Bill > SB643

This bill, titled "Firearm; certain purchase requirements, penalties, delayed effective date, report," proposes significant changes to firearm regulations by requiring individuals selling firearms to verify that prospective purchasers are not legally prohibited from owning them, either through a Department of State Police (DSP) criminal history record check or a valid firearm purchaser license. For firearms dealers, the bill mandates that they cannot sell, rent, trade, or transfer any firearm from their inventory to a person unless that person presents a valid DSP-issued firearm purchaser license. The bill outlines the application process for this license, prohibiting its issuance to individuals under 21 years old, those already prohibited from possessing firearms, those convicted of violent or firearm-related offenses within the past two years, or those who haven't completed a certified firearms safety or training course within the same timeframe. This license would be valid for five years, and the bill details grounds for its revocation, with penalties for failing to return a revoked license and for providing false information on the application, which would be considered perjury. The DSP will maintain a computerized database of licensed individuals, accessible to law enforcement but kept private from the public, and may share certain data with research institutions. The bill also amends existing law to clarify that it is unlawful for individuals younger than 18 to possess or transport handguns or "assault firearms" (defined as certain semi-automatic rifles or handguns with high-capacity magazines or folding stocks, and shotguns with high-capacity magazines), and for individuals younger than 21 to purchase these types of firearms, with violations classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor. Certain exceptions to these possession rules remain, including for minors in their homes or on the property of a consenting parent or guardian, when accompanied by an adult at a shooting range or training class, during lawful hunting activities with an adult, or for law enforcement and military personnel. The bill includes a delayed effective date and notes that its provisions may lead to increased periods of imprisonment or commitment, with associated fiscal impact estimations.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB643