Virginia House Bill HB14

Virginia 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/20/21
• Refer: 12/20/21

Caption

Handguns; limitation on purchases.

Impact

The implications of HB 14 are significant as it modifies existing firearm laws in Virginia. The bill enforces a limitation that no person may purchase more than one handgun within a 30-day period unless they meet certain stipulations, including enhanced background checks. Additionally, it mandates that dealers require additional documentation to confirm residency and identification before completing a sale, thus tightening the controls on firearms distribution and aiming to prevent gun violence through stricter purchasing protocols.

Summary

House Bill 14, concerning the limitation on handgun purchases in Virginia, seeks to enhance regulation surrounding firearm sales by requiring individuals to undergo a criminal history record information check prior to the purchase of handguns. The bill intends to ensure that any individual looking to buy a firearm from a dealer consents to a criminal background check, providing necessary personal information on a form supplied by the Department of State Police. This is aimed at increasing safety and accountability in firearm transactions by restricting access to firearms for individuals deemed ineligible based on criminal history or mental health status.

Contention

Discussion around HB 14 has raised notable points of contention. Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary step to prevent firearms from falling into the hands of individuals who pose a risk to public safety, emphasizing the importance of rigorous checks and balances in the bidding process. Conversely, opponents raise concerns about the impacts of such limitations on law-abiding citizens and argue that these measures may infringe on the Second Amendment rights. Additionally, critics worry about the potential burdens imposed on honest, legal purchasers and the efficacy of such regulations in truly preventing gun violence.