Virginia House Bill HB1579

Virginia 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/6/23
• Refer: 1/6/23

Caption

Firearms; purchase/transportation by persons convicted of operating boat/vehicle while intoxicated.

Impact

The bill's policy implications are significant, as it establishes stricter regulations against firearm access for individuals with a history of substance abuse or vehicular offenses. This change is poised to influence the state's gun control framework, reinforcing eligibility criteria in an effort to prevent dangerous individuals from obtaining firearms. The proposed modification includes provisions that allow for the removal of ineligibility after a five-year period of no further offenses, thereby introducing a mechanism for the potential restoration of rights, which reflects a balance between accountability and rehabilitation.

Summary

House Bill 1579 addresses the issue of firearm purchase and transportation for individuals with certain criminal convictions related to drug offenses and operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Specifically, it proposes amendments to §18.2-308.1:5 of the Code of Virginia, outlining limitations for persons convicted of misdemeanor offenses in relation to the ownership and transport of handguns. If enacted, the bill mandates that individuals who have two such convictions within designated time frames be barred from purchasing or transporting firearms, thus aiming to enhance public safety measures concerning firearm access among potentially high-risk individuals.

Contention

Debate surrounding HB 1579 is expected to focus on the balance between public safety and second amendment rights. Supporters argue that the legislation is necessary for reducing gun violence and protecting communities from individuals with a documented propensity toward intoxicated behavior. However, opponents may raise concerns related to overreach, particularly emphasizing that such restrictions could disproportionately affect certain populations. Furthermore, the bill's financial implications, including potential increases in incarceration rates, may generate further discussion regarding its overall economic impact on the state.

Additional_info

The voting history indicates a close division among legislators, with the subcommittee recommending the bill be laid on the table with a vote of 6 to 4, suggesting that there may not be unanimous support and highlighting ongoing legislative debates on gun control issues in Virginia.