Virginia House Bill HB1174

Virginia 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/24
• Refer: 1/10/24
• Report Pass: 1/26/24
• Refer: 1/26/24
• Report Pass: 2/2/24
• Engrossed: 2/7/24
• Refer: 2/9/24
• Report Pass: 2/19/24
• Report Pass: 2/28/24
• Engrossed: 3/1/24
• Engrossed: 3/7/24
• Engrossed: 3/8/24
• Enrolled: 3/25/24
• Vetoed: 3/27/24

Caption

Assault firearms; age requirement for purchase, penalty.

Impact

The passage of HB1174 is expected to influence state laws significantly by tightening the regulation of assault firearms within Virginia. It not only sets a clear legal age for purchasers but also requires proof of identity and residency along with a criminal background check for all transactions involving assault firearms. These provisions aim to reduce the potential for firearms to fall into the hands of individuals deemed dangerous to society, thereby striving to curb gun violence associated with high-capacity weapons.

Summary

House Bill 1174 introduces an age restriction on the purchase of assault firearms, establishing that individuals must be 21 years of age or older in order to legally buy such firearms. This bill aims to enhance public safety through stringent regulations on the sale and transfer of firearms, particularly those classified as assault weapons. It mandates that dealers must perform a criminal history check before transferring ownership of firearms to ensure that buyers do not have disqualifying criminal records. The legislation offers guidelines for documentation and verification processes, which the Department of State Police is responsible for enforcing.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB1174 appears divided among stakeholders. Proponents, including many public safety advocates, argue that increasing the age limit for purchasing assault firearms is a necessary step towards reducing gun-related incidents and enhancing community safety. Conversely, some opponents view this legislation as an infringement on personal freedoms and believe it could unduly burden law-abiding gun owners by implementing additional requirements for firearm purchases. The discussion surrounding this bill reflects broader national debates about gun control and individual rights.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB1174 include concerns raised by gun rights advocates who argue that age restrictions and mandated checks could impede the rights of responsible firearm owners. There are fears that such regulations may disproportionately affect law-abiding citizens without addressing the root causes of gun violence. Additionally, the implications of an increased penalization for violations regarding the terms of firearm sales have also sparked debate, as any dealer failing to comply may face felony charges. This has raised alarms about the balance between regulation and constitutional rights within the broader context of Second Amendment protections.