and US constitutions protect the right to own center-fire rifles, center-fire pistols, and shotguns that accept a magazine of greater than 10 rounds SB27: OPPOSE, this unconstitutionally, unfairly, and unjustly empowers anyone to hold the firearms industry responsible for actions of others outsides of the industry's control. SB38: OPPOSE, the language prohibiting persons under 21 is unconstitutional. The language prohibiting a cohabitant is also unconstitutional. SB86: SUPPORT SB173: OPPOSE, this violates Virginians' constitutional rights. Virginians have the right to carry a firearm for their personal protection anywhere that lacks sufficient security to assume responsibility for the safety of any disarmed persons and that lacks safe storage of firearms carried to and from such location. SB272: OPPOSE, this violates Virginians' constitutional rights. Virginians have the right to carry a firearm for their personal protection anywhere that lacks sufficient security that assumes responsibility for the safety of any disarmed persons and that lacks safe storage of firearms carried to and from such location. SB323: OPPOSE, Virginians should be free to build or customize personally owned firearms without serial numbers. SB337: OPPOSE, this language seems to attempt to legislate based only the current circumstances surrounding national guard deployments in the US. This could hinder an Adjutant General from acting responsibly and prudently under possible future circumstances currently unforeseen.

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323.

These proposed bills do not address the root causes of violence. They do not stop criminals, who by definition ignore the law, and they do not deter those who already intend to do harm. Instead, they place new burdens on the very people who follow the rules. Law-abiding citizens become the target of regulation, while criminal behavior remains unchanged. This approach mistakes control for safety. It assumes that restricting the rights of responsible people will somehow restrain those who have no regard for the law in the first place. History and common sense both show otherwise. When rights are limited in the name of protection, what is actually reduced is trust between citizens and their government. These measures also expand the power of the state in ways that deserve serious concern. Broad authority, vague enforcement, and increased penalties aimed at ordinary people create opportunities for abuse rather than justice. Liberty is not preserved by weakening it in the hope that criminals will suddenly obey it. If the goal is public safety, then the focus should be on violent offenders, mental health, and meaningful enforcement of existing laws. These bills do none of that. They erode constitutional rights, punish compliance, and leave the real problem untouched.

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323. These do not provide safety to the community at all.

I oppose hb1524, sb27, sb38, sb173, sb272, and sb323!

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272, and SB323.

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323

I oppose!

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272, and SB323. Please represent your constituents by voting against these bills.

I oppose hb1527, sb 27,sb38, sb173, sb272,sb323.

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323 as they infringe upon my Second Amendment rights.

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323. I oppose HB1524 because it interferes with church security teams. It does not make any exception for concealed weapons or conceal carry permit holders. Also because this law does not propose anything that would stop criminals. Someone okay with committing murder isn't going to care about a misdemeanor. This law will just jam up lawful gun owners who otherwise have not committed any crime if they decide to stop by the grocery store after the range on the way home. I oppose SB38. I oppose SB173. During testimony in the Senate we heard from nurses and doctors about all the dangerous people they have to deal with and violence that can happen at the hospital. Law abiding citizens who have conceal carry permits should not be prohibited from being able to protect themselves at these places. I oppose SB272. More gun free zones is not going to solve anything. Virginia Tech and the Government building in Virginia Beach were gun free zones until deranged gunmen decided they weren't. Mass shooters specifically target these areas because they know nobody will be able to fight back. Mass shooters are only stopped when they are met with force. All this law does is stop victims of mass shootings from being able to protect themselves while incentivizing mass shooters to attack these places. I oppose SB323 because it bans possession of legally owned firearms that people have already. Also the whole "Ghost Gun" thing is way overblown. "Ghost Guns" include guns people make at home without serial numbers yes, but also it includes guns with destroyed or defaced serial numbers. Criminals have been destroying serial numbers on firearms for forever but the "Ghost Gun" paranoia is new thing and now law enforcement reports the combined total of which privately made firearms are a small fraction as they always have been. Nothing in this law is going to stop a criminal making their own gun and committing crimes with it. This is only going to harm lawful gun owners who wish to make their own guns at home.

I vehemently oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323. I am a law abiding gun owner, and these bills place extreme burdens on me and my constituents, making us into criminals overnight. I urge you to kill these unconstitutional bills.

As a law abiding citizen of the Commonwealth of Virginia, I oppose any law infringing upon my right to keep and bear arms. The laws listed above as well as previous laws already passed in the Senate/House are in direct conflict of public safety and only serves as a means to disadvantage law abiding citizens from their right to not only personnel protection but also the foundation of a citizen’s responsibility to gatekeep and deter government overreach.

I strongly oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272, and SB323.

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323

I am opposed to HB1524,SB27,SB38,SB173,SB272, and SB323. I’m sure none of you care what your constituents think, but I offer my disapproval of these unconstitutional proposals.

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323

I oppose HB1524, SB27, SB38, SB173, SB272 and SB323.

With respect to SB 323, it has been lawful in these United States since before the states themselves were even establish for a citizen to make for themself a firearm of the type they desire. If it lawful for a person to possess a firearm, then by all rights it MUSL ALSO be lawful for them to create with their own hands their own firearm to their own specifications. I strongly oppose this unconstitutional attack on our rights as American Citizens.

Why are you discriminating against people of different races and ethnicity. ,? And for a person who is poor? Imposing the bills will make it expensive ,less affordable for someone to purchase a firearm for self defense..

Why discriminate against the constituency whom voted you into office? Vote against the bills..

Firearms were used to free slaves, And self defense..This mantra of self defense carries on ..A hundred years later..You would attempt to limit a constituents right to self defense.. Illegal discrimination ..Do the right thing Vote against the bills..

This critique is true. Will one of you legislators have the courtesy to step out of the groupthink and vote against the gun bills ..? The challenge is to have the guts to do it..Firearms are used for self defense..Freeing citizens from slavery. Sport shooting creates tax revenue and jobs.

The authors of the bills know they cannot ban guns outright..Create hardship bills so a constituent will not want to carry..Delegate, because you possibly do like firearms ..Is it your role ,to treat constituents in a discriminating way..? Against a class of citizens..? Liberals own gun too Not just conservatives..Vote against the bills.

The so called “gun safety” bills are not about reducing “gun violence” or any violence. Their purpose is to “lawfully” harm or criminalize gun owners across the commonwealth who have never been a problem. For that reason, I oppose these bills.

I oppose all of these bills

The second amendment is a right not a privilege that can be taken away or will be taken away. Our right or sovereign under the constitution second amendment shall not be in French. Why don’t y’all work on making punishments more harsh for the criminals that rape people moles, children murder, and so on. Instead of trying to make hard-working, taxpaying citizens criminals

Good morning, As a lifelong Virginia resident I can’t believe what bills are even being considered. My name is Chandler Cobb and I currently reside in Isle of Wight County in Smithfield, VA. I’m a Christian, a disabled Veteran, a husband, and I am against any bills that take away our God-given, govt protected, Second Amendment rights. I’ve been a concealed weapons licensee for over 20 years and have never had to fire my weapon in defense of myself or another. That is the story with 99% of Virginian concealed weapons license holders. We also prevent harm without having to fire a single round. The recent Supreme Court precedent set in Bruen and Heller, makes every anti-second amendment bill written UNCONSTITUTIONAL and will eventually be overturned by SCOTUS. Please do not support any bills that take away our rights. These bills will do absolutely nothing nothing to make VA safer and will actually make us less safe. Legal gun owners in this country and this state follow the laws, but criminals don’t care what laws you write banning firearms as they don’t follow laws. These bills only hurt us law abiding concealed weapons license holders and gun owners in VA. Furthermore, there are millions of standard capacity magazines and AR15 sporting rifles and handguns that carry standard capacity magazines. You all are making instant criminals out of not only every Virginian, but anyone driving through our great state. I ask you all to vote NO on EVERY gun bill that infringes on our rights and that’s any bill adding regulations and restrictions on the firearms millions of us own. Thank you and God bless, Chandler Cobb Soli Deo Gloria~ Sic Semper Tyranis~

I stand with the VCDL's position on the firearms related bills. I oppose all Gun Control.

Citizens of all races bought there firearms in a legal manner.Now with a stroke of a pen possibly made illegal..Oppressing and infringement laws are a racist act..The legislators are infringing on rights of different ethnicities, color,culture.The majority of the authors who wrote the bills are white..Some have come from other countries where there rights were oppressed. Now in turn they are the oppressors of American citizens..Citizens are brothers and sisters..And you decide Are the legislators racist in writing these bills..? Sad to see..This will be in record for future generations to see..Let's hope they learn from history and not repeat it .

HB1459: SUPPORT HB1524: OPPOSE, both the VA and US constitutions protect the right to carry any legally owned firearms. Both the VA and US constitutions protect the right to own center-fire rifles, center-fire pistols, and shotguns that accept a magazine of greater than 10 rounds SB27: OPPOSE, this unconstitutionally, unfairly, and unjustly empowers anyone to hold the firearms industry responsible for actions of others outsides of the industry's control. SB38: OPPOSE, the language prohibiting persons under 21 is unconstitutional. The language prohibiting a cohabitant is also unconstitutional. SB86: SUPPORT SB173: OPPOSE, this violates Virginians' constitutional rights. Virginians have the right to carry a firearm for their personal protection anywhere that lacks sufficient security to assume responsibility for the safety of any disarmed persons and that lacks safe storage of firearms carried to and from such location. SB272: OPPOSE, this violates Virginians' constitutional rights. Virginians have the right to carry a firearm for their personal protection anywhere that lacks sufficient security that assumes responsibility for the safety of any disarmed persons and that lacks safe storage of firearms carried to and from such location. SB323: OPPOSE, Virginians should be free to build or customize personally owned firearms without serial numbers. SB337: OPPOSE, this language seems to attempt to legislate based only the current circumstances surrounding national guard deployments in the US. This could hinder an Adjutant General from acting responsibly and prudently under possible future circumstances currently unforeseen.

Why are you discriminating against people of different races and ethnicity. ,? And for a person who is poor? Imposing the bills will make it expensive ,less affordable for someone to purchase a firearm for self defense..

Why discriminate against the constituency whom voted you into office? Vote against the bills..

Firearms were used to free slaves, And self defense..This mantra of self defense carries on ..A hundred years later..You would attempt to limit a constituents right to self defense.. Illegal discrimination ..Do the right thing Vote against the bills..

This critique is true. Will one of you legislators have the courtesy to step out of the groupthink and vote against the gun bills ..? The challenge is to have the guts to do it..Firearms are used for self defense..Freeing citizens from slavery. Sport shooting creates tax revenue and jobs.

The authors of the bills know they cannot ban guns outright..Create hardship bills so a constituent will not want to carry..Delegate, because you possibly do like firearms ..Is it your role ,to treat constituents in a discriminating way..? Against a class of citizens..? Liberals own gun too Not just conservatives..Vote against the bills.